This Is the Matzah [Hardcover]

Abby Levine (Author), Paige Billin-Frye (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

Max and his family prepare to celebrate Passover. In cumulative verse, Max and his sister Ruth shop for matzah in the Passover aisle of the grocery store. The family gathers for the traditional Seder that celebrates this holiday of freedom.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–An addition to a series of similarly titled and formatted holiday books that feature the same children [This Is the Dreidel (2003), ...Pumpkin (1997), and ...Turkey (2000, all Albert Whitman)]. In Matzah, Max and his sister, Ruth, are shown shopping for Passover food; preparing the Seder plate; and participating in the home holiday service, during which the story of the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt is retold. After dinner, the children and their cousins search for the afikomen, the prophet Elijah is welcomed to the service, and the family sings together around the table. This simple introduction to a major Jewish holiday is prefaced by a full-page introduction that gives an overview of Passover, including pronunciation of several Hebrew words. A diagram of the Seder plate provides a brief note on each of the symbolic items that it holds. While the rhyme of the text is often forced, the appealing cartoon illustrations of round-faced characters will attract young readers. An acceptable choice for libraries needing supplemental books on Passover.–Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 2. Through the experience of a contemporary boy and his extended family, the team that produced This Is the Turkey (2000) and other holiday stories introduce Passover and what it means, using a simple, rhyming text and exuberant line-and-watercolor illustrations. An informative introductory overview, which gives the big picture, leads into a story about Max and his family. Max helps shop for appropriate foods and then sets the table. There's a well-labeled illustration of what goes on the seder plate and what each food symbolizes. Later, with everyone seated at the table, the youngest child asks the traditional four questions. Pictures show the feast and customs today, as well as vignettes of what occurred long ago, during "the years / we labored in slavery and shed salty tears." The rhyme is sometimes forced, but many families will still want this on hand as an easy guide to the traditions and to the stories they tell. Pair it with Had Gadya: A Passover Song, reviewed on p.1081. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (January 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807578851
• ISBN-13: 978-0807578858
• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 8.2 x 10.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,533,260 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The modern and "kid friendly" story of Max, June 14, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: This Is the Matzah (Hardcover)

Another fine Passover title joins the surprisingly few books for young picturebook readers on the topic - few, given the large Jewish population of young readers. This Is The Matzah by Abby Levine is the modern and "kid friendly" story of Max, who helps his mother buy matzah in the supermarket, reflects on its many uses and Seder traditions, and enjoys family rituals during Passover. Realistic drawings by Paige Billin-Frye provide lively embellishments.

5.0 out of 5 stars Passover book, April 25, 2011

By 

Regina Herrick "gina3" - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: This Is the Matzah (Hardcover)

Nice book. Describes what is used for the Passover Seder. I needed the pronunciation keys that were listed. These wer very helpful.