Don’t Invite a Bear Inside for Hanukkah

PreS-Gr 2–One tradition of Jewish culture is to welcome guests warmly when they visit a home. So when a young boy putting up Hanukkah decorations sees a bear at his front door, he lets the bear in, as he has been taught to do—despite the warnings from the narrator, who uses second-person perspective to tell the story. At first, it seems the bear is a big help; he helps decorate and reach items in high places. But soon it becomes clear that he is not as big of a help as the boy first believed. Things go from bad to terrible when the boy’s mother brings out the food and the bear eats up everything, while making a mess of the house. The boy has to kick the bear out, but upon following the bear, discovers they have more in common than he thought; they find a way to celebrate Hanukkah together. Illustrations are engagingly delightful, and back matter includes an author’s letter to readers as well as a glossary. This book is a superb way to introduce and reinforce the traditions of Hanukkah. Children see examples of kindness, tolerance, and acceptance of others, as well as the importance of sharing one’s culture and beliefs.