Christians respect and appreciate the Jewish Passover observants as they remember when God brought the Israelites out of Egypt. Passover commemorates the night when the first born son in every home died unless there was the blood of the sacrificial lamb on the door lintels. Hence, the home with the sacrifice blood was "passed over" by the death angel.
The Story of Passover by David A. Adler
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| ISBN: 9780823429028 Hardcover $15.99 USD |
My thoughts: This well done picture book recounts the story of the captivity of Israelites in Egypt, their persecution by the Egyptians, decree of Pharaoh to kill all newborn male Hebrews (Israelites). The Hebrew mother of the baby Moses placed him in a basket and set it afloat in the river. Moses was discovered by the Egyptian princess and raised as her son.
Later Moses slew an Egyptian and fled. The book then switches to Moses and his brother, Aaron, who, were instructed by God to ask Pharaoh to release the Hebrews; but their request was denied. Then God sent the ten plagues. Then on the tenth plague, the first born son of the Egyptians died but the Angel of Death passed over the homes of the Hebrews without killing the first born son.
I think this is a really good retelling of this horrific period of Biblical history. They do, however, leave out the sacrificial lamb and meal of the Hebrews. They leave out the marking of the door lintels with the blood of the lamb. They leave out the requirement for this blood in order for the Angel of Death to pass over the house thus saving the first born son of the household. I think this most likely because it is too harsh for a young child's book, but since this is a Jewish authored book, there may be a different reason that I, as a Christian, do not understand.
The story is harsh because the captivity period, treatment of the Israelites by Egyptians was harsh, the plagues were horrific. But it is well done and should be well received when read to children by caring, instructive parents.
Exodus 12:21-28 - Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the ...
About the book: With colorful, full-page illustrations, this Passover book for kids 4-8 tells the story of the Jewish holiday while helping children prepare for their own seder.
This simple picture book introduction to the Passover story pairs an engaging retelling with bold illustrations, perfect for young readers. One of the most significant holidays in Jewish tradition, Passover commemorates Moses leading his people out of slavery in Egypt. This Passover book for children recounts the major events of the story in dramatic but accessible language, from Jacob settling in Egypt to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea.
The text and images have been vetted for accuracy by a rabbinical authority, and the book includes an author's note about the modern Passover celebration, the seder, and how the different parts of the meal symbolize elements of the story. With its lovely colorful illustrations and simple text, this is the perfect read aloud book to accompany a Passover Haggadah for children and help prepare kids for their own seder, both at home and in the classroom.
Pippa's Passover Plate by Vivian Kirkfield
My thoughts: Pippa is a delightful little mouse who is about to prepare for Passover but can't find her favorite Sedar or Passover plate. In a hurry, scurry she goes about her critter neighborhood asking if anyone has seen it. She does eventually find it and they all gather around to enjoy the Passover meal.
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| ISBN: 9780823441624 Hardcover $17.99 USD |
Written in easy rhyme and illustrated sweetly with cute critters amidst the environment they usually enjoy, the book is a delight. Also of note, Jewish readers will enjoy seeking out small indicators that this is indeed a Jewish story - a Star of David on a candle holder, a book titled "The Haggadah," box of Matzos, the Sedar Plate.
A fun book for ages 4 to 8.
About the book: Sundown is near, and it's almost time for the Seder to begin-- but where is Pippa's special Passover plate?
Pippa the Mouse has been working hard all day-- cleaning her house, setting the table, cooking the meal. Everything looks great-- but her special Seder plate is missing!
Searching through her tiny house turns up nothing, so Pippa ventures out to ask her neighbors if they can help. Bravely, she asks the other animals for help, but the snake, owl, and cat haven't seen her plate, either. But it's almost time for the Seder to begin, so she keeps looking-- and when she finds it, she invites all the other animals home to join her celebration.
Rising by Sidura Ludwig
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| ISBN: 9781536225495 Hardcover $18.99 USD |
My thoughts: This is such a beautiful book. Lovely, gentle illustrations walk the reader through the story visually and provide hidden innuendoes and clues to family, faith, and imagery.
The challah bread has six strips that are braided into one load. This represents the six days of labor and day of rest. The title of the book is "Rising." The first line.... "I rise with Ima in the early morning." The next page .... "...Yeast bubbles in the warm water." ... "My hot chocolate and her tea sit beside it, steam from both our cups rising."
Then there is a two page spread for after the dough is set aside in a bowl under a towel. The picture shows a very pregnant Ima resting and the child enjoying the out-of-doors while they wait.... "It rises and we wait. Ima says everything grows in its own time."
The story and the day progresses leading to dinner and Shabbat. ... "We say, Thank you, Hashem, for so many blessings."
An absolutely beautiful book. Perfect for the Jewish home and also for respectfully teaching non-Jewish family about Shabbat and Jewish customs.
About the book: An Association of Jewish Libraries Sydney Taylor Honor Book
A quiet, joyful story celebrating a Jewish mother’s tradition of making challah with her child merges a lyrical text with stunning illustrations—and includes the author’s favorite recipe.
Melt into the nooks and crannies of this book’s unhurried pages, offering a place to rest and a pregnant pause for counting your many blessings—current and imminent! Here, a child and a mother measure, mix, knead, shape, and tuck their dough under a towel like a sleeping baby. Then, as they do every week, they wait while their dough rises, soon to be baked and gratefully shared at a Shabbat gathering with loved ones. Author Sidura Ludwig’s poetic narration captures the experience of a Jewish family as they make challah—a lesson in patience, slowing down, faith, and family. Illustrator Sophia Vincent Guy brings light and warmth to the scene, from a sun-bleached, gossamer curtain to the rising steam from the bread, all rendered in delicate, decorative patterns. Whatever their background, readers will be happy to find the author’s go-to recipe for challah at the end, along with a glossary and an author’s note describing the personal meaning of her family’s weekly ritual.
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
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