The Four Questions (Picture Puffins) [Paperback]

Lynne Sharon Schwartz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 7, 1994 | Age Level: 4 and up | Series: Picture Puffins

Discover the meaning of Passover by finding the answers to The Four Questions, while observing richly colored scenes and delicate Hebrew calligraphy that joyfully extend the meaning of this venerable tradition. "A striking picture book."--Kirkus Reviews, pointered review. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 6-- Why is this book different from all other books? It is an elegant, accessible retelling of the Four Questions asked at a Passover Seder. Sherman's glorious jewel-toned paintings are patterned and richly detailed, with a curious menagerie of animals, wearing yarmulkes and some clothing, acting out the symbols of the holiday. Each of the Four Questions is asked in English; turn the book upside down, and the question appears in Hebrew calligraphy. The facing picture is split, with images facing each direction as well. This technique enables the book to be used during the Seder: those on each side of the table can see what is going on. The story itself is exciting and timely, telling of the slavery of the Jews, the ten plagues, the exodus from Egypt, and the hope for freedom throughout the world. The book explains the history and the symbolism of the holiday and the items on a Seder plate. The final spread shows the order of the Seder. The pictures are exquisite, the telling lyrical. This is the most eye-catching, most refreshing book available for young children on this holiday. Older children can get more information from Miriam Chaikin's Ask Another Question: the Story and Meaning of Passover (Clarion, 1986), but The Four Questions will find a wider appreciative audience. --David Gale, "School Library Journal"
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (February 7, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140552693
• ISBN-13: 978-0140552690
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,151,561 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book!, March 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Four Questions (Hardcover)

This book has wonderful illustrations and a beautiful explanation of the four questions. It is a perfect gift book for Passover -- especially for friends with children or grandchildren.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for non-Jewish kids, July 14, 2011

By 

G. Nigrosh (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Four Questions (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

Our six year old grandaughter was the youngest at this year's, and her first, Passover, and wanted to read the 4 questions. I sent her this book and kept one for myself. We practiced over Skype. The book helped make the whole experience fun while learning, and she did wonderfully at the event.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, October 29, 2005

By 

J. Brody (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Four Questions (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

This book does an excellent job of telling the story of Passover for young childen. Illustrations are lovely. Most aspects of the sedar are covered: the Four Questions, the meaning of special foods, etc. Our family uses it as a Hagaddah when there are small children attending, supplementing with traditional songs, etc.