This was really not my cup of tea. Initially when I received this book, I thought it was going to be more in lines of mystical or magical fairy tales with some dark and scary elements. The stories are in fact small fables and while some of them are interesting like "The Autumn Tale" or "The Wise Hat:, some of the stories were a bit confusing and was hard to follow. I am not sure if this one of those books that is lost in translation, but it just did not have any impact on me. I found the introduction to YIddish culture more fascinating in the book that the stories. Overall, I felt like this book could have been translated better.

This is great, but as with many short story collections, the quality of the stories is uneven. I'm not sure if they all have kid appeal.

In the Land of Happy Tears: Yiddish Tales for Modern Times by David Stromberg is one of those books that is filled with quiet wisdom, it is storytelling meant to entertain while imparting timeless moral lessons to children.

What makes this book such a treat is the fact this collection of stories are taken from Yiddish literary works, many of which have been nearly forgotten. The introduction is a fascinating look at the Yiddish language and culture as it traces the migration many Eastern European Jews took to the United States of America while escaping persecution, bringing with them their rich, storytelling tradition.

I especially enjoyed how the book is broken up into four sections, highlighting the principles: bravery, rebellion, justice, and wonder. This would be a great addition to a library's collection, to readers who enjoy a broad range of storytelling, and anyone who is curious about the Yiddish language and its fusion into American culture.

I was worried about getting this book to review at first because it was translated, and I seem to get lost in this most times. But these folklore fairytales were amazing and I think that everyone should have a go at them. Wonderful stories for all ages to enjoy! Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautiful culture book that should be on every libraries shelves. I found the stories entertaining, uplifting and wholehearted. I enjoyed reading tales that I had never heard and learning more about this culture.

I am always on the look out for new tales to tell children and this book fit the bill perfectly! I wish I could read and understand every language in the world so I could discover new stories all the time! this is a good one for everyone. Lots of great stories with good lessons.

In the Land of Happy Tears is a beautifully illustrated and told collection of 18 Yiddish tales translated into English for the first time. The stories from Eastern European feature superb storytelling, compelling characters, and high creativity, while emphasizing solid principles of open-mindedness and a sense of adventure when confronting trying times. 5/5

Thanks to the author, Random House Children's and NetGalley for the review copy; opinions are truly mine.

#InTheLandOfHappyTears:yiddishTalesForModernTimes #NetGalley

This is an excellent addition of folk tales for any library, complete with an informative section on Yiddish and Jewish history.

Many Yiddish speaking Eastern European Jews immigrated to America en masse from the 1880's to 1920's. Yiddish storytelling unmasked harsh realities as well as communicated moral lessons. Editor David Stromberg hand picked eighteen tales demonstrating the high moral ground children and adults are encouraged to follow regardless of life's challenges. These imaginative folktales written by early twentieth century Yiddish writers have never before been translated into English.

This exemplary collection contained several tales that were standouts to this reader. "A Treasure in the Snow" introduced a pious teacher and father of eight. Haim-ber was unable to earn any kopecks to buy bread and firewood. His family had not eaten for three days. There was no kindling to burn to light the oven. Despite abject poverty, he aided a hungry, old man. "The Little Boy with the Samovar" taught the ruler of the land a life lesson about warmongering. "The Kingdom of Ants and Mushrooms", "An Autumn Tale" and "A Squirrel's Diary" touched upon nature's life cycle and the need for humans to be mindful of the effect they have upon our forests and animal inhabitants.

Many of the stories are excellent vehicles for classroom discussion in an elementary school setting. "In the Land of Happy Tears: Yiddish Tales for Modern Times" was a most enjoyable read suitable for both children and adults.

Thank you Random House Children's, Delacorte Books for Young Readers and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "In the Land of Happy Tears".