The Passover pet surprise

PreS-Gr 3--This cheerful picture book combines the warmth of family, the joy of pets, and lessons about both culture and responsibility. Rendered in warm colors with textured, vividly detailed hair and smiling faces, the characters radiate humor and affection. Pets are labeled with their Spanish names, offering a gentle introduction to language learning while situating the story in a multicultural Argentinian Jewish household. The narrative underscores how it's possible to belong to more than one cultural tradition at once, celebrating both Jewish and Argentinian identity. The book balances lighthearted moments--like the question of whether turtles can smell--with a thoughtful message. By weaving the themes of Passover and freedom into the story of pets, the text emphasizes that not all animals can or should be released, since many are captive-bred or non-native. This layered approach gives children much to consider while keeping the tone buoyant and filled with laughter. An excellent choice for Passover story hour, this book also works year-round as a conversation starter about culture, family, and responsibility toward animals. VERDICT A highly recommended, warm, funny, and meaningful addition to holiday and multicultural collections.--Gina Elia