Overview

Uri and the King of Darkness: A Hanukkah Story is a captivating children's book that blends the magic of Hanukkah with a tale of bravery and imagination It's the first night of Hanukkah and Uri's dad is still not home. ""What happened to Dad? Is he caught in the fray? Could it be that an elephant's blocking his way? Maybe the enemy soldiers attacked? Maybe, just maybe, he cannot get back?"" While they wait for Dad's return, Uri and his sister battle the evil King of Darkness. Their courage and spirit bring the light of Hanukkah to the world around them. Nati Bait's lilting verse and Carmel Ben Ami's appealing illustrations make this a heart-warming Hanukkah favorite. Uri and the King of Darkness: A Hanukkah Story recieved starred reviews from School Library Journal and Foreword Reviews. A free downloadable activity guide that highlights the themes in this book is available on the Kalaniot Books website.

Full Product Details

9781962011983

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Reviews

"This is a simple, yet charming rhyming Hanukkah story told by a noted Israeli children's author. Uri and his sister, Shir, are concerned because their father has not yet arrived home to light the first Hanukkah candle with them. They imagine many scenarios from the time of the Maccabees when the Jews had to fight for their beliefs and survival, and creatively struggle against the enemy, the King of Darkness as reasons for his tardiness. The exciting, colorful illustrations fuel the battle and create an atmosphere of challenge, exhilaration, and confrontation. One must look carefully within the pictures to find the hidden enemies and tests. Young children will feel the Hanukkah experience and become excited to join in the celebration while older readers will decipher the symbols and historical references. There is a short summary of the history of Hanukkah and a listing of the blessings in English, Hebrew, and transliteration at the end of the book. Uri is a strong, focused young boy who, along with his sister, eagerly anticipates the celebration of Hanukkah as well as the recognition of its miracles. This story will bring the light of Hanukkah to young children while connecting history to the modern world and is appropriate for Jewish and public library collections.--Rachel Glasser, Retired Librarian, Yavneh Academy, Paramus, NJ ""Association of Jewish Libraries, News and Reviews"""

Author Information

Nati Bait is an Israeli author of children's books. American readers will be familiar with his delightful book, The Everywhere Chair, illustrated by Moran Barak and distributed by PJ Library. Children might be interested to know that sometimes, even Nati is afraid of the dark! Illustrator, Carmel Ben Ami was born in the Netherlands and raised in Israel, where she studied at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem. She illustrates children's books and poetry collections and has worked in animation as well. She lives in Amsterdam. To banish the darkness of the world, Carmel lights Hanukkah candles and draws pictures.

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