In this rich and fascinating compilation, beloved storyteller Eric A. Kimmel presents every element--from beginning to end -- of this ancient holiday through stories, songs, poems, prayers and art. Reflecting three millenniums of Jewish life around the world, the book will not only make this multi-layered holiday accessible to people of every background. But it will also make this timeless-ever changing holiday relevant to today's readers. (continued on next page.....)
Between the covers of this elegant volume dwells a thorough and thoroughly engrossing compilation of stories, songs, recipes, artwork, prayers, and commentary on the beloved Jewish holiday, Passover. Eric A. Kimmel, acclaimed author of more than 60 titles for children, including the Caldecott Honor Book Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, outdoes himself in this mother of all Passover books, going well beyond the typical retelling of the Passover story. Using the seder, the ceremonial Passover meal, as a starting point, Kimmel walks readers through every step of the holiday, using ancient and modern stories and illustrations to explain the legends and history behind the rituals. He includes contributions from writers such as Nina Jaffe, Debbie Friedman, and Rabbi David Schaps (a.k.a. Grandma Tirzah), and stunning artwork that spans 3,000 years and four continents, for a truly beautiful, comprehensive treasury that will be brought to the Seder table along with the Haggadah for years to come. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
Beautiful art, uneven stories and scholarship:
This beautifully presented book, with its lovely art printed on fine paper, seduces the buyer into thinking that it will be a perfect Seder companion. But, though it has useful information, its scholarship is only randomly reliable. Kimmel is unaware of the primary symbolism of the roasted egg, imagines that Ashkenazic Jews refrain from serving lamb at their Seders only because it was absent from their diets in eastern Europe and, in a misbegotten stab at ecumenism, makes the astonishing assertion that "the... more info
Wonders and Miracles:
This beautiful and unique guide to the Passover Seder, and winner of the National Jewish Book Award, will enchant anyone who sees it. It is a compendium of stories, songs, poems, prayers and commentaries on the ancient Jewish festival of freedom that will surely make its way into the homes of Jews and Gentiles alike. Jewish families will happily use it annually at their Seders, relishing in the lush detail, simple explanations, and outstanding artwork, while others will enjoy it for the beautiful... more info
Award winner from the Association of Jewish Libraries!:
This book won the National Jewish Book Award from the Jewish Book Council and was named a Sydney Taylor Honor Book by the Association of Jewish Libraries in 2004. In addition, Eric Kimmel was named the 2004 Sydney Taylor Body-of-Work Award winner for his overall contributions to Judaic children's literature. This "Passover companion" follows the order of the seder but inserts explanations, background information, interpretations, and illustrative stories that flesh out the meaning of each traditional... more info
