A Wilderness Passover

Teya Rosenberg teaches children’s literature at the University of
Alberta.

Papa, Susan, and Louie are excited about their first Passover in the
wilderness, but Mama does not think it is worthwhile trying to have a
seder with only four people and without all the usual food. Papa and the
children persevere and through their efforts manage to provide not only
all the right elements for the dinner and ceremony, but also a gathering
of new friends from the community.

This picture book informs the reader in a pleasing manner about the
customs and spirit of the Jewish Passover seder. The story tells about
food and preparations that are part of the dinner, and conveys the sense
that the seder is a celebration that every family interprets to the best
of their ability with the resources they have. It also emphasizes the
importance of community: none of the new friends at this family’s
seder are Jewish, but they all contribute to the seder with food and
with friendship. The notes at the end of the book more fully explain the
elements of the seder.

This book is not a work of art on the level of a Sendak, but it is a
well-crafted instructional story with pleasant illustrations.
Recommended.