Passover!

What a delight to have a Passover book for young children that doesn't include the ten plagues! This author's elegant solution: "Moe sits in a lap to be sure he can see./ Together we read the story of how, now, we are free." In sweet rhyming verse, this picture book celebrates the warmth of family and Passover traditions. Grandparents arrive for the Seder with Mama, Papa, their three children and Izzy, the puppy. Their Seder is about food, finding the hidden "special piece of matzoh," singing songs, opening the door for Elijah, and finally, a huge family hug. The youngest child's exclaiming "Deelish!" while ogling a plate of gefilte fish may make adults smile at the stretch, but the story's appeal is sure to win over both children and adult readers. A page at the end helpfully explains the "whys" behind many of the Passover traditions shown. The warm orange glow of the gouache and acrylic paint drawings over digital collage infuse the story with an innocent joy. Springtime details endear, such as the two robins sitting over three eggs on the title page. On the final endpaper, the happy baby birds have hatched. A concluding illustrated game to hunt through the book for nine Passover items adds another level of fun for the pre-school audience. Preschool. Reviewed by Lee Wind

Roni Schotter has written an important children's book that will entertain but also will explain the Jewish holiday of Passover. Moe's family gathers together to celebrate Passover. At Passover no one is turned away. The family shares a delectable meal, called the Seder. They read the story of how they are now free. They are no longer slaves. Grandpa hides the matzoh and it's a surprise to learn who finds it. At the end of the book there is a page that explains the holiday of Passover. Children will learn about the Seder, a special book called the Haggadah, what certain foods represent and why Matzoh is the only bread eaten during the eight days of Passover and what part opening the door plays in the ceremony. And then there is the prize! Read and learn about it. Passover! is a book to share with your children before Passover begins. It is also a book that children who are not Jewish can read and learn about the traditions, and religion of others who are most likely their friends and neighbors. The illustrations are inviting. They make you want to pull up a chair and share the Seder with Moe and his family. Armchair Interviews says: Passover! is a book both children and adults, Jewish and those who are not will enjoy and can learn from.

Celebrate the magic of Passover and sit at the Seder table with Moe and his family as they celebrate this special holiday. What is that food? And why are they hiding the matzoh? Learn all about how Jewish families celebrate Passover in this rhyming picture book with back-of-the-book material describing the history, foods and traditions surrounding this Jewish celebration. Artwork by Erin Eitter Kono, author/illustrator of the beautiful Hula Lullaby.