Zlateh the Goat and Other Stories

Written by Isaac Bashevis Singer
Illustrated by Maurice Sendak

Grade:

3-5

ISBN-13:

978-0060284770

Publisher:

HarperCollins (2001)

In the titular tale of this collection, the town furrier and his family find themselves in hard times during a rare mild winter. In order to make ends meet, the eldest son, Aaron is given the responsibility of bringing the goat to town and selling it to the butcher. However, during their journey together, the weather turns and Aaron and Zlateh, the goat, find themselves trapped and lost in a blizzard. While the once trusting goat cries to Aaron for help, Aaron seeks help from a higher power and soon finds shelter from the storm. Their friendship sustains them as they are trapped by the storm, and their mutual care for one another creates a lasting and unbreakable bond. This Yiddish tale speaks to perseverance in the face of hardship, patience, and gratitude. Other stories in this collection introduce a variety of characters, both wise and foolish, who often find themselves in the middle of peril or misadventure. Singer’s stories and characters are vibrant, humorous, and often poignant, but more importantly communicate the strength of virtue against folly and evil.