Bear and Fred: A World War II Story

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Lesson
Video
Jewish Holidays (Chagim)
Holocaust
History
K - 2
3 - 5

Based on true events and beautifully illustrated, Bear and Fred 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.

Fred's story is especially suited for young learners, since it has a happy ending and centers his bear. 

 

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In addition to the book itself, children can get to know Fred and his story through some interviews: 

- A 1993 Interview in University of Michigan's Voice/Vision Holocaust Survivor Oral History Archive

- Trailer for the 2021 film Bear and Fred- This could be used as an introduction to the story. 

- A 2020 video conversation with Bear and Fred author Iris Argaman, Fred Lessing and children ages 5-8, at an Israeli-American Council Keshet Online event. 

Some recommended moments from the hour long conversation: 

  • Minutes 20:19-22:41: Fred explains why he agreed to having the story written after his initial refusal. 
  • Minutes 26:30-28:50+ 38:59-59:35: Reading the full story
  • Minute 1:05: Fred signs off with a message of hope to children.

Details

Setting

  • After School and Beyond
  • Congregational Learning
  • Day Schools and Yeshivas
  • Family Engagement

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