For young children, retelling and deepening their understanding of the Passover story is a treasured ritual.
As a mom, it is always exciting to see how my children add their insights about Passover to elevate the Seder. As an educator, I believe that picture books help reinforce students' learning and inspire new ideas.
Jewish holidays provide an opportunity to introduce various kinds of books for young learners to support their curiosity and wonder, especially during Passover. Illustrations make stories visible and allow children to follow the narrative even if they are not yet fluent readers.
Here are some fun and engaging Jewish books for young families to immerse themselves in Passover's big ideas and traditions:
Is it Passover Yet?
Written by Chris Barash
Illustrated by Alessandra Psacharopulo
Albert Whitman & Company
Ages: 2-5 years
There's so much built-up anticipation when the next holiday approaches. This book reflects on seasonal change from cold winters into sunny spring. Simple and charming illustrations compliment the joyful poetry as a family prepares for Passover. It's time to clean, bake, set the table, and get ready for a Passover seder. They notice spring flowers bloom, embrace the Passover tasks of cleaning the home together, take in the delicious smells of kugel and sweet matzah cake, and set a place for Elijah's cup.
This vibrant book will captivate a young audience who are eager to welcome the Passover holiday.
Passover Haggadah (board book)
Written and images by Miriam Aronin
Self-published
Ages 0-5 years
Miriam Aronin wrote this book to engage her daughter when she was an infant and provide simple visuals to connect her to the holiday.
"My daughter loved having her own personal
Haggadah
and pointing out where we were in the seder," Aronin said. "She would even set up her little table for a play Seder and lead it using her
Haggadah
. She used the
Haggadah
for several years until she became comfortable reading from a children's
Haggadah
on her own around age six."
This colorful board book is the perfect introduction to a Passover
Haggadah
and will grow with children as they develop their reading skills and understanding of the seder.
Alligator Seder
Written by Jessica Hickman
Illustrated by Elissambura
Kar-Ben Publishing
Ages 2-3 yearsCome join a spirited family of alligators on
a playful Passover journey in Florida! These gators are known to be chametz investigators, prepare gefilte fish, and love to make a loud crunch as they chomp on matzah. This book's vibrant images and silly rhymes will connect young readers to the holiday rituals and preparation that come with Passover…even in the swamp.
The playful story will make children laugh as they see how those gators contribute to the Passover holiday in an animated reptile way.
Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Passover: With Matzah, Maror, and Memories
By Deborah Heiligman
National Geographic Kids
Ages 3-8
These authentic moments captured through photographs will offer families a glimpse into how Passover is celebrated universally through the rituals and traditions. The bold words on each page bring in the focal point of each image and the big idea of Passover it represents. It highlights the importance of inclusion and awareness of different cultures practicing the same holiday in their own unique ways.
These meaningful moments visually reinforce our own personal connections. They can also help children understand the world around them and develop a broader world view of how Passover is celebrated.
It's Seder Time!
Written by Latifa Berry Kropf
Photography by Tod Cohen
Kar-Ben Publishing
Ages 4-7
This joyful book exemplifies how young children can practice daily life skills during the Jewish holidays. An early childhood classroom documents their journey as they prepare for Passover through the lens and voice of the child. The students independently chop apples for the
choroset
, bake their own
matzah
, set the seder table, tell the story through dramatic play, lead in singing the four questions, and search for the
afikomen
.
This book inspires children to offer their own capabilities and take pride in gaining a sense of mastery as they contribute to the many important parts of Passover.
Rena Grosser-a Judaic Atelierista and mother of three-is an Early Childhood Educator at Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School and has a background in art therapy.
