Reviews

Kirkus Reviews: JANUARY 15, 2004A star is assigned to books of unusual merit, determined by the editors of Kirkus Reviews. Kimmel compiles a beautiful celebration of Passover, one of the most observed holidays on the Jewish calendar, with contributions by some well-known authors such as Nina Jaffe and Rachel Pomerantz. He weaves highlights of history, ritual, and customs of the annual spring feast throughout a simplified Haggadah (the Seder Book), using stories, song, poetry, prayers, and some exquisite facsimile artwork. Taking readers through the traditional 14 portions of the Seder (festival service and meal), he outlines the legendary biblical exodus with the ceremonial prayers and readings, and includes a historical perspective on how the timeless service has evolved and changed over the last 3,000 years from both the Ashkenazic (Eastern European) and Sephardic (Spanish and Middle Eastern) cultures. Handsomely designed with colorful reproductions embellished with red and gold-leaf chapter headings and borders, this informative and interesting volume is one to own and bring to the Seder table for generations to come. Detailed index, bibliography, and artwork credits appended. A truly wonderful and outstanding achievement. (Nonfiction. All ages) BooklistSTARRED (February 15, 2004; 0-439-07175-5)Gr. 4-8. There are many Passover books, but this one is exceptionally handsome and will be especially useful. Unlike many volumes that simply focus on the service, this uses the seder as a hub, with spokes of poetry, story, and song extending from it. Not only hasimmel compiled these works, which include everything from a tale about theewish Tom Thumb and stories based onewish commentaries to delicious-sounding recipes, he has also added some of his own work and, of course, has written the main body of the text. His writing shines as he ably explains the holiday, its customs, and rituals in language simple enough for children yet layered to keep the attention of teens and adults. Matching his words is well chosen, beautifully reproduced artwork, mostly historical, with much of it seeming timeless in the oversize, gilt-garnished format. It's an inviting volume that can be used before the seder as well as during it, in conjunction with the Haggadah. In time the snowy pages may become finger marked from use, but that will only make this volume lovelier. --Ilene Cooper Copyright 2004 BooklistPublishers WeeklySTARRED (February 16, 2004; 0-439-07175-5)Handsomely produced in an 8 x 11 format with a sewn-in ribbon bookmark, this lavishly illustrated compendium gathers together information about the components of the Passover seder-the rituals, prayers, songs and the words of the Haggadah (the Passover prayer book)-and weaves in stories, poems and the like from a variety of authors. Chiefly addressing people who celebrate Passover, Kimmel (When Mindy Saved Hanukkah; Gershon's Monster) evenly incorporates the many voices by interspersing his own colorful exposition throughout. Whether he discusses a basic point (e.g., the foods that go on a seder plate) or something more philosophical (why do people remove drops of wine from their cups during the naming of the plagues visited on Egypt?), readers' attentions will be held, both by the text and by the art. The illustrations range from a 15th-century B.C.E. Egyptian mural of slaves making bricks and mortar to numerous Haggadoth dating from 13th-century France, 14th-century Spain, 17th-century Amsterdam, etc.; they also include such artifacts as a 19th-century matzoh cover from India and a contemporary clay sculpture of Miriam dancing. This beautifully designed book could take pride of place at many a Passover table. All ages. (Feb.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information. School Library JournalSTARRED (February 1, 2004; 0-439-07175-5)Gr 3-7-Kimmel gloriously celebrates the Passover Seder, an evening of observances, history, remembrances, and family sharing. Using the Haggadah, or the telling, as a guide, he weaves together storytelling, narrative, recipes, songs, and prayers. Contributors include Nina Jaffe, Debbie Friedman, and Sadie Rose Weilerstein. Kimmel provides insightful explanations about why the Seder is held and why questions are asked and why certain foods are eaten or not eaten, and he embraces both traditional and modern practices. The marvelous selection of art-paintings, photographs, artifacts, and illustrations from historical Haggadahs-illuminates each step in the service. Hebrew prayers are transliterated and translated and recipes include both Ashkenazic and Sephardic favorites. Both the presentation of information and the overall design attest to the careful and loving attention given to every detail. This inviting, handsome, and informative compendium should find a place of honor in every library.-Susan Pine, New York Public Library Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information. \\\