From the desk of Mary Ellen Loebl, PJ Library Coordinator
Is it Passover yet? Well… almost!
That excited question is also the title of just one of the 80+ PJ Library Passover books available for children from birth through age 8. Whether your family will be traveling or celebrating at home, PJ Library has wonderful stories to help bring the holiday to life.
Journey around the world—and across time—through unforgettable Seders: from Argentina to Israel, from Inquisition-era Spain to the White House, from a Seder during the pandemic to one where the dishes get broken first! There’s even a story of a Seder held on a palm tree in the middle of a bustling street.
Working on learning Ma Nishtana – the Four Questions? PJ has books for that too! Check out The Best Four Questions as Marcy leans the traditional questions but also asks funny, imaginative ones like “Are worms kosher for Passover?” and “Is horseradish made from horses?”
Searching for that elusive afikomen? Check out Afikomen Where’s You Go and find the afikomen hidden on every page!
No matter how or where you celebrate, there’s a perfect Passover story waiting for your family.
Explore PJ Library’s Passover books at pjlibrary.org/books by sorting the list by holiday. See a title that catches your eye? Email pjlibrary@tucsonjcc.org to check if we have an extra copy available.
And remember in PJ world even alligators have Seders (Alligator Seder)!
Chag Pesach Sameach! Happy Passover.
PJ Library Favorites for Passover
Roadside Seder
Written by Anna Levine
Illustrated by Naama Lahav
When a downed tree on the highway to Jerusalem ruins a road full of people’s Passover plans, they come together to have a seder right on the road. These new friends share traditions from around the world, bringing to life the opening of the Passover seder: “All those who are hungry, come and eat!”
Afikoman, Where’d You Go?
Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Illustrated by Noa Kelner
The seder can’t end until the kids find the afikoman, a piece of matzah that’s been hidden during the meal. The kids have searched the whole house with no luck. This fun rhyming story lets you in on the hunt — the afikoman is hiding somewhere on every page!
Alone Together on Dan Street
Written by Erica Lyons
Illustrated by Jen Jamieson
It’s Passover in Jerusalem, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, there are no guests allowed at any seders. While practicing the Four Questions on her balcony, Mira thinks of a way to bring her neighbors together, even if they can’t all sit at the same table.
The Best Four Questions
Written by Rachelle Burk
Illustrated by Melanie Florian
Marcy’s finally old enough to ask the Four Questions at her family’s Passover seder — but the questions she wants answers to are not the ones in the Haggadah. How will her family react?
Workitu’s Passover: A Story from Ethiopia
Written by Zahava Workitu Goshen and Maayan Ben Hagai
Illustrated by Eden Spivak
In Workitu’s Ethiopian Jewish community, it’s traditional to break all the dishes before Passover begins. That might sound like fun, but Workitu is sad to see her favorite cups and pots go when it’s time to remake them free of chametz. Auntie Balainesh helps Workitu find the spirit of Passover renewal celebrated by this custom.
Next Year in the White House: Barack Obama’s First Presidential Seder
Written by Richard Michelson
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
In the spring of 2008, three campaign staffers gathered in a hotel basement, joined by then-candidate Barack Obama, to share the stories and rituals of Passover. Together, they made a toast and a promise: next year in the White House. For the first time, the story of the first official White House Seder is told for picture-book readers — brought to life by an award-winning team, author Richard Michelson and illustrator E.B. Lewis.
A Persian Passover
Written by Etan Basseri
Illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh
Ezra and Roza are looking forward to Passover. To help get ready, Ezra brings his family’s flour community baking oven to make matzah – but has an unfortunate mishap along the way. How will they have their seder? Set in 1950s Iran, this sweet story shows how a community comes together to help.
Raquela’s Seder
Written by Joel Edward Stein
Illustrated by Sara Ugolotti
Raquela’s family loves Passover, but they live in Inquisition-era Spain, so it’s not safe for them to hold a seder. Or is it? Raquela’s father comes up with a clever idea that involves a fishing boat, a full moon, and lots of secrecy – not to mention bravery.
The Passover Cowboy
Written by Barbara Diamond Goldin
Illustrated by Gina Capaldi
It’s Jacob’s family’s first Passover in Argentina, and everything is different here than it was in Russia. Jacob wants to invite his friend and neighbor, Benito, to their seder, but Benito has never been to a seder before. Soon everyone is about to have a brand-new experience.
Alligator Seder
Written by Jessica Hickman
Illustrated by Elissambura
This family’s Passover seder is very similar to other seders you may have gone to. There’s really only one big difference: they’re ALLIGATORS.
Find additional holiday resources, activities, and book information at pjlibrary.org.
Interested in getting involved with PJ Library? Learn more about how children aged birth to twelve can get free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture here. Connect with Mary Ellen with questions, concerns, and recommendations.
*all book synopses from pjlibrary.org