Features
- Reading level: Ages 4-8
- Cover Type: Hard Cover with 32 pages
- Published by: National Geographic Children's Books February 13, 2007
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 1426300182
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-1426300189
-
Book Dimensions:
10.1 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
- Weighs: 1.4 pounds
From Booklist
Part of the Holidays Around the World series, this slim entry is informative though sometimes disjointed. It begins with a short recitation of the Passover story and then moves directly into how the holiday is celebrated. Surprisingly, the next spread, in words and photographs, focuses on the Orthodox way of preparing for the holiday. The photo shows a family covering their kitchen in aluminum foil to prevent leavened crumbs from getting into the home--hardly a common practice. The book goes on to explain Passover traditions and offers a more detailed version of the Passover story. A concluding essay by a rabbi offers thoughts on the meaning of the holiday. The clean format evokes the spring holiday, but the book's visual emphasis is also on Jewish communities in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and elsewhere. More information about these diverse groups, other than the simple picture captions that identify them, would have been welcome because the arresting photographs are the book's initial draw. Appended information includes the Four Questions and instructions for setting the Seder table.
Ilene CooperCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Product Description
The most celebrated holiday in the Jewish year, Passover commemorates the Exodus of Hebrew slaves from Egypt to freedom over 3,500 years ago. This colorful book explores the many forms that this weeklong celebration takes worldwide. Deborah Heiligman's rich text details the long lavish meals called
seders, at which Exodus is recalled in ritual, prayer, song, and story. The historical significance of the food at these Passover feasts is also explained, and delicious recipes encourage readers to experience the full flavors of this internationally observed holiday. Rabbi Shira Stern's informative note provides parents and teachers with a historical and cultural background of the celebration of Passover.
Reader ReviewsCelebrate Passover is another book in National Geographic's Holidays Around the World series, which also includes Hanukkah and Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur. The information in the book is simple and clear, written in succinct language. The use of white space, large fonts, and bright color photos is visually appealing to readers. This book is appropriate for any children's library, allowing non-Jewish children to read about and understand Passover and the related Jewish customs. The books simple language also makes it an effective read-aloud for younger children. The book begins with a clear explanation of the origins of Passover in Egypt. The text continues with sequential holiday preparation and symbols, from searching for chametz to setting the seder table. Photos of Passover preparations, traditions and celebrations from all over the world accompany each page. Many pages contain more than one photo, showing the same events being celebrated differently across the world. The book does an excellent job of introducing and explaining Passover to children who aren't familiar with the holiday. It also expands on the knowledge of most American Jewish children, reinforcing their connection to Jews around the world. For ages 4-9. Reviewed by Rachel Rosner
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