Raquela's Seder

About the Author\nJoel Stein is a former staff writer for CTB/McGraw-Hill. A member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, he lives in Florida with his wife, son, two birds, and a tortoise. His books include A Hanukkah with Mazel, The Pigeon Man, and The Capture of Rafael Ortega.\nSara Ugolotti was born near Reggio Emilia, in the north of Italy. She earned a degree in Illustration at the International School of Comics in Reggio Emilia. She draws and paints using different techniques but mainly works in digital format. Her projects include magazines, children’s book illustration and cartoon animations. Her illustrations have been selected for exhibitions throughout the world. She lives in Parma, Italy.\nRaquela yearns to celebrate a Passover seder, but Inquisition-era Spain is a time when Jews must hide their religion. Under the rising moon, her clever papa, the best fisherman in town, creates a unique celebration for his family. In his fishing boat on the sea, far from prying eyes, they celebrate Raquela’s first seder with matzah and the Passover story.\nFrom School Library Journal\nK-Gr 3-Raquela and her family must practice their Jewish faith in secret under the reign of King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella of Spain. On Friday evenings, for instance, the family, all of whom have brown skin and dark hair, retreats to the privacy of their cellar to light candles and observe Shabbat. Raquela's papa is an accomplished fisherman who describes the secret to his success to his daughter: one has to be smarter than a fish, and the best way to do that is to think like one. Raquela longs to share a Passover seder with her parents, which gives her papa an idea. After baking matzah and gathering the necessary supplies, the family sails out to papa's secret fishing spot at sundown, where he explains the symbolism of the foods and the history of Passover. Stein's text is both accessible and engaging for young readers, expertly weaving the distinct historical time periods together with simple, gentle language. Ugolotti's colorful illustrations delicately capture the fear and optimism experienced by the Jewish people leaving Egypt for freedom during the first Passover, as well as Raquela and her family practicing their faith in secret, generations later. Back matter includes a historical note on the Spanish Inquisition and further information about Passover. VERDICT Thoughtful and tender, this beautiful story of hope is a valuable addition to all collections.-Olivia Gorecke α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.