"Passover is for remembering, but
a visit to ancient Egypt makes this
seder truly unforgettable."
It will soon be Passover. This new book from Ms. Cohen explains what afikomen is and why it is part of the Passover seder: 'a piece is broken off from a matzah during the early part of the meal', and put aside to be eaten later. That piece is placed in a bag beside the seder leader.
A child takes it from the table and the dog snatches it away. The dog disappears under the table with it; the children give chase and find themselves traveling through a portal into ancient Egypt. They are transformed to become a part of the setting, and carry the afikomen bag with them. Across the river from where they stand, they see a woman holding a baby alongside a younger woman holding a basket. The basket and baby are placed in the river.
The children see the basket floating downriver; they follow it and help to keep it safe. Surprised to find it contains a baby, they release it to be saved by the pharaoh's daughter. Satisfied that the baby is safe, the children return to the seder table, with a surprise in the afikomen bag for their parents. What magic is this?
There are no words to tell this story, and yet its message is clear. Ink and watercolor artwork bring the story to life and provide context for the action taken. In an author's note, the story of Passover is described.
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