January 12, 2024
K-Gr 3-A young girl arrives at Passover dinner with disappointment and longing, wondering how the yearly celebration can continue on without "Poppy." As Mama claims he is "still here," the search for the beloved family member begins. The girl keeps looking for him, while each room sparks fond memories of her time with him: storytelling in his favorite chair, sharing the secret ingredient to his matzah ball soup, and singing around the dinner table. Poppy's legacy lives on, thanks to the beautiful traditions created by him and, in turn, carried on by this very special, loving family. This family's Passover traditions are captured with ease. Wulfekotte's black-and-white illustrations of each character stand out against a muted but colorful background. VERDICT A simplicity of language gives this title wide appeal, while also keeping the attention of readers as the search for Poppy unfolds; a perfect story for all ages.-Kerra Mazzariello
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
February 15, 2024
Preschool-Grade 2 A young girl opens the door to her extended family, who have arrived to celebrate Passover. This year many things are the same, but the girl misses her grandfather, Poppy, who has presumably passed away. Mama says he is still there with them, so the girl begins an unfruitful search: under the sink, on the table, and in the kitchen, where he used to make matzah ball soup. Finally, her brother convinces her that Poppy is still with them in all the traditions they observe. Wulfekotte's digitally enhanced pencil, gouache, and charcoal illustrations employ a cartoon style. She uses a full range of pastels for the present-day scenes and various blue tints for the memories of Poppy, which should be clarifying for younger readers. While there's no explanation of why only this child seems to be grieving, Pritchard does hit all the high points of the Passover seder. With a racially diverse extended family and mention of modern traditions (oranges on the seder plate), this will be welcomed by young Jewish families.
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Starred review from January 15, 2024
A beloved relative's presence is still felt. The young narrator keenly misses Poppy--Grandpa--at Passover. The little one looks for him as the family gathers for the seder. Some things seem the same as everyone assembles for the holiday: "the same chasing cousins, the same squishy seats, the same goofy giggles." But "it's not Passover without Poppy," the protagonist forlornly tells Mama. Mama reassures the child that Poppy is still here. So do Aunty and the child's brother as the child repeatedly asks, "Where is Poppy?" The child recalls wonderful memories: Poppy's secret for his spicy matzah ball soup (slipping a chili pepper into the broth), his "wide, wide, wide" smile, and how he presided over the seders. As the family members read from the Haggadah, sing joyous songs, and revel in the warm delight of celebrating as a family, the child realizes that Poppy is here in spirit and always will be. Though it's never explicitly stated, readers are to assume Poppy has passed away. This is a delightful, though poignant, Passover read that reminds children that this festive spring holiday is about family unity and keeping traditions and memories alive. Charming and delicate pencil, gouache, and charcoal illustrations, finished digitally, rely on a limited palette; the narrator is depicted as light-skinned and the family as racially diverse. A tender Passover tale that will be especially meaningful for families who've lost cherished members. (author's note, glossary) (Picture book. 5-8)
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