Aubrey Davis and Sheldon Cohen have created magic with a captivating and whimsical folktale, one that teaches readers to ‘be careful what you wish for!’ Highly Recommended.”

CM Magazine - October 14, 2011

Aubrey Davis, illustrated by Sheldon Cohen. Victoria: Orca Books, Oct. 2011.

Koppel plunked the meat grinder down on the table.
“Tell her what you told me,” he said.
Yetta rolled her eyes. “Oy vey, he’s talking to a meat grinder.”
“Tell her!” shouted Koppel.
The meat grinder was silent. “Does it know any chicken jokes?” Yetta giggled. “It sings ‘My Yiddishe Mama’ maybe?”

What will Koppel and Yetta do with their three wishes? In this fresh take on a classic tale, a magic meat grinder helps a poor Jewish couple learn a little gratitude after the three wishes it grants them go awry. A cautionary story that questions today’s consumerism and excessiveness, Kishka for Koppel, like the best folktales, can help children and adults alike to look both beyond and within. See The Three Wishes, for the earlier film version.

“A heartwarming tale of magic and unbelievable events in the lives of a poor husband and wife, Koppel and Yetta…Aubrey Davis has written a clever, playful story for young children loaded with wondrous surprises, happiness, a bit of heartbreak, a lot of kishka and a great deal of special meaning. Sheldon Cohen’s illustrations are full-bodied, richly coloured and add extra nuance to Davis’ words. Young readers will be delighted with the story.”

The Canadian Jewish News - December 5, 2011

“A fresh take on [an] old tale…Cohen’s folksy acrylic art features oversize eyes and exaggerated facial expressions well suited to Davis’ borscht belt–style comedic retelling…Should be popular with storytellers and listeners alike.”

Booklist - December 1, 2011

“The tale is told in rapid-fire dialogue appropriately reminiscent of borscht-belt humor…Cohen’s acrylic paintings facing the text add to the humor…A fresh look at an old favorite.”

Kirkus Reviews - August 31, 2011

“….another great example of Aubrey Davis’s ability to give an old tale an ethnic twist. It is an appealing addition for all collections and an irresistible read aloud for story time.”

Canadian Children’s Book News - April 1, 2012

“The author’s sense of humor gleams throughout….The lovely acrylic illustrations by Sheldon Cohen are folksy, whimsical, and filled with bright colors. They perfectly complement the light tone of the story.”

Jewish Book World [Starred review] - June 1, 2012