Features
- Reading level: Ages 4-8
- Cover Type: Paperback with 112 pages
- Published by: Simon Pulse February 1, 2000
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 068983313X
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0689833137
-
Book Dimensions:
10.1 x 9.2 x 0.3 inches
- Weighs: 1 pounds
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4-Musleah expands on the traditional Haggadah by including pre-seder tradition, child-oriented songs, plays, and crafts. She retains almost all of the core readings and blessings in some form and explains them in a meaningful way. She also makes the Haggadah more accessible by transliterating the Hebrew and describing many of the traditions in more depth than is usual. The linoleum-cut paintings complement the text well; at times, simple lines portray a figure, face, or action. Unfortunately, the writing is sometimes trite ("As we sweep the crumbs from the corners of our rooms, we also clear our hearts of the crummy thoughts we have of others"), simplistic, or didactic. The author clearly has an agenda; among other things, she compares the Biblical plagues to today's societal problems. Still, adults looking for a children's Haggadah may find what they need here, and interfaith families will find it particularly accessible. A useful addition to Jewish holiday collections.
Amy Lilien-Harper, Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Teaming their considerable talents, Musleah and August offer a stop-and-take-notice version of the book used to lead families through the seder, the home service, and the festive meal that opens the eight-day Passover celebration. Subtle reminders of the holiday's celebration of freedom are enfolded into Musleah's poetic explanations of the symbolic foods and traditions, as well as questions that encourage participation in the celebration. The Hebrew prayers are gender neutral and written with transliterations and English translations so everyone can be involved in the service. The scores and lyrics of traditional songs, as well as illuminating comments about their meanings, are included, and songs set to melodies such as "Yankee Doodle," add a lighthearted touch for children. There are also folk stories and a brief, four-act play. August's jubilant, signature linocuts, printed in oils on rice paper, bloom in the colors and stylized images of spring and the Middle East's flowers and fruits. Their luminous colors and rich textures lend a radiance to the majestic depiction of the seder plate and wrap the images of God's intervention to free the Israelites in spirituality. The vibrant writing and artistic creativity of this memorable collaboration vitalize an ancient Jewish tradition for contemporary children.
Ellen Mandel
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Reader Reviews
Does it seem to anyone else like the other three reviewers are all the same person? I think they must be, because I can't imagine more than one person finding this Haggadah a good one for children. There's nothing fun about it and much is such a literal translation of the Hebrew text that one might as well use an adult Haggadah.
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