The Story of Passover
Gr 1–3—Similar in format and scope to Adler and Weber's The Story of Hanukkah (Holiday House, 2011), this simple yet dramatic story retells the Children of Israel's exodus from slavery in Egypt. Nothing is whitewashed in the text or the illustrations; slaves are beaten and killed, babies are drowned in the river, Moses attacks and kills a slave master, the Angel of Death visits the Egyptians, and Pharaoh's army is swallowed by the sea. However, readers already familiar with this narrative will appreciate the straightforward honesty and will relish the detailed, expressive, acrylic illustrations. An author's note, providing more information about the traditions and customs of the holiday, is appended. A great read-aloud for the Passover seder, this is a welcome addition to holiday book shelves.—Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL