Miss Debby's Best-Loved Children's Books: Books for Passover

Charlotte Jewish News April 2022

By Debby Block

Every year at Pesach, we are supposed to imagine the Exodus from Egypt as if we were actually there. The book “Escape from Egypt” does exactly that! Twins Scarlett and Sam are magically transported back in time to ancient Egypt. The twins help Moses confront Pharaoh, they witness the plagues, and they even cross the Red Sea to freedom. This chapter book, part of a the Scarlett and Sam series, is written by Eric A. Kimmel, renowned author of 150 children’s books including many of my personal favorites, such as “Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblin” and “Hanukkah Bear.” This best-loved book is not only fun to read but also brings the experience of the Exodus to life. Recommended for ages 5-9.

Opening the door to Elijah is one of the most exciting experiences of the Passover Seder for children! Winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award, “Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail,” by Lesléa Newman and artfully illustrated by Susan Gal, parallels the experiences of a young boy at a Passover Seder and a small white kitten outdoors. When the boy opens the door to welcome the prophet Elijah, he finds a furry friend instead. Simple text, diverse characters, and a timeless feel make this a story to be treasured. Recommended for ages 2-6.

I highly recommend the book “The Best Four Questions” by Rachelle Burk.

Marcy is finally old enough to ask Mah Nishtanah (The Four Questions) at the family’s Passover Seder. But when it is her turn, Marcy asks lots of other questions such as “How many matzoh balls are in Grandma’s chicken soup?” This delightful book provides background information on the Passover symbols, the meaning of the four questions, and the answers to the four questions. Recommended for ages 3-8.

“The Great Passover Escape” by Pamela Moritz is a new children’s book that instantly won my heart. The animals escape from Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo and go in search of their zookeeper, who is busy celebrating Passover. I love that the animals keep making silly mistakes such as guessing what the flat, crunchy thing to eat is called. Is it a cracker? Is it toast? I can imagine children yelling “no!” and I simply can’t wait to read this book to preschool classes. Recommended for ages 2-6.

Searching for the afikomen has never been more fun! In the picture book “Passover Scavenger Hunt” by Shanna Silva, Rachel creates a scavenger hunt by hiding puzzle pieces around the house with clues that illustrate the symbols of the seder plate. Your family can use these clue to enhance your own Passover Seder. I have shared this book with classes of K-2, but preschoolers would enjoy this book as well.

Toddlers love Passover too. My favorites for children three and under are both available as board books. “Dayenu: A Passover Song” by Miriam Latimer is a joyous perspective of the beloved seder song Dayenu (meaning “It would have been enough”). Parents and little ones alike will love singing along with this book! My second recommendation for little ones is “Passover is Coming!” by Tracy Newman. Told in simple, yet repetitive rhyme, this beloved book perfectly highlights the traditions of Passover from preparation to the seder. Remember, repetition is very important for young ones, as the patterning builds vocabulary and connects vital concepts.

Last, but not least, one of my all-time favorite Passover books for children is Tilda Balsley’s “Let My People Go!” The illustrations by Ilene Richard are colorful and bold and perfectly illustrate the Passover story in a child-friendly way. Tilda Balsley’s rhyming text is lively and thoroughly engaging. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

All these books are available at the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library. Please call (704) 944-6783 or email library@jewishcharlotte.org to reserve your books today. You may visit the library in person to pick up your books or curbside pickup is available on request.

Looking for ideas to keep your children involved in your family’s seder? The Levine-Sklut Judaic Library also has Passover toolkits available to borrow. Each kit includes a children’s Haggadah, plague puppets, stickers, a puzzle, a seder bingo game, and a myriad of crafts. Quantities are limited, so reserve your kit now.

By Debby Block