Synopsis
Uses one family's celebration of Passover to describe the religious significance, traditions, customs, and symbols of this Jewish holiday.
Children's Literature
One of a series of Holiday House books about American celebrations, this book presents a family in Cincinnati, Ohio, celebrating the Jewish holiday of Passover. While the text does not provide vastly different information from other nonfiction picture books explaining this holiday, the full color photographs provide a distinctly up-to-date feel. Educators will be comfortable showing these pictures of children dressed in modern clothing, setting the holiday table and cooking with grandparents. The book begins with a picture of Micah, a nine-year-old boy smiling over the handlebars of his bike. The straightforward text says that Micah is a Cincinnati Reds fan and enjoys spring for two reasons--baseball and Passover. This depiction of ordinary American children celebrating a culturally specific holiday sends a positive message. There is a photograph of Micah, eating matzah at school. The caption states that his non-Jewish friends enjoy tasting matzah, too. Other photographs show traditional Passover foods, such as matzah and gefilte fish. The text includes a synopsis of the Passover story and definitions (including pronunciations) of Passover terms. Lines from a Reform Jewish Passover service are quoted. All in all, this book is a useful and attractive explanation of a Jewish holiday. 2000, Holiday House, Ages 8 to 12, $16.95. Reviewer: Jackie Hechtkopf—Children's Literature