SAN DIEGO — Kindness and bravery are the themes of two books for children: Nicky & Vera and Eight Knights of Hanukkah.
Nicky & Vera, written and illustrated by Peter Sis, is the story of a “quiet hero” who saved the lives of 669 children who would surely have died in the Holocaust. Nicky was born in England and grew up to be a banker who traveled all around Europe. On his way to a fun skiing vacation, the path before him suddenly split in two. He could go on vacation or join his friend in Prague to help children escape before the Nazi regime took over. He chose to accompany his friend.
Once Nicky realized how many children were in danger, he returned to England and got to work. He raised money and applied for permits to bring children out of Czechoslovakia before it was too late. He found foster homes for each child and was able to rescue eight trainloads of kids.
Vera was one of the children Nicky rescued. The children had to leave their families and travel by train and ship to London. It was a very scary adventure, but there were families in England waiting for them. Vera’s father gave her a diary before she left. She wrote in her diary often, keeping a record of what was happening. When she returned to her home in Prague after the war ended, she discovered all of her family had been killed.
Nicky hadn’t told anyone about his brave effort to save the children. His wife discovered his “secret” one day and arranged for her husband to meet some of the children he’d rescued. Vera was there, delighted to meet him.
This story, written for grades 1-4, is a positive Holocaust story about a brave hero and the children he rescued. It does talk about death, but it’s handled in a very simple way. I highly recommend this as a first book to use to introduce children to this very difficult topic. Its publication date is January 26, 2021.
*
A Different Type of Bravery
The Eight Knights of Hanukkah, written by Leslie Kimmelman and delightfully illustrated by Galia Bernstein, is a rollicking tale of bravery and kindness. A fierce dragon is plaguing the countryside. Lady Sadie sends out her eight loyal knights to perform deeds of bravery and acts of kindness. The knights, comprised of both men and women with a sprinkling of diversity, head out to fulfill their quests.
While knights seven and eight search for the dragon, the remaining knights help different people in their hours of need. It seems that each problem they conquer involves a Hanukkah tradition spoiled by the dragon. There is a singed dreidel, a pile of potatoes needing to be peeled for latkes and several others. The story ends with a fun surprise and a big Hanukkah celebration.
What a fun way to introduce children to Hanukkah traditions with a dose of humor and kindness sprinkled throughout the story. Backmatter at the end briefly explains the actual story along with the traditions surrounding current celebrations. A great book to have for Hanukkah this year, and for many years to come.
*
Marcia Berneger is a retired elementary school teacher. She loves writing stories for children. She is the author of such children’s books as Buster the Little Garbage Truck, and A Dreidel in Time.