Publisher's Weekly Review
"I can't imagine our seder without Grandpa at the table," worries Jessica as her family travels to her grandparents' house to celebrate Passover; her grandfather is just out of the hospital and confined to his bed. Leopold-Strauss (The Elijah Door) creates an intimate and highly believable portrait of the sorts of adjustments a family must make to beloved traditions as roles shift and its members age; tensions flare up now and again (one gets the sense that everyone in the family has an opinion on how best to care for Grandpa during his convalescence) but Jessica's quick thinking leads to some small modifications that lets Grandpa take part in the evening's rituals. Although Tugeau's (the Buddy Files series) illustrations can be a bit too rough and sketchlike at times, his forceful brushstrokes and hatching bring dramatic intensity to the scenes. Ages 4-9. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
Passover is a time of traditional observance, but this year could be different for a young girl.Jessica is busy practicing the four questions in Hebrew; it is tradition for the youngest child to ask the questions at a family Passover Seder. She is looking forward to joining her grandparents and cousins, and she especially loves that everything is the same from year to year. But things may be different this year. Grandpa has been in the hospital, and even though he has come home, he is not well. Will someone else read the entire Haggadah, the story of the Passover exodus? Who will hide the afikoman, the middle piece of matzo on the Seder table that the children search for and redeem for a gift? Jessica has the answers. Grandpa can stay in his bedroom with the door open and conduct the Seder, reclining on his pillows as is customary. The family works together to prepare the table, and the Seder begins with Grandpa and help from an uncle. Jessica happily finds the afikoman in a very special place. Those who celebrate Passover will find a story that resonates with tradition and family love. The colorful illustrations depict a white family drawn together at a special time. A girl finds wonderful answers to her Passover questions in this sympathetic tale that will resonate with many families. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
