Gershon's Monster: A Story for the Jewish New Year
What’s inside...
Gershon was not always the best person he could be, often making common mistakes like broken promises and small lies without any remorse or apologies. He believed he could simply cast these mistakes away every Rosh Hashanah by putting them in a sack and throwing it into the sea. However, his careless attitude would eventually catch up to him, raising the question if he still had a chance to change. Eric A. Kimmel and Jon J Muth beautifully depict this traditional Hasidic legend, highlighting the theme of renewal and hope for the new year. The book is a Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Gershon learned by the end of the story?
How do you feel about the way Gershon treated his mistakes?
What would you do if you were in Gershon's place when he met his monster?
Why do you think it's important to apologize if we've done something wrong?
How can we make sure to learn from our mistakes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the illustrations in the book to help children visualize the scenes and emotions of the characters.
Encourage children to think about their own actions and feelings by relating personal experiences similar to Gershon’s.
Discuss the concept of responsibility and the importance of facing consequences as highlighted in the story.
Create a warm and patient atmosphere that invites children to open up about their thoughts without fear of judgement.
Reinforce the positive messages in the book, such as forgiveness and personal growth through meaningful examples.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Taking Responsibility for Actions
Explanation: Gershon's Monster features the protagonist, Gershon, who learns to take responsibility for his actions rather than sweeping his mistakes into the sea.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by acknowledging their mistakes and learning from them, rather than ignoring or hiding them.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Forgiveness
Explanation: In the story, Gershon seeks forgiveness for his actions during Rosh Hashanah, which teaches the importance of seeking and granting forgiveness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of forgiving others, and how seeking forgiveness can restore relationships and peace.
Example Lesson: Reflection and Self-Improvement
Explanation: The book illustrates Gershon's journey of self-reflection and his efforts to change his ways, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on one’s behavior and striving for self-improvement.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of self-reflection and striving to be better individuals in their daily interactions and personal growth.