Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail
A contemporary Passover Seder alternates between the perspective of a brown-skinned, kippah-wearing boy celebrating inside with a diverse group of friends and family, and a stray kitten outside his home. “Inside, the boy dipped parsley into salt water. Outside, the kitten chewed a wet blade of grass … Inside, the boy heard the tale of the Israelites leaving Egypt. Outside, the kitten heard leaves whispering in the trees.” In contrast to the cold, shadowy blue of the kitten’s quiet surroundings, the boy’s evening glows with warmth and companionship. He participates in traditional Seder rituals as the kitten passes a solitary evening; occasionally the narrative returns to a chorus of “Still the boy waited. Still the kitten waited.” When the boy finally opens the door for Elijah, the kitten is peering inside. “And that’s how Elijah found a home.” An author’s note provides more information about Passover and her memories of childhood Seders, including a boxed list of traditional rituals. Highly Commended, 2021-2022 Charlotte Zolotow Award ©2021 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Susan Gal
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4-7
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Animals (Fiction)
Celebrations, Holidays, and Observances
Faith, Spirituality and Religion
Jewish People
Perspective/Point of View
Pets
Diversity subject:
Brown Skin Unspecified
Jewish
Publisher:
Charlesbridge
Publish Year: 2020
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781580898829
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Newman