Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel –ADVISABLE

Kimmel, Eric A. and Illustrated by Wohnoutka, Mike Hanukkah Bear 32 pgs. Holiday House, 2013. $13.50.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
Bear wakes up a bit early from his hibernation, because something smells wonderful. He is led to the house of Bubba Brayna –an elderly woman who is preparing for Hanukkah by cooking tons of laktes. Since she has trouble with her vision and hearing, she mistakes the Bear for the burly Rabbi and invites him in. Together they celebrate Hanukkah together, both blissfully unaware of the true nature of the situation. Bear goes home happy –full of food and even a gift.
Now out of Laktes, what will Bubba Brayna do when all her real guests show up?
A re-working of an older title by the same author, this story is warm, full of smells and colors, and traditions. I think students will enjoy this story and be curious about learning more. Some of the best illustrations in a Hanukkah picture book that I have seen.

EL – ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

No comments:

Post a Comment