School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 4-Miriam loves matzah and eats it throughout the Jewish holiday of Passover, when leavened bread is forbidden. But by the eighth and final day, she is truly sick of it. It takes Grandpa's delicious matzah brei ("Passover French toast") and some gentle reminders about the symbolism of the food to reignite her enthusiasm. While familiarity with Passover (and matzah) is necessary to appreciate this story, Newman packs in a lot of information about history and customs that can build on that basic knowledge. These tidbits, along with a smattering of Yiddish vocabulary, are well integrated into the charming story, which retains a lighthearted flavor. The acrylic and charcoal cartoon illustrations are contemporary, friendly, and cozy. Expressive characters and humorous details abound: the dog, Bubbeleh, matches Miriam's posture when, arms crossed over her chest, she refuses to eat any more matzah. Of all the matzah-centric Passover stories out there (and there are many), this one is unique in its focus on the actual experience of eating matzah all week, and the reasons for doing so. It is a must for Judaica collections and will have wide appeal in communities where Passover is celebrated. A recipe is included.-Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
In this colorful Passover story, Miriam spends the holiday at her grandma and grandpa's house. There, together with her parents and aunts and uncles, Miriam takes part in the Passover seder, complete with candle lighting, asking the Four Questions, and looking for the afikomen, the hidden matzo. Most of all, though, she savors the chance to eat matzo for eight days and nights. But when, after seven days of matzo with butter, matzo with jam, and nearly every other combination of matzo with something, Miriam feels sick and refuses any more of the unleavened bread. Grandpa must then use his special touch to salvage Miriam's love of matzo. Bright illustrations and a number of cute touches, like Miriam's matzo bedspread, her loyal dog who mimics her actions and feelings, and a recipe for Grandpa's matzo brei, round out an enjoyable holiday tale. Ages 4-8. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
