Let's Have a Seder!
PreS.  An unsuccessful board-book introduction to Passover. A young boy and girl demonstrate a few customs and symbols of the seder for a group of anthropomorphic animals (panda, rabbit, dog, sheep, mice, and birds). Brightly colored pencil illustrations in a cartoon style show each animal neatly dressed, including kippah (skullcap) or hair ribbon. The candles are lit, wine glasses filled, the seder plate displayed, and "We wash...We dip...We hide...We read.../How once the Jewish slaves were freed." Door and window are opened for the Prophet Elijah, and everyone falls asleep on the table or floor. Wikler's attempt at rhyme overshadows her effort to provide an appropriate introduction to the holiday for very young children. Conspicuously missing are mention of the matzoh?a Passover staple and integral ingredient in the service?and the elaborate place settings that are typical of this multicourse symbolic meal. Tomie dePaola's My First Passover (Putnam, 1991; o.p.) offers an excellent overview that includes large, clear illustrations of seder items and mentions each part of the service, allowing for adult elaboration as needed.?Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OHCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.