Shlemazel and the Remarkable Spoon of Pohost

Lazy Shlemazel is convinced he has no luck. But Moshke the tinker promises him that his luck will change if he sets to work using the “amazing, remarkable spoon of Pohost.” Shlemazel gets busy—tilling the poretz’s field, helping the miller, and baking cakes with pretty Chaya Massel. Although “luck” remains elusive, what Shlemazel does find is even better.

Lively Chagall-like illustrations capture the spirit of this traditional Jewish tale, a funny and thought-provoking look at how we make our own luck. Author’s note, glossary.

Ann Redisch Stampler based her two books for Clarion on stories from her grandmother, who was born in Belarus and moved to the United States as a young girl. Ms. Stampler lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband and children.