Passover--the Jewish holiday marking the freedom of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt--officially begins Monday night at sundown. In honor of the springtime celebration, we thought it'd be fun to share some of our favorite Passover books:
Dayenu! A Favorite Passover Song, Illustrated by Miriam Latimer
Dayenu! combines the festive cheer of the beloved Passover song with a melodic recounting of the Jews' exodus from Egypt to Israel. (A great board book for young readers ages 3 and up!)
Matzoh Mouse by Lauren L. Wohl, Illustrated by Pamela Keavney
Matzoh Mouse was, hands-down, my favorite Passover book as a child. Years later, I can still relate to nine-year-old Sarah, who just can't resist nibbling on the chocolate-covered matzoh while helping her parents prepare for the Passover Seder. Before she knows it, Passover has arrived and Sarah must figure out what to tell her family about the missing matzoh...
Miriam's Cup: A Passover Story by Fran Manushkin, Illustrated by Bob Dacey
Before the Pinsky family's Passover Seder, Mama tells the story of how the Jews were freed from slavery in Egypt. They know the story of Moses leading the Jews out of Egypty, but this year, Mama shares the part of the story about Moses's sister, Miriam, who watched over her baby brother in the bulrushes, led the women in song when crossing the Red Sea, and kept the Israelites alive in the desert with water from her miraculous well.
Passover Around the World by Tami Lehman-Wilzig, Illustrated by Elizabeth Wolf
This book gives readers a really cool peek into Passover celebrations all over the world. Though the story behind the holiday is the same from country to country, the celebratory customs often vary based on the part of the world. Does your family have any special Passover traditions that are specific to your geographic region?
Wonders and Miracles: A Passover Companion by Eric A. Kimmel
For centuries, millions of Jews around the world have celebrated Passover. This rich compilation is the perfect Passover supplement for readers ages 8-12 as it touches on the customs and rituals of the holiday with stories, songs, poems, pictures, and prayers.
Are there any Passover books that you loved when you were growing up? Any favorites that you now read as a family? We'd love to hear about your traditions!
