(JTA) Welcoming a stranger — and opening one’s home to seder guests — is a theme that defines Passover, the eight-day annual holiday known as the Festival of Freedom.
That sentiment echoes several of this year’s new Easter books, many of which highlight the prophetess Miriam and feature cute animals — from frogs to chattering parrots — as well as family-friendly holiday scenes.
“My Passover Seder”
Claire AB Freeland; illustrated by Aviel Basil
Green Bean Books; birth to 3 years
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Claire Freeland’s book about an Easter celebration with pilgrims will tickle the little ones. The story follows the children as they dip vegetables, hear the story of Passover, hunt for matzah and hunt high and low for the hidden afikomen. Aviel Basil’s colorful, cartoon-like illustrations bring traditions to life.
“My First Easter”
Karen Katz
Godwin Books/Henry Holt and Company; 4-8 years
Karen Katz’s brightly colored and cheerful picture book follows a boy as he teaches about the Passover celebration. Seder means commandment, the boy tells his readers as he guides them through the haggadah, from reciting blessings to dipping vegetables, hiding the afikomen, telling the story of the Exodus – and eating and singing. The book is about a multi-generational, diverse group gathered around a holiday table.
“Talia and Easter E KAKA-GADA”
Linda Elovitz Marshall; illustrated by Francesca Assirelli
Kar-Ben Edition; 3-8 years
In Linda Elovitz Marshall’s Passover story, a spunky little girl named Talia does not understand the word haggadah – the book read aloud at the Passover celebration. He thinks the word starts with “to hook”. Talia patiently waits for the Four Questions, a retelling of the Exodus story and sings the beautiful song, “Dayenu” – but how much? At the end of the seder, Talia’s beloved grandmother shakes off her confusion – and gives Talia the best hug ever.
“All You Who Are Hungry, Come and Eat!: The Passover Story”
Leslie Kimmelman; illustrated by Alyssa Russell
Harper’s Edition; 4-8 years
A boy who likes big, loud Easter dinners worries about no guests at his family’s place. When his mother puts one place, she reminds him of the verse of the haggadah – “Let all the hungry come and eat.” As the family – and their poodle – begin to relax, a surprise awaits; the neighbor, grandparents and other relatives knock on the door, bringing Easter food to share. Even a cat, a chicken and a hungry bear are invited to participate. Alyssa Russell’s fun illustrations are winning over a growing crowd. Haroset recipe included.
“The Miracle of Matzah Pizza: The Long Story of the Bible”
Ann Diamond Koffsky
Intergalactic Afikomen; 4-10 years
On the third day of Passover, Sammy gets bored eating matzah. He no longer preaches to his Zayde. His grandfather responds with a long story that imagines Sammy among the ancient Israelites fleeing Egypt through the desert. Before the kids can say abracadabra, a series of light-hearted “miracles” produce the first matzah pizza. The story continues along with a real-life cooking project, recipe included.
“The Miracle of the Passover”
Anna Maria Shua; illustrated by Angels Ruiz
North South Books; 4-8 years
A little girl from Florida named Jordanita, goes to Mendoza, Argentina, with her family to celebrate Easter with their relatives. Their cozy house is full of pets including a dog, a cat and a pair of parrots named Tic and Toc, who live in a cage. While the children are listening to the story of Exodus that remembers the joy of freedom, Jordanita quietly opens the cage and her aunt’s favorite parrots fly free. In a touching scene, Jordanita admits that she wanted them to be free, just like other pets. Ángeles Ruiz’s vivid illustrations are sprinkled with Spanish words.
“Miriam and Her Dancing Shoes”
Sandy Eisenberg Sasso; illustrated by Joani Rothenberg
Devil & Honey Press; 3-6 years
When the ancient Israelites fled from slavery in Egypt, they were fearful and suspicious. Moses scolded them, but his wise sister, the prophetess, Miriam, took her drum and dancing shoes, shiny reed sandals. He lifted their spirits with song and dance, and the Israelites followed Moses through the miraculously parted waters of the Red Sea. Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso and Joani Rothenberg bring Miriam’s beautiful story to life, with brilliant collage-style illustrations.
“Woman of Valor: Heroines of Our History”
Edited by Rabbi Yosef Marcus; illustrated by Lia Baratz
Kehot Publishing Company; ages 12 and up
This beautifully designed volume, published by Chabad-Lubavitch Press, features Miriam among 24 biblical Jewish heroes described in verses from Eyshet Hayil, Woman of Valor, an ancient acrostic poem written by King Solomon. PJC
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