Review Detail

“Uri and the King of Darkness: A Hanukkah Story” by Nati Bait, illustrated by Carmel Ben Ami, tells the story of Uri and Shir while they wait for their dad to arrive home on the first night of Chanukah. Looking out the window, they see shadows coming closer and darkness setting in, and they begin to worry more and more about where their father is and when he’ll be back. Uri and sister Shir stand strong and brave against the darkness, however, as they fend it off just in time for the door to swing open, revealing their no longer absent father. Upon learning that he’s brought home a sweet treat for the family to share to celebrate the start of the holiday, they light the menorah, saving the world from the encroaching darkness. They sing and play dreidel, reveling in how Chanukah is special to them, bringing light and goodness all around.

The Chanukah story is briefly described in the back matter of the book, and the blessings said over Chanukah candles are also included. The story uses the power of imagination to create a new way to share the tale of Chanukah with children.