THE BOOK

Bubie and Zaidy's Vilde Chaya is the story of an over active boy, confused by the literal translation of a Yiddish expression used by his grandparents to describe him, Vilde Chaya.

Literally translated as Wild Animal, Vilde Chaya is a common expression used to describe active kids in an affectionate manner. Through the boy's effort to discover his lineage in the animal kingdom, he get a better understanding of who he is and more importantly learns that he that he is loved by his Bubie and Zaidy with a love that has been built over a lifetime.

Bubie and Zaidy's Vilde Chaya is an illustrated children's book written in English, using the Yiddish names of animals to inject humour as well as some language into the story. Anyone with Yiddish in their blood may recognize some of the animal names, while the artwork and story make it easy to follow along.

Remember the author probably speaks as much Yiddish as you do (as in not a word).

THE AUTHOR - KEVIN PLENER

I guess I would describe myself as a Yidd...ish writer. I say Yidd...ish, because I don't speak Yiddish, let alone read or write in Yiddish. Yiddish was the language of my Grandparents and Great-Grandparents. It has a long and rich tradition that I know very little about. All I know, is that when my Grandparents spoke Yiddish, I thought it was hilarious. It was a language filled with funny words that sounded as made up as circus performers.

Nowadays, seeing my daughter laugh at the same Yiddish words I had so many years ago I have come to understand a humble truth; we are all Yids. Yiddish is simply a timeless, endless yarn that knits all Yids across generations.

Recognizing that the Yiddish Language has less practical use as its speakers slowly dwindle in number, yet loving the tradition it represents, it would be a tragedy to let so much history, along with so many funny words disappear in diaspora.

I know that there is a Yiddish saying for it, but as I stated, I don't speak the language! Loosely translated the saying goes: "If we won't remember, then who?" Or "If we don't speak, we will forget" or something to that effect.

Please enjoy Bubie and Zaidy's Vilde Chaya, take from it a few words and strengthen the Yiddish yarn that knits us together. Who knows, maybe someday we'll have enough words to knit a blanket.

THE ARTIST - GABBY MORTON JONES

As a kid I grew up wading through Lego, with grandparents who were always creating water colours, oils, woodwork and tapestries. My mother made the most amazing quilts and flower arrangements, and my Dad was always constructing some complex computer program. As a result, the process of creating is one of my favourite things to do. This has primarily manifested itself in film making over the years, but raising my children has meant that I have had to feed my creative beast through different art forms. Most recently I have delved into Sewing, Woodwork, and Drawing.

This project was born out of a commission I received after giving away children's name plates as gifts. This was for Kevin's daughter, and as a result he was adamant that I should be the one to create the artwork for Bubie and Zaidy's Vilde Chaya. This was a very touching and personal project for Kevin, which made it an intimidating project to undertake.

I am so very grateful to Kevin and my husband for their encouragement and patience throughout this project. It really taught me that the biggest limitations on our own creativity is our own thoughts and feelings. It is also a constant reminder that the gift of creation is never a waste of time, it always come back to you in one way or another.

BUY THE BOOK

Thank you for your interest in our book.
Bubie and Zaidy's Vilde Chaya is an 8.5" x 5.5" soft cover bedtime book.

From paper selection to the lack of UV gloss, every effort was made to maintain the feeling of the original hand drawn artwork. Printed in Canada, this book is a welcome addition to any book collection and makes for an excellent Chanukah gift.

To purchase a copy of Bubie and Zaidy's Vilde Chaya please click on the 'buy the book' button and put a little Yiddish on your bookshelf.

ISBN # 978-0-9939468-0-6
Price $8.85 CDN