Happy Passover, Edie Rose!

PreS-Gr 2--Young Mia's neighbor, Edie Rose, hosts a Passover seder every year for the people in their apartment building. She never asks for assistance with her preparations, but Mia and some other children volunteer to help by decorating the table for the spring Jewish holiday. Edie tells Mia the story of Passover, the observance of when the Israelites escaped from Egypt and slavery. Mia likes thinking about the people helping one another as they made their way toward freedom. When an accident puts Edie out of commission and the seder in jeopardy, Mia decides that she can do something special for her friend. She takes charge, contacting all the neighbors and planning how to surprise Edie with a ready-made seder meal. Young readers will appreciate how everyone pitches in to help with the get-together that has become a cherished tradition in their building. Richly colored gouache artwork reveals members of a multicultural community who work with one another to make the meal a warm and joyful celebration. VERDICT Children will learn about the Passover seder while observing a young girl organize a memorable day for a beloved neighbor and friend.--Maryann H. Owen

A child plans a Passover seder when a beloved neighbor, who usually hosts it, has a medical emergency. Mia loves seders at Edie Rose's apartment. Everyone in the building is invited, and Edie arranges things so the guests won't have to bring anything. Mia enjoys making decorations and acting out parts of the Passover story. Edie, who has wrinkles and salt-and-pepper hair, tells Mia that when Moses led his people out of Egypt, they worked together. This year, though, Edie falls and injures her arm shortly before Passover and won't be able to prepare the seder. Inspired by stories of Edie's adventures around the world, Mia sets out on a journey of her own to make Edie's seder happen after all. Edie and Mia's sweet intergenerational friendship notwithstanding, astute readers may wonder why Edie usually insists on preparing everything herself while extolling the art of working together. Common Passover foods, such as macaroons and potato kugel, are referenced, as well as seder activities such as searching for the afikomen and reciting the Four Questions. In the stylized illustrations, Mia has light brown skin and curly hair, Edie is light-skinned, and the building's residents are diverse. A brief paragraph describes the basics of Passover, but adults introducing the holiday to children may want to pair this tale with books that contain more extensive backmatter. Friendship and community building are welcome themes in this Passover tale.(Picture book. 4-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.