September 19, 2011
Cohen and Kober return with another holiday happening for Engineer Ari. The train driver is hurrying home by train to celebrate Hanukkah when he is forced to stop abruptly for a pesky camel sitting on the tracks. The camel’s owner, Kalil, a Bedouin, assists Ari and invites him to his tent. As it grows dark, the two new friends begin the celebration of Hanukkah together. The interfaith message is not subtle, but it is an imaginative take on the familiar holiday. Train-loving children will especially appreciate Engineer Ari. Ages 5–9.
October 1, 2011
K-Gr 2-As Engineer Ari walks through Jerusalem with his arms full of packages for Hanukkah, he meets two boys reenacting the tale of brave Judah Maccabee and two girls playing the dreidel game. Later, when his train breaks down, Ari is aided by a Bedouin shepherd who puts him back on the right track. As with the earlier Engineer Ari books, this one combines simple charm with a good-hearted message, all wrapped up in a bit of interesting history about the first steam engine to travel between Jaffa and Jerusalem in 1892. Of particular note is that the dreidel displays a different set of letters than those most children are familiar with, because in Israel the great miracle of Hanukkah happened "here," not "there." Combining cheerful illustrations, a friendly text, appealing characters, and a bright red train, this holiday book is sure to please.-Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2012
When Engineer Ari's train breaks down, he ends up in Modi'in ("The ancient home of the Maccabees...Where the miracle of Hanukkah began"). There he celebrates Hanukkah with Kalil, a Bedouin who offers to help. The text, while wordy, provides a fresh take on the story. Illustrations emphasize the lush greenery of a Middle Eastern winter. An author's note is appended. Glos.
(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)