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THE EIGHT KNIGHTS OF HANUKKAH by Leslie Kimmelman

THE EIGHT KNIGHTS OF HANUKKAH

by Leslie Kimmelman ; illustrated by Galia Bernstein

Pub Date: Sept. 15th, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-8234-3958-4
Publisher: Holiday House

A mix of medieval derring-do and Hanukkah preparation and celebration.

A map of a castle and its environs opens the tale. The eight knights, diverse in gender and race, are siblings, the children of Lady Sadie. She sends them forth on great steeds to foil the “dastardly dragon named Dreadful,” which is wreaking havoc with the realm’s Hanukkah celebrations. Their weapons are “awesome kindness and stupendous bravery.” Sir Alex carves a replacement for a charred dreidel. Sir Gabriel helps prepare latkes. Sir Margaret assists with making applesauce. Others perform the “mitzvah of bringing chicken soup to the hungry,” fry doughnuts, and clean the castle. The last two—Sir Isabella and Sir Rugelach—prepare to do battle with the dragon until they discover that it is just a “baby dragon” named Rosie. And so their Round Table is filled with tasty treats and a menorah while guests and brave deed-doers fill the seats. And readers will not be surprised to see who lights the candles. The narrative is laced with medievalesque wordage as in “Hark! Methinks” and “Worryeth not.” Colorful cartoon illustrations portray happy encounters between the knights and the ordinary folk, interspersed with hints to the dragon’s whereabouts.

For those on a quest for a different take on a holiday tail—oops!—tale.

(author's note) (Picture book. 4-7)