cover image My First Seder

My First Seder

Katherine Kahn. Kar-Ben Publishing, $4.95 (10pp) ISBN 978-0-930494-61-2

Four board books join Kar-Ben's series of titles celebrating and explaining the Jewish holidays for toddlers. My First Seder shows a simple progression of events during the Passover meal. Children ready themselves for the Purim Parade, by creating costumes for the characters of Queen Esther, Mordecai and Haman. In Let's Build a Sukkah, the neighborhood pitches in to raise the sukkah and decorate it for the Succos celebration. On each successive night of Chanukah, one of the Rainbow Candles is lit, until there are eight plus the shamash, or helper candle. These durable board books are just right for showing the solemn ceremonies and joyful traditions involved in each holiday. Bright pictures show family and friends gathered round, but the main focus, happily, is the participation of the children. (1-5)