9 Books That Celebrate Passover
Each year in March or April, Jewish families around the world spend a week observing Passover, a holiday about remembrance, gratitude, and the hope of freedom for all people. The biggest event of the week happens on the first night, when family and friends gather for a grand feast, called the Passover seder. During the seder, an attendee reads from a Haggadah, a book that tells the story of the Israelites exodus from Egyptian enslavement, explains the symbolic foods on the seder plate, and answers questions from the youngest dinner guests.
I feel so fortunate to attend Passover seder with my husband and his family every spring. I’m always moved by the welcoming of all at the table, regardless of faith. During Passover, all are invited to reflect on the rights of humankind — the right to equality and the right to celebrate freedom. In the following book list, you’ll find stories that share the meaning of Passover, with themes about liberation, gratitude, and kindness to all people.
My First Passover(opens in new window)
Follow a family as they celebrate the first night of Passover. This book gives short and sweet explanations of seder traditions, such as the symbolism of foods, the Haggadah, and the four questions. This book is the perfect introduction to Passover for toddlers and preschoolers.
The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah(opens in new window)
In this adapted version of the beloved folktale, The Little Red Hen is busy running around the farm trying to bake matzah for Passover seder — but her fellow barnyard friends refuse to lend a helping hand, paw, or hoof! This book incorporates several Yiddish words and phrases, and includes themes of forgiveness, and pitching in to share both the work and the bounty.
It's Passover, Grover!(opens in new window)
It's time for Passover on "Sesame Street!" Grover invites his friends to his house for Passover seder, but more and more people show up. The book highlights the important Passover message of "let all who are hungry come and eat." The book includes a brief explanation of the history and customs of Passover, as well as stickers, poster, and card game!
The Passover Mouse(opens in new window)
A lonely widow is busy removing all leavened bread from her home to get ready for Passover seder, when a mouse steals a piece and runs amok through the village! As the mouse brings chometz (leavened bread) from home to home, all of the villagers must work together to clean up the mess and prepare a special dinner before sundown. It’s a funny and heartwarming story about community and forgiveness.
Around the Passover Table(opens in new window)
It’s Passover night and friends and family are gathering together for their seder. This book walks readers through the events of the dinner, including plenty of Hebrew vocabulary and simple, bright illustrations of traditional foods and symbolic rituals of Passover night. Written in rhyming verse with lots of repetition, it is a fun book to read aloud.
More Than Enough: A Passover Story(opens in new window)
A family is busy preparing for the Passover seder — gathering food and flowers, walking home through rain, preparing a dish — and relishing in gratitude at every step. The refrain dayenu, meaning “it would have been enough” in Hebrew, moves the story along, reminding the family of the joy of appreciating all of life’s gifts, big and small. This book is a bright tour of the first night of Passover, and perfect for reading aloud to preschoolers.
Engineer Ari and the Passover Rush(opens in new window)
Engineer Ari has a very busy day ahead as a train engineer — he has to deliver passengers to Jerusalem and pick up everything he needs for his Passover seder. Luckily, as Ari hurries about, neighbors and friends have just the things Ari needs to cross off his list. This book charmingly depicts teamwork and sharing, while also appealing to young train enthusiasts!
The Passover Lamb(opens in new window)
Miriam and her family are excited about the Passover seder at their grandparent’s house. On the day of the seder, a sheep on their farm unexpectedly delivers a litter of lambs. One lamb is unable to nurse from their mother, leaving Miriam with a big problem — she’ll have to miss seder at her grandparent’s house to care for the lamb! Inspired by the story of Passover, Miriam figures out a way to enjoy the seder with her family and care for the lamb at the same time. This story is full of heart, with themes of resourcefulness and caring for others throughout.
National Geographic Kids: Celebrate Passover with Matzah, Maror, and Memories(opens in new window)
Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Passover in this perfect nonfiction guide! This book defines lots of Hebrew vocabulary words and includes large photographs of real families from all over the world observing Passover traditions. The biblical story of Passover is explained with simple, clear text. There is even a recipe for Passover Toffee! This is a great informative text for elementary-aged readers.
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