"A Most Gentle Golem for a New Generation"– a review in Judith Magazine

Many thanks to Erica Lyons for her wonderful review of Kai and the Golem in Judith Magazine:

"Kai and the Golem, by Carol Matas, is a golem tale like you’ve never heard before. Matas weaves Jewish folklore, tradition, and adventure into a story that captivates young readers. Elisa Vavouri’s lively illustrations perfectly pair with this sweet multi-generational story.

Rich in imagination and grounded in Jewish tradition, Kai and the Golem teaches young readers the Jewish mitzvah of visiting the sick. The narrative also suggests ways to manage disappointment and strong emotions.

Kai is a thoroughly relatable protagonist whose hopes and frustrations will resonate with children. By the final page, readers are sure to be eager for Kai's next adventure with his extraordinary golem companion." ... click here for the the full article, including book illustrations and author bio

Launch of Kai and the Golem!

On December 2, I launched Kai and the Golem at the Gray Academy of Jewish Education, sponsored by the Kaufman Silverberg Library. Librarian Morah Ana, (who is a star!) arranged the entire event and will be following up with the children afterwards. We had a packed house of students from grades 1 to 3. They seemed to have a lot of fun. There were lots of questions and many hands up at all times! 

AJL gives Kai and the Golem a great review!

Thank you to Mimi Leyton for her wonderful review of Kai and the Golem in the Fall 2025 issue of AJL News and Reviews from the Association  of Jewish Libraries: 

 "...offering a tender and hopeful conclusion...The minimal text per page makes the book highly accessible for early readers and well-suited to shared reading. It encourages discussions about emotions, resilience, and how imagination can help reframe difficult experiences."