This Is the Matzah

May 1, 2005
PreS-Gr 2 -An addition to a series of similarly titled and formatted holiday books that feature the same children ["This Is the Dreidel"(2003), ..."Pumpkin"(1997), and ..."Turkey"(2000, all Albert Whitman)]. In Matzah, Max and his sister, Ruth, are shown shopping for Passover food; preparing the Seder plate; and participating in the home holiday service, during which the story of the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt is retold. After dinner, the children and their cousins search for the afikomen, the prophet Elijah is welcomed to the service, and the family sings together around the table. This simple introduction to a major Jewish holiday is prefaced by a full-page introduction that gives an overview of Passover, including pronunciation of several Hebrew words. A diagram of the Seder plate provides a brief note on each of the symbolic items that it holds. While the rhyme of the text is often forced, the appealing cartoon illustrations of round-faced characters will attract young readers. An acceptable choice for libraries needing supplemental books on Passover. -"Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2005
PreS-Gr. 2. Through the experience of a contemporary boy and his extended family, the team that produced " This Is the Turkey" (2000) and other holiday stories introduce Passover and what it means, using a simple, rhyming text and exuberant line-and-watercolor illustrations. An informative introductory overview, which gives the big picture, leads into a story about Max and his family. Max helps shop for appropriate foods and then sets the table. There's a well-labeled illustration of what goes on the seder plate and what each food symbolizes. Later, with everyone seated at the table, the youngest child asks the traditional four questions. Pictures show the feast and customs today, as well as vignettes of what occurred long ago, during "the years / we labored in slavery and shed salty tears." The rhyme is sometimes forced, but many families will still want this on hand as an easy guide to the traditions and to the stories they tell. Pair it with " Had Gadya: A Passover Song" , reviewed on p.1081. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2005
Using the rhythm of "The House That Jack Built," the text guides readers through the Seder dinner and the story behind the celebration. The softly colored, lighthearted illustrations add to the information. This picture book's informal tone makes it a good introduction to the holiday. A foreword explains the holiday in more detail.

(Copyright 2005 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)