Celebrate Passover: The Book's Emphasis
The strength of the Holidays Around the World series is how well it makes the point, through beautiful color photography and simple text, that what children might perceive as a holiday celebrated only in their own country, state or community is, instead, a holiday celebrated by children and their families in countries around the world. Each book provides an introduction to the meaning and celebration of a specific holiday.The picture book format of Celebrate Passover, which features color photography on every page, is very effective. Celebrate Passover includes information about why Jewish people around the world celebrate Passover, how they prepare for Passover, and the symbols and rituals of Passover, including the seder service and meal. The dramatic color photography that accompanies the text shows children and families celebrating Passover in the United States, Canada, Morocco, Austria, Hungary, Israel, Egypt, China, Yeman, and Uganda.
Celebrate Passover: Added Resources
At the end of the book is a six-page section "More About Passover." It covers basic facts about Passover, including who celebrates Passover, what Passover is, when it begins and ends, the seder, and more. The Four Questions are explained and listed as are the ten plagues. There's a full page, with two color photos, about the seder plate and the symbols of Passover.In addition, there's a step-by-step illustrated recipe for Passover Toffee, which is made with matzah. A list of books and Web sites related to Passover is a helpful resource for children who want to know more. There is also a glossary and a map of the world that indicates where the photographs in the book were taken. The "More About Passover" sections edns with an essay, "Passover: A Celebration of Freedom," by Rabbi Shira Stern.
Celebrate Passover: The Author and Illustrators
Deborah Heiligman is the author of Celebrate Passover. Rabbi Shira Stern served as the consultant for the book. The two also collaborated on Celebrate Hanukkah, another of the book in the Holidays Around the World series. Some of the other books in the series that Deborah Heligman wrote include: Celebrate Thanksgiving, Celebrate Christmas, Celebrate Celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Celebrate Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr, Celebrate Independence Day, and Celebrate Easter. Heiligman is also the author of quite a few science books for children. Numerous photographers contributed to the book.Celebrate Passover: My Recommendation
Despite the fact that the book targets children in grades 1-4, I would recommend it for all ages. Celebrate Passover provides a good basic introduction to the holiday. However, my favorite book about Passover, one that the whole family can enjoy, remains Wonders and Miracles: A Passover Companion because of the beauty of the artwork and the depth of the information it provides. (National Geographic Society, 2006. ISBN: 0792259246)
