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Wise Men of Helm: And Their Merry Tales
These classic, rollicking tales of Chelm are guaranteed to delight children of all ages.
One of the original collections of Chelm stories, these Jewish folk tales about the people of Chelm was originally translated from the “original town records of Helm” many years ago, and that name has stuck—proving that the people of Chelm are not fools, but foolish things happen to them.
Read along as the people of Helm are faced with foolish challenges and watch how they come together as a community to merrily overcome them.
The townsfolk's well-meaning but often comical actions lead to unexpected and entertaining outcomes. lllustrated with whimsical drawings, these humorous stories are great fun for children who love classic fool and trickster tales
The New York Times called this “a delightful little book . . . a classic of its kind . . . full of merriment and wisdom.”
One of the original collections of Chelm stories, these Jewish folk tales about the people of Chelm was originally translated from the “original town records of Helm” many years ago, and that name has stuck—proving that the people of Chelm are not fools, but foolish things happen to them.
Read along as the people of Helm are faced with foolish challenges and watch how they come together as a community to merrily overcome them.
The townsfolk's well-meaning but often comical actions lead to unexpected and entertaining outcomes. lllustrated with whimsical drawings, these humorous stories are great fun for children who love classic fool and trickster tales
The New York Times called this “a delightful little book . . . a classic of its kind . . . full of merriment and wisdom.”
135 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1942
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 31, 2020
I’d heard of Chelm before, but this was the first time I’ve gotten to actually read some of the stories. It’s a fun little collection, and I like how each story connects to it’s neighbors, even while being a separate tale.
December 22, 2024
Absolutely adore these stories, they were a part of my growing up and I reread them again this year. Timeless humour in my opinion! You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy them :)
July 15, 2026
The original galaxy brains
August 30, 2012
These ridiculously elliptical tales are told in a way that would appeal to any young reader (Jewish or otherwise). Not only are the individual stories funny, but collectively there is a point: After the Chelmites succeed in burning down their own town, and manage to lose everything, there is no sorrow.
Near the end, Simon writes: "Like our forefathers of old, let us go forth with courage in our hearts to fulfill our destiny! ... And that is what the [C]helmites did. Not with sorrow and not with tears, but proudly, they went forth from [C]helm ... They mingled with all the peoples of the world and dutifully spread the wisdom that was once the pride of [C]helm alone."
Near the end, Simon writes: "Like our forefathers of old, let us go forth with courage in our hearts to fulfill our destiny! ... And that is what the [C]helmites did. Not with sorrow and not with tears, but proudly, they went forth from [C]helm ... They mingled with all the peoples of the world and dutifully spread the wisdom that was once the pride of [C]helm alone."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2011
I prefer Isaac Bashevis Singer's Zlateh the Goat. This one just didn't have the charm of Zlateh the Goat. Not all the stories in that book are about Chelmites but several are. This title by Simon is a perfectly decent introduction to a popular category of Jewish folktales. I'd love to see what Eric Kimmel could do with the Chelm stories and am surprised he hasn't tried any of those yet.
December 30, 2016
Enjoyed reading aloud to my mom. Little slow, but nostalgic for my grandma.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews