During a seder, a young Jewish girl gets antsy.Miri is too noisy, and her parents dont like the way she slurp[s] down her grape juice or crunch[es] on a matzah. She and Abby, her cat, find a way to flee the boring, long meal. They hide under the table, where a fish embroidered on the tablecloth seemingly comes to life, sea plants grow, and a seder submarine carries the pair under the sea. They find themselves at a seder attended by three wildly colored sea monsters, complete with a seder plate containing symbolic holiday foods. Everyone comes together to celebrate, the creatures, Abby, and Miri speaking, respectively, Sea Monster, Cat, and Hebrew (all translated into English in footnotes) and the others listening as Miri begins the four questions. They then leave the table for dancing. But Miri hears her parents calling, so she and Abby return to the sub and head home in time for Miri to sing seder songs and dance with her family. With overtones of Maurice Sendaks Where the Wild Things Are (1963), this read-aloud brings a creative element to the holiday. The humorous, vibrant illustrations depict most human character as light-skinned, though one guest has dark brown skin. The author provides useful ideas for actively involving children in the holiday. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Marine fun and fantasy make for a magical Passover celebration. (note to families) (Picture book. 4-6) --Kirkus Reviews
Ann Koffsky has created a magical under-the-sea environment sure to entertain children as Passover approaches. Like many kids, young Miri is bored and restless during her familys seder; adult voices drone on, grape juice is noisily slurped, and the crunching matzah is messy. But the world under the tablecloth allows Miris active imagination to thrive. Accompanied by her pet cat, she explores an oceanic wonderland. They meet fanciful, brightly colored sea creatures with whom they share a seder filled with enthusiastic song and dance. Miri then returns to the world of her family seder in time to sing the traditional Passover songs, and everyone starts to dance, having great fun together.
An authors note reminds families that the seder need not be a long, dreary affair. Acting, moving, singing, and playing can be easily incorporated to enliven the experience and include children who simply cannot sit still. (Koffsky notes that the rabbis who designed the earliest seders were concerned about maintaining the interest of all the participants.) She encourages families to think about creative activities they can add to encourage participation and maximize learning. The art accompanying the text, with its rich, deep colors and humorous touches, is as vibrant and imaginative as Miri. --Jewish Book Council
