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.