Such a strange little boy he is, Ben Guggenheim.
He always wants things when it’s not the right time!
Or wants what there is – but not straight away,
And what there is none of he must have, today!
One evening near bedtime, it’s already dark
He goes with his parents to play in the park!
Ben likes to do things his own way, and at his own convenience. His parents are nerds, who enforce and observe every rule. One late evening, his parents decide to comply with his wishes and take the boy to the playground, where shortly after he realizes that “to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes ch.3). And so, a little flexibility helps young Ben’s parents to resolve their impasse with their stubborn, high-spirited son, as all three learn from each other. This charmingly illustrated tale makes a perfect bedtime story for energetic kids everywhere.
Janury 2021 | 38 pp. | Age 4+ | English translation available | Rights Sold: English (world), Hebrew
“Jonathan Yavin, one of the most original and fruitful children writers in the country, successfully tells an amusing and eye-opening story, in which he threads – without being reproachful – educational elements like behavioral mirroring, learning by experience and the need to reach conclusions independently. The story is accompanied by the energetic and humorous illustrations of Aviel Basil, and together they make this book especially enjoyable” – Carmit Sapir, Maariv, daily
“As usual, Jonathan writes in a funny and empathetic way, Aviel Basil is a terrific illustrator and their collaboration makes for a fabulous book!” – Meira Barnea Goldberg, Mako site
“A night at the playground ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐deals with the subject of reluctant children in a great and useful approach. A smart and adorable children’s book, holding loads of insights for parents. My daughter was wildly laughing all along and I felt the message the writer was trying to deliver really got to her. This book is just doing a wonderful job dealing with objections. One of the most enjoyable books for me to read to my Zoe, perfect for kids of 3-8.” – The Girl with a Book, blog
“A shaky book!” – Danny Nadnedany, Moznaim, journal
“Surprising plot twists!” – Glicha Medronsky, Galgalatz, radio
“Inspired by the holy scriptures…” – J. Dyson, The Sandbox, journal
Jonathan Yavin is an author and journalist, has published four adult novels, three youth novels, one writer’s guide, and nine best-selling children’s books. He received the Book Publishers Association’s Platinum Prize for the Hebrew edition of Pumpkin the Kitten (sold over 220,000 copies) and the Prime Minister’s Prize for for his second novel House-Sitter.
Aviel Basil has illustrated more than a dozen children’s books and won, among other awards, the Israel Museum Silver Medal award for children book illustration for his first book. He illustrates for magazines, advertisement and worked on character and background designs for various apps and animations. His style is inspired by the 50’s illustration and has become well-known for his bright and colorful palette.