Children's Books About Passover Traditions

Your family loves Passover, and they love their PJ Library books. So, why not bring them together this holiday?

The Passover books listed below can be incorporated into your family's holiday celebration as a fun way to learn about hametz, hunt for the afikomen, or tell the Passover story.

CLEANING FOR PASSOVER
It’s a tradition to the clean the house thoroughly before the start of Passover, ridding it of all the hametz..

Here’s a PJ book that is just perfect for this topic:

Izzy the Whiz and Passover McClean Author: Yael Mermelstein Illustrator: Carrie Hartman Izzy the Whiz is an amateur inventor who, right before Passover, creates a super-duper machine that whirs and purrs and munches and crunches and miraculously cleans the entire house just in time for the holiday -- but not without creating havoc along the way. .

TELLING THE PASSOVER STORY
There are several PJ Library books that retell the exodux from Egypt. Families can use any one of these books for the retelling portion (maggid) of the Passover seder:

	Let My People Go! Author: Tilda Balsley Illustrator: Ilene Richard The text of this book, which describes the ten plagues leading up to the freedom of the Israelites from Egypt, could easily be adapted as the script to a holiday play through the color-coded text. .
	The Longest Night Author: Laurel Snyder Illustrator: Catia Chien This picture book in verse follows the story of the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt. Seen through the eyes of a young slave girl, the narrative is both powerful and moving.
	Miriam’s Cup Author: Fran Manushkin Illustrator: Bob Dacey This is the story of the prophet Miriam, who kept the Israelites alive in the desert with water from her miraculous well. The beloved heroine's story has inspired a new Passover ritual: a cup filled with water that is placed on the Seder table.
	Nachshon, Who Was Afraid to Swim Author: Deborah Bodin Cohen Illustrator: Jago As the Israelites rush to leave Egypt after being freed from slavery, young Nachshon is the first to brave the water that must be crossed, even though he is afraid to take the plunge.
	The Story of Passover Author: David Adler Illustrator: Jill Weber It’s a story so old and famous, Jewish families have been sharing it around their seder tables for generations. This retelling will have you on the edge of your seat.

SINGING 'DAYENU!'
After telling the story of Passover, we sing what is perhaps the most well-known Passover song, Dayenu!, “It Would Have Been Enough.” The song lists the acts performed for the Israelites when they left Egypt.

The PJ Library book Dayenu! is cheerful version ideal for the very young.

Dayenu! Illustrator: Miriam Latimer A family is shown celebrating together, while the lyrics from one of the most well-known and best-loved Passover songs and accompanying illustrations depict the Israelites’ departure from Egyptian slavery and their exuberant walk toward freedom.

FINDING THE AFIKOMEN
After the meal, children go in search of the Afikomen. A prize is given to the child who finds it.The afikomen tradition serves a clever way to keep young children present and engaged until the end of the seder. Get them ready by learning a song to start the search:

Afikomen Mambo Author: Joe Black Illustrator: Linda Prater Rabbi Joe Black’s lyrics set a joyful tone and build anticipation for the Passover seder and the traditional, joyful hunt for the afikomen. The book has an accompanying CD.

Looking for other child-friendly Passover ideas for your family’s holiday? Visit our Passover guide.

April 1, 2014