My first impression of the holiday board book, “Hooray It’s Passover” is that its illustrations really make visualizing what this holiday will “look like” easier for my toddler! This book doesn’t really explain the reasons behind the traditions, but it does represent them with realistic cartooned visuals. It doesn’t explain the story of Passover, but it does point out various ways of observing Passover. The wording is basic; truly tailored to this young age group.
I love the illustration of the family gathered around the Passover dinner table. Forget about the sedar essentials (which ARE there), it’s the large gathering of aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents that strikes me most. I can actually “feel” the holiday spirit. It reminds me of Passover (and Rosh Hashana) dinners at my mother’s house!
Traditions that are represented include: Leaving an empty chair and a glass of wine for Elijah (and later opening the door for him), dipping the parsley in salt water, asking Passover questions, singing “Dayenu,” eating bitter herbs, sweet haroset & matzah, reading from the Haggadot, lighting the candles, blessing the wine. It mentions serving matzah ball soup and gefilte fish. There is even a page showing the children searching for the hidden afikomen (a piece of matzah that is hidden).
All of these Passover traditions are simply “mentioned” and illustrated. Even though it doesn’t explain things, it DOES open the door to further discussion from parents if your child is interested. I found this to be an adorable book. I am sure my daughter will enjoy it even more AFTER we’ve had our Passover Sedar tonight. That’s when seeing the pictures will have gained true meaning for her. It will give us many opportunities to discuss the joyous family gathering we recently had.
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This review was written as part of a Passover write-off. Please read the following participant’s entries for additional Passover reviews. This list of participants may grow as it continues all eight days of Passover, so be sure to check back here for additional name.
robinmichele, telynor, dransome, kurt_messick, djsplendid, wovengold, adjensen, naphtalia, jo.com, sgentile, mtbat, jankp, & quasar.
Recommended:
