Hanukkah Bear

Bubba Brayna's legendary latkes lure an unexpected visitor into her home in this playful Hanukkah tale from a master storyteller.

Bubba Brayna makes the best latkes in the village, and on the first night of Hanukkah, the scent of her cooking wakes a hungry, adorable bear from his hibernation. He lumbers into town to investigate, and Bubba Brayna--who does not see or hear very well--mistakes him for her rabbi. She welcomes the bear inside to play the dreidel game, light the menorah, and enjoy a scrumptious meal.

However, after her well-fed guest leaves, there's a knock at the door--it's the rabbi, and all of Brayna's other friends, arriving for dinner. But there are no latkes left--and together, they finally figure out who really ate them.

Lively illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka, portraying the sprightly Bubba Brayna and her very hungry guest, accompany this instant family favorite, a humorous reworking of Eric A. Kimmel's earlier classic tale, The Chanukkah Guest. A traditional recipe for latkes is included in the back matter, along with interesting, digestible facts about the history and traditions of Hanukkah.

A 2013 National Jewish Book Award Winner, this book is perfect for a holiday story time with children-- either in the classroom or at home, as an introduction for young readers to the traditions and customs of Hanukkah, and as a classic to return to year after year.

Author: Eric A. Kimmel
Publisher: Holiday House
Published: 09/01/2013
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.92lbs
Size: 11.20h x 8.85w x 0.36d
ISBN: 9780823428557
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.1
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 161602 / Hanukkah Bear


Award: National Jewish Book Award - Winner


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 09/01/2013
Publishers Weekly 09/16/2013
School Library Journal 10/01/2013 pg. 71
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2013 pg. 64
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2014 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Eric A. Kimmel is known for his retellings of Jewish folktales, including the classic Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman, which received a Caldecott Honor. Eric has published more than fifty children's books, many of which have won state awards and appeared on school and library recommended lists. His many prestigious awards include the National Jewish Book Award and the Sydney Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award. He lives in Oregon.

Mike Wohnoutka has illustrated many books for children, including Jack's House, written by Karen Magnuson Beil and honored as a Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book; Hanukkah Bear, a National Jewish Book Award Winner; and Little Puppy and the Big Green Monster, his first book as author and illustrator. Mike lives in Minnesota with his family. His website is www.mikewohnoutka.com.