Passover Magic

by Roni Schotter, Marylin Hafner (Illustrator)

Passover is always a magical time, but this Passover is extra-special since Molly’s uncle Harry brings his latest magic tricks and new bride, Aunt Eda. When Uncle Harry hides the afikoman, Molly and her siblings must think carefully about the importance of Passover while they search for it. Will they discover the whereabouts of the matzoh and win the prize for finding it?

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Jewish, Fiction, Religion

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Barb H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an unique experience for me to review a children's book. It was reviewed by a GR Friend who is not Jewish, so I felt that I had to explore the background and the language for myself. Although I am not highly observant, I have lived through decades of the Passover seder and feel somewhat competent to share my views.

I have had to remind myself along the way that this is written for children and to try to "live in the moment" and not expect sophisticated prose.As I progressed, I had criticisms about factors that were omitted in this story of Passover.For instance, early in this little story, the child narrator remarks "together we are crumb detectives". It was clear to me that the family was engaging in the practise of many, of purging the house of any last remnant of non- Passover foods. How many youngsters (or non-Jews) would comprehend this? Another omission which surprised me was the topic of The Four Questions. Although this was the story of a family gathering for this holiday, the author neglected to say that the youngest member of the family starts the seder by posing these important questions. It is the basis for this festival.In many areas, I felt that the wrting was too abstruse for the younger child and too simplified for an older one.

On the positive side, Schotter has written a cheery tale of a family lovingly and joyfully engaging in the age-old practise of togetherness on this holiday. She also included at the end of the narration an abbreviated Story of Passover , which would satisfy some informed features about Passover. The illustrations are charming and whimsical.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good balance between entertaining and teaching.

This is a sweet teaching story that’s beautifully illustrated. Its ideal audience is probably for three to six year olds. The last page is a synopsis of four key points with discussion questions to share with your children. Schotter strikes a good balance between teaching and entertaining as well as between the sweetness and sadness of the Passover facts and remembrances. She depicts a loving extended family, each member has distinct personality. Since I knew nothing about this holiday I learned lots. I’ve already mentioned the high quality of the pictures which includes many dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. Kids like that. There were also lots of pictures and discussion concerning traditional foods. Adults AND kids like that.

[Eugene · Rating 5 out of 5]

"dentist by day, magician by night" ...all hail uncle harry!

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Purim Play ] (a very solid 4 stars from me) by this author & illustrator team. I wasn’t as impressed with their book Hanukkah! (3 stars, barely) though. This book falls somewhere in-between. I'd say 3-1/2 stars, I suppose.

I did enjoy the illustrations, especially of the dog & cat(s). I did appreciate that at least some of the meaning and traditions of Passover made it into the story proper.

Even though there’s a page with “The Story of Passover” at the end of the book, my guess is it’s most likely to be enjoyed by children who do celebrate Passover every year with their families.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the author of Hanukkah! and Purim Play comes Passover Magic a nice picture book for children about Passover. The book tells a charming story of a young girl whose relatives visit for Passover. The holiday is identified as a spring holiday when plants and animals come back to life and bring relatives to the home. The home is cleaned and made new and the family brings presents and help cook dinner. At dinner time the family conducts the traditional ceremony and eats the traditional foods. The emphasis is on family and happiness. I thought it was a very nice picture book for children who are Jewish as well as kids learning about the Jewish holiday. Very pleasant with nice illustrations by Marilyn Hafner.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book assumes that the child reading is probably Jewish and has some familiarity with Passover traditions. Throughout the story, the traditions and the reasons behind them are explained somewhat but not in great detail. After the story ends, there is a page at the end titled The Story of Passover that explains in greater detail the Biblical reason for Passover and its traditions. If you or your child are unfamiliar with the details, I would recommend reading this page first - it will help the story make more sense.

This was a heartwarming story that focused on family, food, and fun at the Seder. The illustrations were bright and colorful. I think this is a great Passover picture book for early elementary school age kids whether Jewish or not.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story to introduce the Passover holiday to children. It centers around a family gathering and focuses as much on the various characters in the family and their interaction as it does teach about the holiday. In this way, it's more like a story and less like a lesson. But the information provided is very comprehensive, especially for children.

[Stephanie Klaren]

This book would work for any elementary level when teaching about different holidays. This book is about a Jewish family coming together to celebrate Passover. Children learn the meaning of Passover and what it is along with learning a few Jewish words.

[MJ]

odc this

[Melissa Namba]

I learned a lot from this book. It was a fun story about one family's traditions regarding Passover. They have an uncle hide some Mahtzah. And then they find it. My nieces and nephews are mormon so I think this insight into another religion is good for them.