History and Culture

Fun on Sukos: The First Picture Book in English About Sukkot

September 28, 2023

by Megan Scauri

In 1946, Jane Bearman wrote and illustrated the first picture book in English about the Sukkot holiday. It was published by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and was part of a small series that Bearman created about various Jewish holidays and observances. Her text is simple and accessible for children and cheerfully illustrated to explain the rituals around the holiday, particularly highlighting children’s participation in both the preparation and celebration of Sukkot and Simchat Torah. This is one of several books that Bearman wrote on Jewish holidays and observances, including Hanukkah (“Happy Chanuko”), Purim (“Purim Parade”), Passover (“Passover Party”), Shavuot (“Shovuos Time”), and Shabbat (“Good Shabbos”).

Megan Scauri

Megan has extensive experience working with rare books and special collections in academic libraries, as well as in the rare book trade and auction houses. Her professional focus has been primarily in rare Americana, while her academic background includes research on Italian linguistics and dialectology. In August 2021, Megan joined AJHS, where she oversees our library’s rare and general collections, as well as assisting patrons with reference and photoduplication requests.