The Night Sky Lined with Silver

by Yvonne David, Robert Sauber (Illustrator)

In the blustery winter of 1938, the Bieman Buddies’ sledding adventure abruptly ends, due to a horrible storm. They huddle in the train station with Major Morris, the local wartime hero, and his golden retriever, Honey. Uncle Morrie captivates the children with one more engaging life story before they rush home to escape the winter wipeout. Eliot’s father, Adam Bieman, has become the town doctor, but Eliot is a boy who hates to take chances. When Honey drops his master’s hat by their back door and bolts off barking, Eliot and his younger sister, Abbie, realize Uncle Morrie is missing. Yet the rescue team cannot look for him in the treacherous snowy conditions. The Bieman Buddies pray for their own Hanukkah miracle. At first light, the villagers join in the intense search, including Eliot’s uncle, whose family recently arrived from Germany after Kristallnacht , the “Night of Broken Glass.” Eliot leads the rescue effort and discovers that his sister becomes his best ally. What Doc Bieman reveals will shock everyone to the core. This charming American tale references the winter hotel business in the Catskill Mountains and captures the essence of Hanukkah, a story of miracles and survival. Through the beautiful descriptions and extraordinary illustrations, Eliot and Abbie will tug at your heartstrings. A treasured holiday book to enchant readers ages 9 and up.

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2023

Reviews

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Night Sky Lined with Silver is an engaging and culturally rich story that follows Abbie and her three best friends, Stephen, Martin, and Eliot as they look forward to celebrating Hanukkah together in the snow-dusted Catskills. The group, fondly known as the “Bieman Buddies,” loves nothing more than sharing adventures, hearing Uncle Morrie’s riveting tales of wartime heroics, and enjoying winter’s many delights. But when a fierce snowstorm strikes and Uncle Morrie suddenly vanishes, the festive season takes a serious turn. Fear grips the children as they rally with their close-knit community to search for their beloved war hero.

This children’s book paints a vivid picture of Jewish life in pre-World War II America. The author’s meticulous research shines through, from the authentic Yiddish phrases to the nostalgic details, like Abbie’s treasured Shirley Temple doll. The story brims with the spirit of the era, evoking the charm of an old black-and-white film or a classic American Girl story, with lush illustrations by Robert Sauber that add to the book’s enchanting atmosphere.

One of the book’s standout strengths is how it honors Jewish heritage while also celebrating the broader fabric of 1940s American life. The depiction of tradition is both heartfelt and accessible for younger readers, making the story an excellent introduction to Jewish customs and values. The story delicately touches on the early rumblings of World War II, offering just enough context to educate without overwhelming.

The themes of community, faith, and resilience are interwoven beautifully, providing a meaningful and uplifting reading experience. The suspense surrounding Uncle Morrie’s disappearance may prove intense for some readers. The pacing is great, with bursts of tension interspersed with scenes that fill in the backstory and enrich the world. While these interludes offer depth, the reader can’t help but share Abbie’s anxiety, making the unfolding search all the more nerve-wracking. Sensitive readers might need some reassurance that the story concludes positively.

The Night Sky Lined with Silver is a heartwarming and artfully crafted tale. Its strong themes of faith, friendship, and the enduring bonds of community make it a perfect holiday read for children. Though it contains moments of stress, injury, and peril, the resolution is satisfying and leaves space for future adventures.