25th Anniversary Edition – 2007
Author: Linda Heller
Illustrator: Boris Kulikov
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers 2007 (Text copyright: 1982)
Age Level: 4 and up
Themes: immigrant experience, grandparents, tall tales, imagination
Opening: One day while Julie was visiting her grandparents, her grandfather said, “Did I ever tell you about my good friend Moishe?”
Summary: (from Amazon) A flying goat, buttons the size of sleds, and a castle on Hester Street are some of the widely imaginative stories Julie’s grandpa tells her about his journey from Russia to New York many years ago. But Grandma’s no-nonsense memories are far different from Grandpa’s tall tales. This classic story, which reveals the immigrant experience with wit and warmth, won the Sydney Taylor Book Award when it was originally published with Linda Heller’s own illustrations. Now, on its twenty-fifth anniversary, The Castle on Hester Street is given new life with Boris Kulikov’s vibrant paintings.
Why I like this book: The summary says all, but this gem is delightful and VERY funny, despite being a wonderful way to bring the immigrant experience closer to children.
Resources/Activities: Great book to instigate and answer questions when teaching a unit on immigration: check out ideas here
For more PPBF picks, go to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog – HERE
julie rowan-zoch 
What a wonderful topic for a picture book. I think Dan Yaccarino recently did a book about his family’s immigrant experience. It’s so important to share with children the fact that most of us came from somewhere else.
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Do you know the title on that one? Would like to read it too!
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Found it: ALL THE WAY TO AMERICA.
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Thanks
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Sounds wonderful. I will try to find it and read it. Love the illustrations on the spread you included.
Speaking of illustrations… your new banner is the cutest!!!
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Thanks – needed a change!
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This book really caught the Mom Person’s attention — her family name is Hester! And besides that — who could resist that cover?! This looks like a crazy, good book. I’ll have to check it out! Thanks! — And I also like your new banner!
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Thanks Rhythm! Hester Street was named after Hester Bayard, but I don’t know who she was – does your Mom Person? The book IS ‘crazy good’ – enjoy!
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She’s heard of Hester street before but says she doesn’t know of Ms Bayard. I see some research ahead!
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🙂
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Love the buttons! And I am drawn to immigrant stories. This one looks like tons of fun. Thanks, Julie for sharing!
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Yes, the illustrations are fresh enough to compete in today’s market as well! Enjoy!
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I love books about those who immigrate. That’s why I love Patricia Polacco so much. But, your choice sounds like a real gem! Will check it out at the library.
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Good for anyone who can appreciate a funny grandparent too!
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Thank you for connecting to my blog! I really appreciate it! Happy New Year!
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This book sounds great, Julie, and I love the colorful vibrant art! I also love that it highlights immigrant experience, which may be so different from a child reader’s experience. As a total die-hard All-Of-A-Kind-Family devotee, I think I would love this one! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
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I hope you enjoy it too!
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When I was reading your post about Castle on Hester Street, it made me think of Patricia Polacco and All of a Kind of Family (loved those books as a girl). Looks like I am not alone in my connections.
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Me too!
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This is an interesting book and one I know I will love. So going to check it out! Love your banner btw. Have been thinking of changing mine to.
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Look forward to seeing what you do Diane!
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Julie, the story sounds fab and the illos are amazing. Can’t wait to read it! Love your header btw.
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🙂
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MUUSST GETTT BOOOOK! 😉 Very cool illustrations!
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Sure hope you laugh like I did!
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