Passover books for kids: what it is and how to celebrate
When is Passover? Wednesday 21 April 2027 to Thursday 29 April 2027. Passover begins at sunset on Wednesday 21 April 2027.
Passover (Pesach) is a Jewish festival remembering how Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. The name comes from the story that the last plague 'passed over' the Israelites' homes. It lasts seven or eight days.
Who celebrates Passover, and books for each
Jewish
Families hold a Seder, a special meal where they retell the story, eat foods on the Seder plate that each mean something, and the youngest child asks the Four Questions. For the whole week people eat matzah (flat bread) instead of bread, because there was no time for bread to rise when they fled.
📖 Free guideThe Matzah That Papa Brought Home
Fran Manushkin
a cumulative rhyme through the Seder
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
📖 Free guideSammy Spider's First Passover
Sylvia A. Rouss
the Seder, the Four Questions and a curious spider
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
Questions to ask while you read
Use these with any of the Passover books on this page. Pick two or three, and there are no wrong answers.
- What is the family in the story getting ready for?
- Which part of Passover would you most like to try, and why?
- How do the people in the story show they care about each other?
- Is anything in the story like something your family does?
- What would you like to ask a friend who celebrates Passover?
Ways to celebrate Passover with children
- Help your child learn the first of the Four Questions.
- Make a paper Seder plate and talk about each food.
- Hide the afikoman (a piece of matzah) for a hunt.
- Talk about what freedom means.
Passover picture books at a glance
All the Passover books on this page: The Matzah That Papa Brought Home (Fran Manushkin), Sammy Spider's First Passover (Sylvia A. Rouss).
Questions parents ask about Passover
What are the Four Questions?
At the Seder, the youngest asks why this night is different: why we eat matzah, bitter herbs, dip foods twice and lean back. The answers tell the story of the Exodus.
Related festivals: Easter · Purim · Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
All festivals, by month and by faith →
Traditions vary between families, places and communities; ask your child's friends and their families how they celebrate. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.