AND TWELVE CHINESE ACROBATS
Illustrated by Jean Gralley
Philomel 1995
ISBN# 0-399-22691-5 Philomel hardcover

Based on a family story that has grown enormously over the years, this book is about the time the Yolens lived in the Ukraine and the oldest boy Lev (my Uncle Lou) was a troublemaker. Sent away to a military academy--an enormous decision for a Jewish family--he gambled away the gold buttons on his uniform and disappeared. Deep in the winter, he came home, marching at the head of a troop of Chinese acrobats from the Moscow circus. The family was not amused. Or else they were. It depended upon which family member you asked. I tell the story from my father's point of view, who was a small boy then. I am very fond of this book.

Out of print.

What reviewers have said: "Told with the simple richness of a folk tale, this is partly a comical vignette about a loveable rascal and partly a story about growing up and learning to appreciate our idols for who they really are. The realities of family life are depicted with warmth and humor, also captured in the absurd black & white illustrations." -- NOTES FROM THE WINDOWSILL