Bear and Fred: A World War II Story

The true story of a Jewish boy in hiding during World War II, as told by his teddy bear.

I felt Fred's small hand grab me.
He patted me and whispered,
"Bear, I won't leave you here all by yourself.
You are my best friend."

Based on true events and beautifully illustrated, this is the story of a friendship that will last forever--told by Fred's best friend, his beloved teddy bear.

During World War II, Fred must leave his home and live in hiding, apart from the rest of his family, but he always keeps Bear by his side. Bear knows it's his job to take care of Fred and make sure he doesn't feel alone.

After the war, Fred and his family are reunited and leave Holland for the United States. And still Bear is with him. When Fred grows up, he and Bear part for the first time when Bear is sent to Yad Vashem--the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Israel, where this book was first published--to show the power of hope, friendship, and love.

Iris Argaman is the author of a number of books for children, including Bear and Fred, which was awarded the Yad Vashem Prize in Israel and the Giovanni Arpino Prize for Children's Literature in Italy. She lives in Israel, where she is a lecturer on children's literature, holds writing workshops, and writes activity books which promote museum education.

Avi Ofer is an illustrator and animation director born and raised in Israel and now based in Spain. His work has been exhibited in art shows and screened in festivals around the world. His illustrated books include A Queen in Jerusalem and A Concert in the Sand, both written by Tami Shem-Tov and Rachella Sandback, among other titles. Learn more online at www.aviofer.com.

Annette Appel is a translator of books for young readers and truly enjoys the challenge of making stories written in Hebrew accessible to English speakers. Annette grew up in Oak Park, Michigan, and now lives with her family on a kibbutz in northern Israel.