Simon and the Bear ─ A Hanukkah Tale

Stranded on an iceberg on his way to America, Simon remembers his mother's parting words and lights the first candle on his menorah while praying for a miracle, which soon arrives in the form of a friendly polar bear.

Eric A. Kimmel (www.ericakimmel.com) was born in Brooklyn, New York and wanted to be an author ever since kindergarten, when he first learned of their existence. He holds a Ph.D. degree in Education and taught college courses in language arts, children's literature, and storytelling until he retired from teaching in 1993 to become a full-time writer. His first book came out in 1974. Since then he has published over fifty titles, many of which have won numerous state awards, appeared on school and library recommended lists, and won prestigious awards such as the Caldecott Honor Medal (Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins) and the Sydney Taylor Picture Book Award (The Chanukkah Guest andGershon's Monster). Eric and his wife Doris live in Portland, Oregon.

Matthew Trueman (www.matthewtrueman.com) grew up in northern Italy and returned to the States to attend the Ringling School of Art and Design, where he earned a B.F.A. in illustration. He has done magazine and advertising work and has illustrated several award-winning children's books, including When the Chickens Went on Strike, Noah's Mittens, andA Picture for Marc. He works from a studio in his home by the Delaware River, where he lives with his wife, Anna, and their daughter, Mina.