cover image The Passover Lamb

The Passover Lamb

Linda Elovitz Marshall, illus. by Tatjana Mai-Wyss. Random, $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-307-93177-1

In this delightful and colorful Passover story based on an event that took place on author Marshall’s farm, a girl named Miriam notices that one of her family’s sheep, Snowball, is acting strangely as she tends to the flock shortly before the holiday begins. Concerned for Snowball’s health as well as for her own chances of attending her grandparents’ seder if the sheep is sick, Miriam runs to her parents for help. When Miriam’s family realizes that Snowball is about to give birth, and indeed soon does, Miriam is torn. Although she desperately wants to sing the mah nishtana (four questions) at her grandparents’ seder, she can’t imagine deserting the needy newborn. Using her knowledge of the Passover story, Miriam devises a creative plan to keep everyone, including the baby sheep, happy. Charming watercolor illustrations and friendly humor enliven this entertaining holiday tale. Ages 6–9. Illustrator’s agent: Abigail Samoun, Red Fox Literary. (Jan.)