Fall 2025

Kai and the Golem

  • Interest Level: Preschool - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

Rain in the morning makes Kai say, “That’s not what I want!” After school, he wants to read stories with Bubbe, but she isn’t there. “That’s not what I want!” says Kai. Maybe, he thinks, there’s a creature that makes bad things happen. Could it be a Golem, big and scary? But maybe things aren’t so bad if you look at them in a different way…

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979-8-7656-1990-2
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Interest Level Preschool - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Category SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2025
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Kar-Ben Publishing ®
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2025-11-04
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV033020, JUV039050, JUV013100
Dewey [E]
Dimensions 9.25 x 11
Features Author/Illustrator note and Reviewed

Author: Carol Matas

Carol Matas is an internationally acclaimed award-winning author of fifty books for children and young adults. Her bestselling work has been translated into more than a dozen languages including Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean and Danish. Carol’s books have been recognized with more than 100 awards and honors. Carol lives in Winnipeg, Canada, with her husband and a standard poodle called Ava.

Illustrator: Elisa Vavouri

Elisa Vavouri was born in Athens. After studying graphic design and art she started illustrating books for children. She has since illustrated more than 80 books for Greek and international publishers. In 2005 and 2010 she was in the shortlist for the Greek State Award for Children’s Book Illustration. She lives in Germany.

Reviews

Association of Jewish Libraries

“Encourages discussions about emotions, resilience, and how imagination can help reframe difficult experiences.” —Association of Jewish Libraries

Jewish Book Council

“Children will recognize themselves in Kai. Their emotions may be overwhelming, but circumstances can be improved by helping others and by looking at events in a more positive light. The sweet color illustrations, including that of the furry, orange golem, enhance the story and the characters.”—Jewish Book Council