Alligator Seder

by Jessica Hickman, Elissambura (Illustrator)

They look for bits of chametz. They’re good investigators. They’re really just like you and me— except they’re ALLIGATORS A family of alligators in Florida prepares for their Passover seder, setting the table, welcoming guests, performing the seder rituals and eating the festive meal. Young readers will enjoy this rhyming, whimsical tale for the Passover holiday.

Genres: Jewish, Childrens

12 pages, Board Book

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Jill H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is meant for parents, teachers, and other people that work with children to read.

This book shows some alligators celebrating Passover. It shows how humans often celebrate it with alligators instead. It takes place in a state in the U.S. that alligators are often found in. One of the most important parts of Passover, unleavened bread (matzah), is brought into the story and the alligators show how they love to eat it and other foods during Passover. Other parts of Passover are brought into the story that are not about food, also.

This story shows alligators being kind (to each other at least) so it might be helpful to explain to them that alligators are not usually as kind as they are in this story and that they can bite humans if they come near them.

I like that this story brings one kind of food into that I didn't know is served in some households during Passover. I also like that it brings one of The Four Questions that are often asked during Passover into the story. That might prompt children to ask what the other questions are.

I received this book free from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it.

[Yaron Shvets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alligator Seder by Jessica Hickman is an absolute delight! This charming and imaginative story brings a unique twist to Passover, featuring a lively group of alligators celebrating their own seder in the bayou. The rhymes are playful, the illustrations are vibrant, and the story is both heartwarming and fun. It's a perfect read for children and families, blending tradition with creativity in a way that keeps everyone engaged. We absolutely loved it and highly recommend it for any holiday bookshelf!

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

In celebration of Seder, a Jewish ceremonial dinner for the first night of Passover, an alligator family is preparing gefilte fish, setting out candles and helping baby with his four questions. Their friends soon arrive and begin to celebrate the night.

This colorfully illustrated board book is perfect for toddlers. Parents and caregivers will love how sturdy it is and that it is perfect for sharing Jewish culture.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Q: Why do you think the author wrote this book?
A: Because he might know Hebrew and he want's to tell other people about the Sedder.

[Sean Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a goyim but I Love the illustrations in this especially the eyelashes of the lady alligators!

[Karin Fisher-Golton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice overview of Passover while drawing from Passover, alligator, and Florida themes to make fun and satisfying rhymes.

[Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great passover board book! love the rhymes

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful. I will definitely buy this the next time I get invited to a baby shower.

[Ollie Skyba · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s absolutely adorable, even if I’m still not sure how to feel about alligators celebrating Passover.
Where I’m from, alligators usually live only in books as monsters, not as charming dinner guests.
But this quirky, joyful story brings a smile and makes the holiday fun for little readers.

[Micah Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eh pretty funny but I don’t think my kid was too into this book.