Eric A. Kimmel, America's foremost author of children's Judaica has drawn together Passover stories, commentary, poetry, music, art, and prayers that span four continents and 3000 years! In this rich and fascinating compilation, beloved storyteller Eric A. Kimmel presents every element--from beginning to end -- of this ancient holiday through stories, songs, poems, prayers and art. Reflecting three millenniums of Jewish life around the world, the book will not only make this multi-layered holiday accessible to people of every background. But it will also make this timeless-ever changing holiday relevant to today's readers. (continued on next page.....) Between the covers of this elegant volume dwells a thorough and thoroughly engrossing compilation of stories, songs, recipes, artwork, prayers, and commentary on the beloved Jewish holiday, Passover. Eric A. Kimmel, acclaimed author of more than 60 titles for children, including the Caldecott Honor Book Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins , outdoes himself in this mother of all Passover books, going well beyond the typical retelling of the Passover story. Using the seder, the ceremonial Passover meal, as a starting point, Kimmel walks readers through every step of the holiday, using ancient and modern stories and illustrations to explain the legends and history behind the rituals. He includes contributions from writers such as Nina Jaffe, Debbie Friedman, and Rabbi David Schaps (a.k.a. Grandma Tirzah), and stunning artwork that spans 3,000 years and four continents, for a truly beautiful, comprehensive treasury that will be brought to the Seder table along with the Haggadah for years to come. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter Grade 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 © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. *Starred Review* 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 has Kimmel compiled these works, which include everything from a tale about the "Jewish Tom Thumb" and stories based on Jewish 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 © American Library Association. All rights reserved 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 an