Hanukkah Bear - by Eric A Kimmel

About the Book

On the first night of Hanukkah, Old Bear wanders into Bubba Brayna's house and receives a delicious helping of potato latkes when she mistakes him for the rabbi.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Successful on every level, this holiday favorite is sure to be popular with anyone who appreciates a little humor with their holidays."--School Library Journal

"a good addition to the holiday shelf"--Booklist

"The now-classic tale's humor still fosters eye-rolling laughter, with Wohnoutka's illustrations as rib-tickling complement."--Kirkus Reviews

"The silliness of the folkloric setup plays out well in the vivacious acrylic illustrations with nary a rough edge in sight."--The Horn Book

"Bubba's remarkable patience as she puts up with the none-too-scary bear's gruffness will amuse readers as they prepare for their own Hanukkah celebrations."--Publishers Weekly

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.