Passover

Picture Book Review – The Passover Pet Surprise

THE PASSOVER PET SURPRISE

Written by Ana María Shua

Illustrated by Ángeles Ruiz

(NorthSouth Books; $19.95, Ages 4-8)

 

 

 

The Passover Pet Surprise cover children and animals in yard.

 

 

 

★Starred review – School Library Journal

Publisher Info:

A multicultural addition to the Passover picture book canon, this sweet story explores the meaning of freedom for the Jewish people–and their pets!

Also available in Spanish: La gran sorpresa de Pésaj.

This Passover, Jordanita’s family is leaving their Miami apartment and flying to Argentina to spend the holiday with their cousin. Visiting their cousin is the best, since he not only has a giant yard—he also has two dogs, a cat, two turtles, and two parrots called Tic and Toc! But when Jordanita hears the Passover story this year, she can’t help but notice that Tic and Toc are in a cage. If the point of Passover is to celebrate freedom, shouldn’t that apply to all creatures?

Celebrated Jewish Argentine author Ana María Shua explores the nature of freedom and the love of family in this warm-hearted tale, perfectly paired with the gentle humor of Spanish illustrator Angeles Ruiz’s lively illustrations.

Buy the book: The Passover Pet Surprise – NorthSouth Books

Review:

I did not read anything in advance about this new picture book, but I was attracted to the gorgeous cover and intrigued by the idea of learning about Passover in Argentina. Spending time in another country and experiencing new aspects of Jewish culture during Passover is so rewarding for children and adults alike.

The book opens with the narrator, Jordanita, describing her family.

“… my little brother Benja, and Mamá and Papá—are spending Passover with my aunt, uncle,
and cousin in Argentina, even though we live in Miami. Their house is in a city called Mendoza.”

Jordanita is excited about her relatives’ home, filled with “many good hide-and-seek spots, and a huge garden!” But apart from her aunt, uncle, and cousin, what delights her most is how many cool pets they have. For someone who lives in an apartment and can count fish as her only pets, being around all these animals, including the adorably named, cage-dwelling parrots, Tic and Toc, is thrilling for Jordanita. What fun new pals to play with!

 

 

The Passover Pet Surprise int1 Passover in Mendoza Argentina.
Interior spread from The Passover Pet Surprise, written by Ana María Shua and illustrated by Ángeles Ruiz, NorthSouth Books, ©2026.

 

 

The energetic art, bursting with color, is complemented by the loving Passover storyline. I felt I was getting a taste of a faraway, exotic place. Spanish words (such as knéidala for matzah balls) are interspersed throughout, and their meaning is easy to comprehend.

When it’s time to sit down for the Seder meal, younger brother Benja gets to ask the traditional four questions, getting at the heart of the meaning of Passover.

“Why,” he begins, “is this night different from all other nights?” His uncle Ariel explains, “We are celebrating freedom.” Long ago, Jews were enslaved in Egypt and longed to be free. While there is more to the four questions, the book explores the ones most pertinent to the story, leaving those interested in learning more to find that info elsewhere.

 

 

The Passover Pet Surprise int2 at seder asking the four questions.
Interior spread from The Passover Pet Surprise, written by Ana María Shua and illustrated by Ángeles Ruiz, NorthSouth Books, ©2026.

 

 

After the meal ends with dessert, Jordanita says she had an idea after seeing cousin Ilán feed some of her aunt’s special matzah cake to Tic and Toc. Rather than thinking of the consequences, but true to her childlike nature so well conveyed in prose by Ana María Shua, Jordanita sets the parrots free. After all, Passover’s about freedom, right? This was one of my favorite parts of the book, unexpected and touching in its sentiment. It may catch readers by surprise, too. Some kids will be happy, others may be worried. But both the text and the art come together to show children that ultimately, the birds will be just fine.

 

 

The Passover Pet Surprise int3 releasing the parrots.
Interior spread from The Passover Pet Surprise, written by Ana María Shua and illustrated by Ángeles Ruiz, NorthSouth Books, ©2026.

 

Many sweet and feel-good moments of familial closeness fill The Passover Pet Surprise. Everyone seems to be enjoying each other’s company, and the celebratory mood is evidenced in every vibrant spread. I especially loved how Aunt Verónica treats Jordanita upon discovering her niece’s mischief, albeit with good intentions. She doesn’t scold Jordanita despite her sadness at the parrots’ disappearance. Papá explains how releasing caged birds can be risky, and the child feels remorse about her behavior. But Uncle Ariel lightens the mood. “Ay, niños,” Uncle Ariel says. “There are parrots all over in Mendoza.
Tic and Toc should do just fine. But Aunt Verónica sure will miss them.”

The families can move forward knowing that the parrots will be okay as they experience their newfound freedom, just like the Jews did all those years ago. This book’s unique approach to Passover, with its focus on the birds, makes it a meaningful and rewarding read for this holiday.

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Best Children’s Books for Passover 2025

 

 

SEVEN NEW CHILDREN’S BOOKS

FOR PASSOVER 2025

~  A ROUNDUP ~

 

 

 

If only I had more time! This year’s offering of new Passover books for children seems to be the largest I’ve seen in a long time. It was so hard to choose what to include, and I really hoped to cover them all. Please scroll to the end to see other books I was unable to review but recommend.

 

REVIEWS:

My Seder Plate cover seder plate shaped board book.MY SEDER PLATE
Written by Kristen Weber
Illustrated by Yaara Cellier
(Clarion Books; $10.99, Ages 0-4)

My Seder Plate: A Passover Book is Kristen Weber’s debut, and it’s a charming one! This book would have been a big hit in my home when my children were growing up. It’s not only richly illustrated, but it includes interesting seder details for those who are older. At the same time, it can be appreciated as a clever interactive way for little ones to simply enjoy the pictures during the celebration. Traditionally, the seder plate, like the board book, is round, “with spots for special foods.” Each food represented is significant in the retelling of the Passover story.

Open the sturdy book to reveal the seder plate and its contents on one side, a multigenerational family on the other. It includes the food name in Hebrew and in English. One word I have learned in Hebrew from attending many seders is Beitzah, egg, the second food shown. Each food item explained is in bold. The font is smaller for the more detailed portion, which a relative might explain, or perhaps an older sibling, a cousin, or a family friend. I also like how the first paragraph is in verse, which will add to a youngster’s engagement.

“A roasted egg sits on our plate,
warm and round and hard,
a symbol of the cycle of life
and hope for a new start.

The egg can be both a reminder
of the sacrifices Jewish people have
made and a symbol of new life.”

Now that all the Passover foods are covered, it’s time to try them! A big positive about My Seder Plate is that children can keep it with them and follow along while also being entertained by the art and the surprises that await them with every page turn. Chag Passover Sameach! •Reviewed by Ronna Mandel

 

Matzah Day cover family members holding matzah.MATZAH DAY!
Written by Charlotte Offsay
Illustrated by Jason Kirschner
(Holiday House; $18.99, Ages 3-6)

Charlotte Offsay has a talent for writing picture books with rhyme that 1. always entertain, 2. propel the story forward, and 3. employ a catchy rhyme scheme that invites read-alouds. She did it with Challah Day! and succeeds once again with Matzah Day!

This lively written and whimsically illustrated holiday story celebrates the popular Passover cracker made from water, salt, and flour that can be enjoyed in as many ways as matzah is spelled. You can even see it in this roundup spelled matzah, matzoh, and some times matza, and matzo. Are there other spelling variations that I don’t know about? Maybe! But no matter how you spell it, there is much to love about the food that came to be when “The Jewish people fled from Egypt in such a hurry that they didn’t have time to wait for their dough to rise.”

Don’t miss the three recipes included to try with the help of a parent, as well as information about exactly what matzah is, what Passover is, and why we eat matzah for Passover. I appreciated the tight rhyme when Offsay describes the different (and delicious) ways matzah can be eaten as the family gets fuller and fuller. “Like it salty, plain, or sweet? No wrong way to eat this treat! Toffee, chocolate, salted top. Once you start, it’s hard to stop.” Too right. It’s one of my Passover weaknesses, along with matzah brei, a breakfast matzah mashup my family loves year-round. The zany spreads where Kirschner has made the family members smaller sized as they play on the larger scaled ingredients are quite funny. As a feline fan, I also appreciate the adorable kitty added for good measure. What a great new read to add to your family’s Passover picture book collection. •Reviewed by Ronna Mandel

 

Written by Alan Katz
Illustrated by Adam Auerbach
(Harper Collins BYR; $12.00, Ages 4-8)

The Cohen family is enjoying the Passover seder at Grandpa Murray and Grandma Norma’s home. It is time to hide the afikomen and Grandpa Murray is searching for the perfect spot which his grandchildren won’t be able to locate. However, when he hears that the matzah ball soup is being served, he rejoins his family. After the meal, it’s time to find the afikomen . . .  but the kids don’t know where their grandfather hid it, and Grandpa Murray doesn’t remember either! So, where is the afikomen? We probably all can relate to this.

Young detectives will enjoy the pen and ink illustrations, which combine different angles and vantage points, adding both interest and a sense of mystery to the story, which has a simple yet satisfactory solution. •Reviewed by Freidele Galya Soban Biniashvili

 

 

Happy Passover, Edie Rose cover Edie hugging young neighbor Mia.HAPPY PASSOVER, EDIE ROSE!
Written by Joy Preble
Illustrated by Valeria Cis
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $18.99, Ages 4-9)

Though not new to writing for children, Joy Preble’s debut picture book, Happy Passover, Edie Rose!, is a heartwarming take on the Passover story. Young readers will admire the meaningful relationship between an older woman, Edie Rose, and a young girl, Mia, neighbors in their close-knit apartment building. Edie Rose has created a tradition with her neighbors where they gather together in her home for a Passover seder that not only includes matzah ball soup and charoset but takes them on a journey similar to the one Moses and the Jewish people took from Egypt to the land of Israel.

Early on, Valeria Cis’s appealing artwork details Edie Roses’s seder to-do list along with illustrations of the smiling and diverse mix of neighbors. And, of course, Edie’s adorable red and white dog, Mo, is always by her side. Turning the page, we see memories of past seders with Edie and her friends coloring paper frogs and crossing through Edie’s living room pretending it’s the Red Sea. Mia spends a great deal of time with Edie when her mother works late, and despite being from different generations, the two have become great friends.

Next up, Edie is baking her chewy macaroons just before this year’s Passover. Mia’s mom walks through the door as Edie carries the hot, out-of-the-oven macaroons from the kitchen. Preble skillfully sets up the scene as Mo, unable to control his sniffer and overjoyed by the yummy aroma, dashes up to steal a cookie. The two collide. Macaroons scatter everywhere. Edie ends up in the hospital with a broken arm. Mia, with her caring neighbors’ help brings Passover to Edie. Just like in the Passover story, young Mia creates the best seder ever. “We marched together,” Mia tells Edie proudly. “All of us. Like you said.”

This charming tale with a twist asks kids why this night is different from all other nights, but this year, the answer is that all the neighbors worked together for Edie Rose—a wonderful lesson in kindness and gratitude. I loved how it showed that holidays don’t always have to be spent with blood relatives. Friends are family, too. •Reviewed by Ronda Einbinder

 

roadside seder cover seder on a logROADSIDE SEDER
Written by Anna Levine
Illustrated by Naama Lahav
(Apples & Honey Press; $19.95, Ages 5-8)

Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma, Benjy, and Matzah the dog are on their way to their seder in Jerusalem when the traffic comes to a standstill. What is the cause of the jam? How will they, and all of the other people on the road, reach their seders? Will there even be any seder that night? A story that keeps you guessing will also keep you turning the pages!
As sundown approaches, Benjy, dressed in his Moses get-up, comes up with the solution for a perfect seder for everyone present. And when it’s time to find the afikoman, the reader is invited along to find it in the drawing. A Passover story that gets youngsters involved is pure fun! Beautiful, inclusive representation of the religious and ethnic diversity in Israel is depicted in the colorful and cheerful cartoon-like illustrations. A letter from the author, words to know, and a recipe for charoset round out this joyous celebration of sharing Passover traditions, even in the most unusual circumstances. •Reviewed by Freidele Galya Soban Biniashvili

 

Ellis Island Passover cover immigrants on ship seeing Statue of Liberty.ELLIS ISLAND PASSOVER
Written and illustrated by Marissa Moss
(Creston Books; $19.99; Ages 5-10)

Sometimes, you read a book that brings you back to a time long ago, and that’s what happened to me as I sat down to read award-winning author-illustrator Marissa Moss’s latest picture book, Ellis Island Passover. The story begins with a seven-year-old girl in a grumpy mood. (That was relatable.) Her family is coming over for the first night of Passover, and she has already been yelled at by her mom for bad behavior and sent to her room by her father for leaving a messy kitchen. She’s clearly not having a good day.

Moss’s evocative pastel drawings of the extended family being welcomed into the little girl’s home include Great Uncle Ezra, who has arrived from Chicago with slicked-back grey hair and glasses. He lives so far away that this is his first Passover with the little girl and her family. She doesn’t say hello to him, but no one notices—except Uncle Ezra. “’What is wrong with my cupcake?’ he asks.” She wonders if he can see she is in a bad mood. He sits on the floor with her and begins to tell her a story.

The story begins when he is nine years old. He’s shipped from Russia to America to live with his brother to escape the intolerable conditions the Jewish people were subjected to in their birth country. My grandfather escaped Russia as well, and reading Moss’s words made me remember the stories he told us.

Life in America had to be better than life in Russia. Once in New York, Ezra was put on a small boat to Ellis Island, the big immigration center. Ezra was given one week to stay there while authorities searched for his brother Mendel—and if Mendel couldn’t be found, he would be returned to his homeland. During his stay on Ellis Island, Ezra realized it was Passover. The Jews on Ellis Island did not have a Haggadah to read, so they decided to tell the stories with a Hebrew Bible. They didn’t have matzoh, so they used American crackers. That night, each of us was reading the story of Exodus and living the story of our own exodus, from the old world to the new, from oppression to freedom. And though Uncle Ezra has celebrated many Passovers since that first one on Ellis Island, this night, he had a new Passover story—his first Passover with his niece.

This picture book beautifully puts into words how Passover has been spent over generations while teaching Jewish children the history of their ancestors. The faded tones and pale palette of the art felt just right for this immigration story. My kids may be adults, but I still plan to share this story with them so they can understand what their great-grandfather endured for them to live in a free country. •Reviewed by Ronda Einbinder

 

One Little Goat cover boy and goat time traveling.ONE LITTLE GOAT: A Passover Catastrophe
Written by Dara Horn
Illustrated by Theo Ellsworth
(Norton Young Readers; $18.99. Ages 8-12)

Starred Review – School Library Journal
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I was not prepared for the wild and wonderfully rewarding reading adventure that Horn and Ellsworth’s graphic novel took me on. Inspired by Horn’s thoughts during Passover when she was growing up, this rollercoaster ride of a story should resonate with many young readers. When I opened the first page of One Little Goat, the narrator, known as the “wise child,” quickly pulled me in when he said his seder had gone horribly wrong. I had to find out how.
Anyone who has ever attended a Passover seder that seems to go on forever will find this novel’s tongue-in-cheek humor relatable. Can you remember your stomach’s constant growling, the one relative who insists on doing things a certain way, and definitely the long way, an older cousin dipping his pinkie in the wine a little bit too much, or never finding the afikoman and winning the dollar coin? These are just a few of the Passover things we have come to expect, all captured over six chapters in 152 pages, though I wish there were more!
We meet the narrator as the seder begins, and the house is packed with family. From our safe spot, like a fly on the wall, we watch as the chaos unfolds. We learn that Dad was originally from the Soviet Union, where he could not practice Judaism, and Mom is pregnant with her fifth child. Great-Grandma, at 98, is a Warsaw Ghetto survivor. And somehow, over time, the meaning of the seder has been lost on the narrator.
To end the seder, the afikoman, or half the piece of matzah that gets hidden early on, needs to be found. However in The Little Goat, it goes missing when the baby sister tosses it into a portal where the titular goat finds and hides it someplace safe in another time zone. But he can’t recall exactly when or where. Without that important piece of matzah, the seder continues for six months! Thankfully, those I’ve attended have never lasted so long, though they may have felt that way. Talk about taking an idea and going over the top! Even more outrageous is that this particular seder is one taking place on top of layers of seders occurring concurrently over millennia. The narrator learns this when that cheeky little talking goat shows up and leads him back in time to seders of old. It’s an eye-opening experience for him as he travels through the space-time continuum, learning about the significance of the Exodus from Egypt and all the hardships the Jewish people have endured from the Spanish Inquisition to WWII where his brave Great Grandmother lived in the Warsaw Ghetto, from Minsk, USSR 1981 where his father grew up, or New York City, 1990, where his mother lived as a child.
I enjoyed how the story’s wicked humor and educational aspect paired perfectly. Ellsworth’s artistic interpretation, in black and white, of Horn’s text is impressive and easy to follow. The two work so seamlessly together that it’s hard to believe that not just one creator did it all. The novel ends in such a satisfying way that I was ready to sit back down and start it all over again. Don’t miss this recommended read. •Reviewed by Ronna Mandel

 

MORE RECOMMENDED PASSOVER READS:

MY MATZAH
Written and illustrated by Ann Koffsky
(Apples & Honey Press; $10.95, Ages 0-5)

 

 

 

The Curious Case of the Pot Roast cover child detective inspecting roast.THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE POT ROAST
Written by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh
Illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt
(Green Bean Books; $13.99, Ages 4-7)

Available for purchase in the U.K. now.
Available for purchase in the U.S. on May 30, 2025

 

A Purr-fect Passover cover cats at seder.A PURR-FECT PASSOVER
Written by Jenna Waldman
Illustrated by Erica J. Chen
(Apples & Honey Press; $19.99, Ages  3-6)

 

 

 

Next Year in The White House cover Obama first seder.NEXT YEAR IN THE WHITEHOUSE
Written by Richard Michelson
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
(Crown Books for Young Readers with PJ Library; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

Starred Review  – Booklist, Kirkus

 

 

 

Zayde_Babysits_Before_Passover_cover_Zayde_and_Ruthie_at_supermarket Zayde Babysits Before Passover cover Zayde and Ruthie at supermarket. ZAYDE BABYSITS BEFORE PASSOVER
Written by Jane Sutton
Illustrated by Kate Chappell
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $18.99, Ages 4-9)

 

 

 

Passover on Everest cover two hikers and tents below.PASSOVER ON EVEREST
Written by Rachelle Burk
Illustrated by Craig Orback
(Intergalactic Afikomen; $19.99, Ages 4-10)

 

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Three New Children’s Passover Books for 2024

 

 

NEW CHILDREN’S PASSOVER BOOKS

Passover Clip Art

 

 

Afikoman Where'd You Go cover kids in treehouse afikoman on roofAFIKOMAN, WHERE’D YOU GO?:
A Passover Hide-and-Seek Adventure
Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Illustrated by Noa Kelner
(Rocky Pond Books; $18.99, Ages 4-8)
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There’s a mischievous personified piece of matzoh on the loose in the pages of Afikoman, Where’d You Go? and I got such a kick out of looking for him. Your kids will too! This picture book is not only written in well-crafted rhyme, it’s also relatable to anyone who’s ever attended a Seder, Jewish or not.
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At the Passover seder, youngsters are always eager to start the traditional search for the afikoman which happens halfway through the meal. The Glossary, helpfully included at the start of the story, defines the afikoman as “The piece of matzoh that is symbolically broken and then hidden, as part of a ritual during the seder.” Children hunt for him around the house or in a particular designated room. The process varies from house to house. In this tale, the kids check out every place indoors with no luck. The wily matzoh, like the Gingerbread Man, is one step ahead. Next up, the backyard.
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Part of the fun is searching every single spread to see where Afikoman is hiding. I have to admit there was one spread where I could not locate the clever cracker! That’s the bathroom scene which I’ve checked multiple times. And when I did spot him, I laughed out loud a few times. The catchy refrain, “Is he hiding somewhere high? Is he hiding somewhere low? Afikoman? Afikoman? Afikoman? WHERE’D YOU GO?” adds to the read-aloudability.
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When the afikoman is finally found, it’s time to return to the table and continue the seder. Here’s where the author and illustrator have included a satisfying surprise ending. The detailed artwork (created using pencil, ink, and Photoshop) includes a determined family dog who, along with a diverse group of kids, team up to track down Afikoman and enjoy themselves the entire time. One of my favorite illustrations is the children’s messy bedroom. It’s hard to know if the kids did that or if it was like that already! Sure to invite multiple readings for the holiday, Afikoman, Where’d You Go? easily gets a thumbs up from me.

 

Everybody's Book cover hiding Haggadah in Mosque bookcase.EVERYBODY’S BOOK: 
The Story of the Sarajevo Haggadah
Written by Linda Leopold Strauss
Illustrated by Tim Smart
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

A richly recounted nonfiction story as colorful as the history of the titular Sarajevo Haggadah, Everybody’s Book is an enlightening read. I had the good fortune to visit Sarajevo at the end of 1989 before the city was ravaged by war but hadn’t heard about the famous Haggadah. I’m happy to have had the chance to learn. If the topic is of further interest, parents can also learn more by reading Geraldine Brooks’ The People of The Book.

The book opens with an introduction explaining how the storied Sarajevo Haggadah was first given to a bride and group circa 1350. Readers then learn that in “the late 1400s” the expulsion of Jews during the Spanish Inquisition was a scary time. In Spain, Jews were forced to convert to Christianity or leave. Lives were upended and never the same. Many families fled with nothing but the family that owned what became known as the Sarajevo Haggadah took it with them when they escaped. Over time the Haggadah changed hands multiple times eventually landing in Italy to a new generation of owners and ultimately to Bosnia where it continued to be used “during Passover Seders.”

“By 1894, the family that owned the Haggadah had fallen on hard times …” Alas the treasured family heirloom was sold. It was bought by the National History Museum of Sarajevo, a religiously diverse and mostly tolerant city where it was revered. The museum managed to keep the Sarajevo Haggadah safe until WWII broke out.

When the Nazis tried to get their hands on it, the fast-thinking museum director fabricated a web of lies but that didn’t stop the Nazis from searching the museum albeit to no avail. It is said that the curator then took the Haggadah to “a remote village, where an imam of a small mosque hid it among sacred Islamic texts.” When the war ended the Haggadah was returned to Sarajevo but peace there remained fragile.

After WWII, “Bosnians, Serbs, and Croats became part of unified Yugoslavia under one leader.” Following his death in 1980, tensions that had been simmering over the years reached a climax, and fighting among the three groups began. “In 1991, Serbs attacked Bosnia.” Another war threatened the safety of the Sarajevo Haggadah. When the museum was bombed the following year, a Muslim university professor helped rescue the book once again. This new war saw the destruction of the National and University Library of Sarajevo though citizens “formed a human chain to save whatever books they could. By this time, not just Bosnians knew about the famed Sarajevo Haggadah, and the world worried about this treasure.

One of my favorite spreads is the one that depicts a Passover Seder in 1995, in the midst of the war. “Christian, Orthodox, Catholic, and Muslim leaders joined Jews at Sarajevo’s only remaining synagogue …” During the Seder, the Bosnian President, a Muslim, arrived with the Haggadah to assure all those in attendance that it was safe. When the war ended and the Bosnian National Museum was constructed, the Sarajevo Haggadah was restored and placed among other historic treasures for all to see. Everybody’s Book could now truly be enjoyed by everybody. Tim Smart’s watercolor art has a sketch-like, loose quality showing the flow of time and the ever-changing circumstances the Sarajevo Haggadah endured. This picture book is an important one that emphasizes how the power of people from all religions and walks of life can make a difference when they find common ground. How lucky we all are that this marvelous book from a marriage over 670 years ago has survived. Oh, the stories its pages could tell!

ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS:
A PASSOVER CELEBRATION IN 14 STORIES
Edited by Chris Baron, Joshua S. Levy, and Naomi Milliner
Illustrated by Shannon Hochman
(Amulet Books; $18.99, Ages 8-12)

While there could be a plethora of themes for a Passover anthology, selecting the 14 steps of the Seder as an entry point is perfect. It’s what drew me to this book in addition to the title. It did not hurt that a host of bestselling and award-winning authors and one author-illustrator embraced and wrote about one particular step. Their instructions were only to approach the topic in any way they desired. This made for a fascinating and engrossing read. If I had the time, upon finishing my first read-through, I could have started all over again. It’s just that good!

As I dove in, I never knew what type of story would greet me, and that’s only one part of the magic of this holiday collection. Whatever way you choose to read On All Other Nights, you will be treated to a variety of top-notch middle-grade voices, approaches, plots, and characters. You can read it all in one sitting, devouring every delicious and meaningful step, or take it one short story at a time, savoring each one slowly like the Seder meal itself. At the start of each story, there is a brief, helpful description of the step. I was impressed at how creative the stories tackled each subject. Apropos of the title are also four thoughtful questions (the Four Questions being an important element of the Seder which generally the youngest asks) tweens can contemplate or parents and teachers can use for discussions.

Just like there are many kinds of Jewish ethnicities around the world (e.g. Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Mizrahi, and more) and different branches of Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and more), there are many different stories in this collection. Each story has a unique style and appeal. I loved the story featuring an Autistic character, Myra, who could not stand the smell of gefilte fish. It especially resonated with me having a son with sensory processing disorder for whom certain smells can drive him out of a room as it did for the girl in this story. Another story that’s stayed with me is the one about a family of Romanian immigrants on New York’s Lower East Side. In it, the brother and sister are tasked with getting the maror (bitter herb) for the Seder from their father’s pushcart. At his sister’s behest, the brother retells a fairy tale about a witch and a memory spell. This relates to the brother’s annoyance that his sister does not seem to remember much of their life in Romania before emigrating. Later on, the younger sister cleverly and courageously helps her brother rescue a new Polish immigrant being beaten up, revealing some surprising truths.

The fourteen On All Other Nights contributors include: Chris Baron, Ruth Behar, Adam Gidwitz, Veera Hiranandani, Amy Ignatow Sarah Kapit, Joshua S. Levy, Mari Lowe, Naomi Milliner, Soifya Pasternack, R. M. Romero, A. J. Sass, Laura Shovan, and Laurel Snyder.

Black and white art accompanies every chapter and the captivating cover invites children to think about their own role in the Seder. Readers are treated to tempting recipes in the backmatter from celebrated chefs and professionals. Contributor bios and acknowledgments can also be found there. At a recent signing event, editor Joshua S. Levy explained that the anthology is a mirror and window book. It communicates core human values to a wide audience with universal appeal. And that same evening, Chris Baron said the challenge with the anthology was “How do you breathe life into these steps?”  To which I say “Exactly like On All Other Nights did. Brilliantly!”

Click here to read last year’s roundup.

Also Recommended:

Why_on_This_Night_cover_Jews_and_Red_Sea_partingWHY ON THIS NIGHT?:
A Passover Haggadah for Family Celebration
Written by Rahel Musleah
Illustrated by Louise August
(Kalaniot Books; $19.99, Ages 7-11)

Publisher Description:

The rich traditions of Passover come alive in this contemporary family haggadah. Updated from the original 2000 edition, this holiday favorite is available again for families to treasure. As children and adults gather at the seder dinner to remember the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom, this creative, yet authentic haggadah will guide and engage them. Lushly illustrated, with blessings and text of every major section of the haggadah in Hebrew, English translation, and transliteration, the welcoming and accessible style of Why On This Night? will make it a treasured seder companion year after year.

 

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New Passover Picture Books for Kids 2021

 

NEW PASSOVER PICTURE BOOKS

FOR KIDS

 

 

What I love about Passover is the tradition, the same old same old I know and love. It’s comforting as well as delicious. And, since Seder, the meal we enjoy, means “order” in Hebrew, we repeat the same rituals Jewish people have done for centuries to feel a connection to the past. Here are a few new Passover picture books plus a link to a fourth (an interview) to share with your children this year and for years to come.

 

Meet the Matzah cvr Passover Picture_BooksMEET THE MATZAH
Written and illustrated by Alan Silberberg
(Viking BYR; $17.99, Ages 3-5)

Fans of Meet the Latkes, get ready for a wild and whimsical ride! This follow-up picture book promises to bring smiles to young readers with its tale of Alfie Koman, a piece of matzah known to hide, who needs to unmuddle the sourdough bully Loaf’s version of the Passover Story. Who enslaved the Hebrews according to Loaf? Pha-roach! With the help of his braided bff, Challa Looyah, Alfie must emerge from undercover to set the record straight. The hilarious artwork is what I’d call the butter on the matzah. It just doesn’t get funnier than this! Don’t miss the adorable book trailer here.

 

MATAZH CRAZE
Written by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh
Illustrated by Lauren Gallegos
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $17.99 HC, $7.99 PB, Ages 4-9)

Matzah Craze is a great introduction to matzah and its history for anyone who is unfamiliar with it and the tradition of not eating bread during Passover.

This fast-paced rhyming read opens at lunchtime when everyone in the school cafeteria swaps food except for Noa. You’ll want to slow down to enjoy the Gallegos’s lively art and diverse student body. On this day Noa’s got food in her lunch bag no one recognizes and she doesn’t have enough to share. “All week long, I don’t eat bread. Matzah’s what I eat instead,” she tells her friends.

She then explains how the Jews fled Pharaoh’s oppression with no time in the rush to escape for bread to rise. As her friends walk away, Noa wonders. “Is there more that she could do? Let them taste Passover too?” When she brings in enough matzah to share with her friends the following day, with an assortment of toppings, its popularity causes a matzah craze.

Eating matzah is always a fun part of the holiday. I’m a big fan of chocolate-covered matzah as well as matzah spread with haroset. This food made with fruit and nuts symbolizes the mortar used by slaves in Egypt. I hope anyone reading Matzah Craze will experiment with all the delicious ways to enjoy matzah just like Noa’s friends. There’s also a note in the back matter explaining a bit more about the Passover holiday. Families and teachers will find this picture book helpful to discuss sharing, introducing a new food and its cultural and religious importance to those unfamiliar with it, as well as an enjoyable holiday read-aloud.

 

THE GREAT PASSOVER ESCAPE
Written by Pamela Moritz
Illustrated by Florence Weiser
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $17.99 HC, $7.99 PB, Ages 4-9)

Whenever my husband and I went on vacation we always took the kids to a zoo so I was happy to be introduced to the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem, aka the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo where this story unfolds.

Ellie the beautiful purple elephant would like to find a family to celebrate the first night of Passover with and she can count on her friend, Kang, the Kangaroo, to join her. Chimp, on the other hand, is not keen on this risky adventure and would prefer to sleep.

Every time Ellie or Kang discuss the seder they’d like to attend, they get all the words wrong and Chimp is quick to correct them which is something children will enjoy. Ellie calls the Haggadah a coloring book. Kang calls it a notebook until Chimp sets them straight. The eager pair plan their escape for the following evening. It seems Zookeeper Shmulik, who cleans Ellie’s habitat, has told her all about Passover and one part especially appeals to her, “Let all who are hungry come and eat.”

Naturally to escape the pals will need the help and agility of Chimp who is pretty easy to convince. Once out of the confines of the zoo, Ellie, Kang, and Chimp stroll through the neighborhood in search of a seder. When eventually the animals peek in a well-lit window, they see a beautifully set table and are surprised to discover who the welcoming host is.

I admire Weiser’s atmospheric artwork with people in shadow at nighttime, as well as her lovely color palette perfect for Israel’s warm climate. There’s a fun, retro look to the illustrations that add to the playfulness of Moritz’s story.

I had a smile on my face while reading this entertaining book because it was not only such a sweet animal tale, but it was gently educational without hitting readers over the head. While it does help to have some understanding of the Jewish holiday Passover, readers will still learn about certain Passover words like seder, the traditional meal, some of the foods on the seder plate such as haroset and maror, and what they symbolize as well as the story of how Passover came to be. Back matter goes into more detail about the Passover holiday and also includes photos of the real Jerusalem Biblical Zoo.

 

Don’t miss Ronna’s interview below with debut picture book author Susan Kusel about her soon-to-be classic, The Passover Guest.

 

The Passover Guest – An Interview with Author Susan Kusel (goodreadswithronna.com)

 

 

 

 

 

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An Interview with The Passover Guest Author Susan Kusel

AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR SUSAN KUSEL

ABOUT HER DEBUT PICTURE BOOK

THE PASSOVER GUEST

(Neal Porter Books; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

 

The Passover Guest cover

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SHORT SUMMARY:

In The Passover Guest, written by Susan Kusel and illustrated by Sean Rubin, Muriel assumes her family is too poor to hold a Passover Seder this year, but an act of kindness and a mysterious magician change everything.

 

INTERVIEW:

GoodReadsWithRonna: Welcome, Susan! Congratulations on your debut picture book, The Passover Guest!

Susan Kusel: Thank you so much for having me here! I am honored to be on this blog

GRWR:  How does it feel as a synagogue librarian and indie bookstore book buyer to know your new book,
The Passover Guest, has landed on shelves? 

SK: It’s an absolutely surreal feeling to know that my book has a spot in some of my favorite libraries and bookstores. I am humbled by the idea of a child pulling it off the shelf and reading it.

GRWR: When did the seed to become a storyteller first plant itself in your soul? Can you recall the first books that sparked your imagination? 

SK: I’ve wanted to be a writer for so long, it’s hard to remember the exact moment I started. I do remember the first time I ever wrote a complete book though. It was for a 5th grade English assignment and was about a Russian Jewish girl named Rachel. I remember being very proud of the special folder I put the book into.

My mom used to read to me every night when I was a child and some of my favorite books then were Cars and Trucks and Things That Go by Richard Scarry, Walter the Baker by Eric Carle, Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton and of course, The Magician by I.L. Peretz, adapted by Uri Shulevitz.

 

The Passover Guest int1
Interior spread from The Passover Guest, A Neal Porter Book/Holiday House © 2021. Text copyright © 2021 by Susan Kusel Illustrations copyright © 2021 by Sean Rubin

 

GRWR: What inspired you to write The Passover Guest as a retelling of the classic I. L. Peretz’s story adapted by Uri Shulevitz in 1973 rather than create a new tale? 

SK: As I mentioned above, The Magician was in regular reading rotation by my mother when I was younger and so it’s a story I’ve been in love with for a long time. When I rediscovered the book in a library as an adult, I still thought it was an amazing story, but I noticed some plot elements that I wished were different. That started me down the path of doing an adaptation of Peretz’s story, a process that took about ten years.

GRWR: Aside from setting the story in 1933 Depression-era D.C. are there any other notable changes you wanted to make for 21st-century young readers? 

SK: The most significant change I made was adding the character of Muriel. In the Peretz version, the story is about a couple but I thought that it was very important to add a child character. There are also a number of subtle changes I added, such as Muriel putting a penny in the Magician’s hat, the rabbi coming to Muriel’s seder, the whole community filling the house, the matzah breaking itself in two, and several smaller plot points. My goal was to stay true to Peretz’s message while making the story my own.

GRWR: What were your go-to Jewish holiday books growing up and right now? Do you have a collection? 

SK: Jewish stories have always been very important to me, but when I was growing up, we owned very few. Our whole book collection, which took up half a shelf in my brother’s closet, was primarily obtained from library book sales. We supplemented these with library books. I only had a few Jewish books including The Power of Light by Isaac Bashevis Singer and Potato Pancakes All Around by Marilyn Hirsh (which we used then, and I still use now for the latke recipe).

As for now, I am typing this while sitting in my home library surrounded by picture books, including several shelves just for Jewish books. Current favorites include Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel (no holiday list is complete without it!), I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel by Caryn Yacowitz, The Matzah Papa Brought Home by Fran Manushkin (sadly out of print but still extraordinary), and Here is the World by Lesléa Newman. That’s really just a small sample though because there are so many Jewish holiday books I love.

GRWR: Has your experience on the Caldecott Medal selection committee or as chair of the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee influenced your writing in any way? 

SK: One of the most common pieces of advice given to writers is to read extensively in your field. I think those committees, as well as others I’ve been on, have certainly helped me with that. When you are reading hundreds and hundreds of books in a genre, it does give you a better sense of what is currently published. Being on so many committees has helped me see what the conventions are, and how they can be broken and how I can be a better writer.

GRWR: Sean Rubin’s art is as magical as your prose and the mysterious guest himself. Do you have a particular favorite spread from the book you can tell us about? 

SK: I think Sean did a truly extraordinary job on the illustrations and picking just one of them is like trying to pick a favorite child. I think his work adds so much to the book and makes it complete.

I could easily go on at length about every individual spread and how much I love it, but if I can only pick one, it would be when Muriel goes to the synagogue to consult the rabbi. Over the course of one continuous spread, Sean shows us four completely separate and distinct scenes and the cause and effect of each one of them. And all of this against the astonishingly beautiful and majestic background of the Sixth and I Synagogue, a D.C. Jewish landmark. 

GRWR: Early on in The Passover Guest Muriel meets an unusual street performer to whom she gives her last penny. Can you speak to the story idea of magic and how, especially in tough times, this kind of belief can help people? 

SK: I think it’s always a good time to believe in the possibility of magic, especially during difficult times. You never know who that bedraggled stranger might turn out to be. Faith and hope are so important.

 

The Passover Guest int2
Interior spread from The Passover Guest, A Neal Porter Book/Holiday House © 2021. Text copyright © 2021 by Susan Kusel Illustrations copyright © 2021 by Sean Rubin

 

GRWR: Where do you find the time to write with all your other commitments? Do you have a daily routine? 

SK: I’d love to be able to say that I sit down in the same place at the same time every day and write for the same amount of time. But the truth, as you alluded to in this question, is that I have multiple jobs, commitments, and children, and I do my best to write as much as I can when I can.

GRWR: You mentioned in your author’s note that Passover has always been your favorite holiday, can you tell us why? 

SK: I love so many things about Passover: the coming of spring, getting the seder plate ready, singing songs, finding the afikomen, eating too much charoset, being with family, and much more. It’s always been a magical holiday for me and I’m delighted that this book lets me share some of that magic.

GRWR: Are you working on your next book? Will it have a Jewish theme? 

SK: I’m working on several next books, all with Jewish themes. I have a real commitment to telling Jewish stories.

GRWR: It’s been wonderful having you as a guest here today, Susan! I really appreciate your thoughtful replies and am looking forward to sharing a review of your book when we get closer to Passover.

Author Susan KuselBRIEF BIO:

Susan Kusel has turned a life as a book lover into many careers as an author, librarian, and buyer for a bookstore. She has served on many book award committees including the Caldecott Medal and the Sydney Taylor Book Award. She loves biking, cross-stitching, and of course, reading. Learn more about Susan on her website and by following her on social media.

Twitter: @susankusel
Instagram: @susanhkusel
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Click here to read another picture book author interview.

 

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Best Passover Books for Children – The Passover Mouse

THE PASSOVER MOUSE

Written by Joy Nelkin Wieder

Illustrated by Shahar Kober

(Doubleday BYR; $17.99, Ages 3-7)

 

The Passover Mouse cvr

 

★Starred review – Kirkus

The night before Passover, a hungry and mischievous mouse steals a single bread crumb from a pile of chometz (leavened food) on a table where it waits to be burned in the morning, (to prevent the house being contaminated during Passover), and the adventure of The Passover Mouse begins! The mouse is chased first to the cobbler’s house, and then to the matchmaker’s. A different mouse and a cat join the fun, and confusion and chaos descend upon the community as they try to figure out what to do about the homes that have possibly being contaminated with the stray chometz.

This playful and inspiring tale is based upon and introduces children to a passage from the Talmud, a collection of ancient rabbis’ commentaries on Jewish law. Along with delightful illustrations by Shahar Kober, the traditional story presents a conundrum for the community, which is not resolved right away. The puzzling problem is presented to the town’s Rabbi, who presents an answer, but how to carry it out is ultimately suggested by a child, who speaks up and suggests community cooperation, which is embraced by everyone.

 

Passover Mouse interior spread 1
Interior spread from The Passover Mouse written by Joy Nelkin Wieder and illustrated by Shahar Kober, Doubleday BYR ©2020.

 

Joy Nelkin Wieder’s debut picture book reads like a traditional folk tale, and kids will have fun learning the many Hebrew and Yiddish words which are used throughout the story. Some may be familiar (Oy vey!) while some may be less known (yeshiva) but thankfully there is a glossary in the back with definitions along with an indication of how to pronounce them. An author’s note is also included which explains the original passage in the Talmud.

Kober’s illustrations have an engaging cast of lively, multi-generational characters that grow in numbers as the story progresses. Individual characters are recognizable and can be found, and followed, through the book. Kids will want to linger over the assorted expressive faces which reveal their personalities and reactions. The Seder scene accurately depicts traditional food, and the clothing and setting throughout portrays a traditional, fabled Jewish community. Kober’s consistent pallet of earthy colors and bright accents invoke a warm and inviting feeling that enhances the warmth and togetherness of this assorted but unified community.

 

Passover Mouse interior spread 2(1)
Interior spread from The Passover Mouse written by Joy Nelkin Wieder and illustrated by Shahar Kober, Doubleday BYR ©2020.

 

The story starts with the mouse, but the main thrust of the story involves the community who take a journey from confusion, blame and arguing, to unity—coming together and working together to solve their problem. In the end, everyone has re-established their friendships, spread some kindness, and even the mouse (and its companions) don’t go hungry (don’t miss the art on the last page! A wonderful tale and moral not only for Passover, but for any time of year.

Learn more about the Perfect2020PBs group here.

  • Guest Review by Molly Ruttan
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    Molly Ruttan’s illustration debut, I AM A THIEF! by Abigail Rayner from NorthSouth Books had its book birthday on September 3, 2019, and has earned a starred Kirkus review. Molly’s author-illustrator debut, THE STRAY, is forthcoming from Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House in May 2020. Molly Ruttan grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, and holds a BFA in graphic design from the Cooper Union School of Art. She lives, works and creates art in the diverse and historic neighborhood of Echo Park in Los Angeles, California. Find Molly online at www.mollyruttan.com, on Twitter @molly_ruttan and on Instagram@mollyillo
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Kids Books – Celebrate With Pippa’s Passover Plate by Vivian Kirkfield

PIPPA’S PASSOVER PLATE
Written by Vivian Kirkfield
Illustrated by Jill Weber
(Holiday House; $17.99, Ages 4-8)

 

book cover illustration by Jill Weber from Pippas Passover Plate by Vivian Kirkfield

 

I’m always happy to welcome a new picture book with an original take on the holiday into the mix of Passover stories. Today I’m reviewing Vivian Kirkfield’s charming Pippa’s Passover Plate with illustrations by Jill Weber so you’ll have time to pick up a copy to read before and during your family’s upcoming Seders.

The premise of this read aloud tale told in rhyme is that Pippa the mouse cannot locate her Seder plate, a plausible predicament even for humans! The pressure’s on because this concerned pip squeak must find the plate before sundown and the start of her Seder (the traditional annual ritual where people of Jewish faith gather with friends and family to eat, read, share stories and celebrate the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt).

 

Pippas Passover Plate by Vivian Kirkfield int illustration in kitchen by Jill Weber
Interior spread from Pippa’s Passover Plate written by Vivian Kirkfield with illustrations by Jill Weber, Holiday House ©2019.

 

Kirkfield clearly has fun with the verse and her meter is spot-on throughout the book:

“Pippa climbs up on a chair,
stretches up–the cupboard’s bare!
Teetor-totter–hold on tight!
Weeble-wobble–what a fright!”

At the start of her search, Pippa asks Sphinx the cat if it’s seen the plate. After no luck there, Pippa is told to try Snake. Each time she must approach an ominous new creature, Pippa is filled with dread, and the following repeating and repeatable refrain …

“Quiver! Quaver!
Shiver! Shake!”

… adds to the page turn appeal of the story since the little mouse must face her fears in order to find the missing plate. Her potential predators, however, don’t seem to want to do her harm.

When Owl wisely suggests that Pippa “question Golda Fish” (great name btw), it seems an easier, less scary task to undertake. Weber’s wonderful artwork here in addition to elsewhere in the book complements the text where Golda is described as quite enchanted with herself. Since a mirror isn’t available, a brass Seder plate in which she can admire her reflection is apparently the next best thing. I love Weber’s palate of all shades of yellow, a cheerful color to counter any feelings of danger when Pippa meets Sphinx, Snake and Owl. How the plate landed in the lake is up for debate so why not ask your child? I’m sure they’ll spin some wild tales. The good news is that Pippa can now prepare the Seder.

No longer fearful of the animals, Pippa invites them all to her Seder and the story ends with a frame-worthy illustration of the Seder plate, and the special food that goes on it. I do wish there had been one page of back matter that included a description of what each of the six food items represents in relation to Passover. Nonetheless that’s easily found online and the majority of readers will know and can explain that to their children. For teachers planning to read Pippa’s Passover Plate to a class, I recommend having this information on hand for inquiring minds. It also couldn’t hurt to include info on what matzo is and why a piece of it gets hidden during the Seder since it’s mentioned on the second to last page when the friends are gathered together to celebrate the holiday.

 

Pippas Passover Plate by Vivian Kirkfield with art by Jill Weber Seder Plate art
Interior artwork from Pippa’s Passover Plate written by Vivian Kirkfield with illustrations by Jill Weber, Holiday House ©2019.

 

I recommend this adorable picture book which provides the perfect opportunity to discuss Passover traditions, especially for little ones ages 3-6 who will find Pippa’s plight engaging and most enjoyable. Happy Passover!

  • Reviewed by Ronna Mandel

 

Find a Passover book review from last year by clicking here.

 

 

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Paulie’s Passover Predicament by Jane Sutton

PAULIE’S PASSOVER PREDICAMENT
Written by Jane Sutton
Illustrated by Barbara Vagnozzi
(Kar-Ben; $17.99 hardcover, $7.99 paperback, Ages 4-6)

 

Cover art for Paulie's Passover Predicament

 

I don’t have a flair for cooking and it seems the same can be said about the main character and moos-ician, Paulie, in Paulie’s Passover Predicament by Jane Sutton. As the Passover Seder host, Paulie gets all the important dishes wrong. But unlike me, Paulie scores points because he at least makes the effort to prepare an entire meal whereas I’m more comfortable (and it’s safer, too) being someone else’s Seder guest.

Paulie’s invited all his animal friends over which includes Evelyn, Horace, Irving, Moe and Sally. At first his pals seem impressed by his Passover Seder spread. Soon however, as each traditional dish is served, there are giggles, chuckles and guffaws. “I see you have an extremely large egg on your seder plate,” said Moe. How big you ask? It’s an Ostrich egg!

 

Int artwork from Paulie's Passover Predicament
Interior artwork and text from Paulie’s Passover Predicament © 2018 by Jane Sutton, Illustrations copyright © 2018 Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.

 

There’s pepper in the salt water that’s supposed to represent “the tears of our ancestors when they were slaves,” but Paulie’s put pepper in so the pepper wouldn’t be jealous of the salt. He’s mixed pine cones instead of walnuts into the charoset, uses grass in place of parsley, and for the maror he’s carved a horse out of a radish instead of using horseradish!! But rather than ridicule Paulie who is embarrassed and saddened by his mistakes, his pals realize he’s just put his own special spin on the seder and love him for it. Happy again, Paulie reflects on the special meal. “He loved dipping his hoof in grape juice as he and his friends recited The Ten Plagues.”

When Sally is selected to hide the afikomen, everyone goes searching. Lucky Paulie finds it but unluckily gets stuck in the basement until his ingenuity saves the day (and the afikomen). I like the symbolism in his being set free just like our ancestors were and the special camaraderie amongst all the friends afterwards as they sing Dayeinu. “If God had only taken us out of Egypt, it would have been enough. Dayeinu.”

Vagnozzi’s joyful artwork will delight youngsters, some of whom may be old enough to recite The Four Questions. Paulie’s Passover Predicament is a light-hearted look at the holiday and reinforces the message that it’s really not about the food, but about being together and honoring the traditions of the past generations. Enjoy your read-aloud time with this story and wishing all those who celebrate a very happy Passover 2018!

About Passover From Paulie’s Passover Predicament:
Passover is a spring holiday that celebrates the exodus of the Israelite slaves from Egypt. The holiday begins with a festive meal called a seder. Symbolic foods recall the bitterness of slavery, the haste in which the Jews left Egypt, and the joy of freedom. Children ask The Four Questions and look for the hidden piece of matzah—the afikomen—at the end of the meal.

 

  • Reviewed by Ronna Mandel

Click here for a link to 2017’s Passover book review of A Different Kind of Passover
Click here for a link to 2016’s Passover book review, More Than Enough

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A Different Kind of Passover by Linda Leopold-Strauss

A DIFFERENT KIND OF PASSOVER
Written by Linda Leopold-Strauss
Illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau
(Kar-Ben; Hardcover, $17.99;
Paperback, $7.99; eBook, $6.99, Ages 4-9)

 

Cover image of grandpa in bed from A Different Kind of Passover by Linda Leopold-Strauss

 

Any child who has ever celebrated a holiday when someone special couldn’t attend will relate to        A Different Kind of Passover. But even those who haven’t will appreciate the sentiments expressed and the lovely twist author Linda Leopold-Strauss has added in this heartwarming story I’m delighted to share.

Grandpa is sick and has just come back home from the hospital. That means the Passover seder will be different this year and narrator Jessica wonders how that will change things, especially now that she’s going to ask the Four Questions in Hebrew. And since she’s finding it hard to imagine a seder without Grandpa, Jessica soon realizes it doesn’t have to be that way. Grandpa may be nearby tucked in bed, and wearing pajamas, but how convenient that “… Grandpa’s door opens to the dining room?” notes an enthused Jessica. When Grandpa questions his participation in such attire, Grandma remarks, “Does God care if you’re in your pajamas?” The plan is hatched and the seder will take place  with most things remaining the same as always and just a few things different like Grandpa reclining in bed and cousin Mark “getting to sip sweet wine instead of grape juice, since he has just had his bar mitzvah.”

The joy of family and tradition in this story is wonderfully conveyed through Tugeau’s muted illustrations. I love the varied perspectives he shares, especially the ones where we know it’s Grandpa looking out on his family seated around the dining room table. Nothing says everyone must be in the same room for a seder so when Jessica comes up with the great idea to include Grandpa by leaving his bedroom door open, it’s symbolic in so many meaningful ways. Leopold-Strauss has created a sweet and thoughtfully written seder story that will resonate with young readers for years to come.

  • Reviewed by Ronna Mandel
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More Than Enough: A Passover Story by April Halprin Wayland

MORE THAN ENOUGH:
A PASSOVER STORY
Written by April Halprin Wayland
Illustrated by Katie Kath
(Dial Books for Young Readers; $16.99, Ages 3-5)

 

More_Than_Enough-cvr

 

Get ready for Passover with More Than Enough. In her new picture book, April Halprin Wayland captures the many joyful experiences children feel at Passover.

I found myself singing the story, moving easily and eagerly from page to page with More Than Enough’s perfectly paced melodic text. How apropos given that Wayland was inspired to write this picture book because of the Dayenu song, her favorite part of the Passover seder. In the author’s notes she explains, “For me, Dayenu’s message – being grateful for the blessings in each moment – goes beyond Passover.”

interior kitten MORE THAN ENOUGH
Interior artwork from More Than Enough by April Halprin Wayland with illustrations by Katie Kath, Dial Books for Young Readers ©2016.

 

Accenting every two or four lines is the word dayenu, reminding readers to savor the special moments and to count our blessings big and small. Whether wandering through the local farmers market with their mom while looking for Seder ingredients, or getting a new kitten from a shelter, the brother and sister narrators enjoy every moment of the lead up to the Passover holiday.

 

Interior rain MORE THAN ENOUGH
Interior artwork from More Than Enough by April Halprin Wayland with illustrations by Katie Kath, Dial Books for Young Readers ©2016.

 

Together with their parents, the siblings help make Charoset, a Passover dish symbolizing mortar. They then prepare to go to their grandma’s house for the Seder. Wayland takes readers through the Seder traditions so even those unfamiliar with Passover will find they’ve gotten a better understanding of this important Jewish celebration.

 

interior 4 MORE THAN ENOUGH
Interior artwork from More Than Enough by April Halprin Wayland with illustrations by Katie Kath, Dial Books for Young Readers ©2016.

 

Ending with our narrators’ full tummies and a Passover sleepover at Nana’s, More Than Enough is a heart-warming story and a welcome addition to any family’s holiday book collection. Jews and non-Jews will appreciate the glossary Wayland’s provided to introduce young readers to interesting Passover vocabulary. She’s even included  the song sheet for Dayenu for those who’d like a go at playing the song on their own.

Illustrator Katie Kath’s wonderful water colors are so cheerful and convey the excitement that children experience as Passover approaches. I especially liked all the Seder spreads with family gathered around Nana’s dining room table. Those illustrations took me back to the years of celebrating at my aunt’s house with my Nana, some of the sweetest memories I have of holiday time spent with family. I know readers will feel the same way, too.  Dayenu!

  • Reviewed by Ronna Mandel
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