In a well-deserved wink to the ageless wisdom of the fabled wise Sage of Chelm and his beloved townsfolk, The Silly World of Chelm, the world’s first complete encyclopedia of Chelm stories recently published by Zalman Goldstein of Two Lights Publishing, was nominated one of three finalists in the category of Humor for the 30th annual IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards.
One of the highest national honors for independent publishers, the prestigious award recognizes leading independently-published books by highlighting the best titles and trends in major publishing categories each year. Judged by more than 150 librarians, booksellers, and design and editorial experts who weigh and evaluate more than 3,500 submissions in over 50 categories, the finalists exemplify professional standards, high-quality content, and innovative design. Winners in each category are announced at an award gala held each year in April.
Already a Benjamin Franklin Award gold winner in 2008 for his bestselling book Going Kosher in 30 Days! ($22.95, ISBN 978-1891293238) and a silver winner in 2017 for his popular children’s suspense title The Sultan’s Trap ($19.95, ISBN 978-1891293641), Goldstein is no stranger to acclaim for his works.
“A lot of careful thought and effort goes into each book I write or design,” said Goldstein, who over the past 22 years has self-published more than a dozen bestselling titles in areas of Jewish interest. “It’s helpful to think of a book’s idea and text as its soul, and its title, cover, layout, paper, and quality of printing as its body and garments. Carefully tended, each of those areas contribute to a book’s success, resulting in a product that people enjoy, are affected by, and are proud to own.”
The 408-page large-format book, The Silly World of Chelm ($24.95, ISBN 978-1891293047, distributed by Feldheim, gathers over 150 side-splitting tales originally written by Arnold Fine in a weekly column for The Jewish Press. It re-acquaints readers with the unforgettable characters that everyone has come to know and love, including the Wise Sage of Chelm and fumbling Shepsil, the simple-minded Mottel the Tailor and riotous Berel the Terrible.
“Arnold Fine’s brilliant writing and finely conceived eccentric tales from the town of Chelm have, for decades, left readers of all ages in stitches with helpless laughter, all the while leaving them scratching their heads in wonderment,” Goldstein said. “Being able to provide simple and clean Jewish humor for everyone is a privilege that was difficult to pass up. In this regard, The Silly World of Chelm really delivers and I’m really proud that it was recognized for this award.”
This year’s list of Benjamin Franklin Award finalists can be found here and the winner from each category will be posted after the April 6, 2018 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award ceremony which will be held in Austin, Texas.
The Silly World of Chelm can be purchased at Jewish bookstores, www.WorldOfChelm.com or on Amazon.com.
This is indeed a remarkable achievement. Fantastic news. Humor is important in our lives- it promotes good health and positive feelings. Much Hazlocha and continued success in all your endeavors.
You did it again!!
From Mr L Heber