Book Review: A Dreidel in Time: a new spin on an old tale by Marcia Berneger

Image: Kar-Ben Publisher

A Dreidel in Time: a new spin on an old tale by Marcia Berneger. Illustrated by Beatriz Castro. 82 p. Kar-Ben Publishers, 2019. 9781541552654. (Review of pub copy courtesy of PR rep.)

When brother and sister, Benjamin and Devorah seem to lose sight of the meaning of Hanukkah by focusing instead on presents, it's time for Bubbe and Zayde to save the holiday and get the kids back on track. Though initially very excited by the prospect of a visit from Bubbe and Zayde, when it comes time to open presents, the gift is a wobbly old dreidel that doesn't even spin right. The children try to be grateful, but they are disappointed, especially when their mother encourages them to play a game, further delaying the opening of gifts. 

Something strange happens. The two are whisked back in time to the time of the Maccabees.  They are wearing linen garments and most confusing of all, can speak and understand Hebrew. Of course, the Maccabees think they are spies, but the children prove their worth when they warn the Maccabees of Antiochus' plan to attack and earn their trust.

This time-travel adventure earnestly recounts the origin tale of the holiday of Hanukkah and will be sure to appeal to fans of The Magic Tree House series and other time travel adventures. It's a pleasant read and a nice addition to the holiday shelf. My only quibble is that Benjamin is taller than his sister in all the illustration but is eight, almost nine-years-old to Devorah's twelve years.