Top Passover Children's Books: Engaging Tales for Kids
“The Seder nights … tie me with the centuries before me.” —Ludwig Frank
Every spring that approaches brings with it another Passover—another week to spend with family and friends marking this Jewish holiday that has existed for thousands of years. And what better way to help children learn and celebrate than with a good book? This roundup of Passover kids’ books will answer questions about the story of Moses, explore the importance of tradition, take readers on wonderful adventures, and teach children how to help with the family Seder.
Board Books about Passover
Passover is Coming! by Tracy Newman
Told in rhyme, this book is a delightful introduction to the most common practices of Passover. It shows a family preparing for the holiday and enjoying all of the food, traditions, and celebrations. (If you like this book, Tracy Newman has a series of board books about other Jewish holidays as well!)
Dayenu! by Miriam Latimer
This board book illustrates the traditional Passover song, “Dayenu,” with bright pictures and a melodic retelling of the Passover story. It's a lovely title to introduce your child to this classic song that is over 1,000 years old.
Passover Family by Monique Polak
Monique Polak has made a truly adorable contribution by using photographs in her book about Passover. In it, you see an extended family laughing and gathering to celebrate. Photographs are wonderful tools for capturing infants’ and toddlers’ attention, so I highly recommend adding this book to your shelf!
Picture Books about Passover
More Than Enough: A Passover Story by April Halprin Wayland
This sweet story shows a family preparing for Passover and a special guest! Throughout the shopping, cooking, eating, and playing, your child will see the word dayenu, or “it would have been enough,” reminding them that each part would have been enough, but all together, it’s even better.
Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail by Leslea Newman
Welcoming Elijah was awarded the 2021 National Jewish Book Award for Children’s Picture Book and it’s easy to see why. Inside a warm house with lots of food, a boy is at his family’s Seder. Outside, a small kitten explores and waits. By the end of the night their paths will cross, with some help from Elijah.
The Story of Passover by David A. Adler
Are your children curious about why people celebrate Passover and why it’s important? Then this is the book to read. It tells the tale of Moses from infancy through leading his people out of slavery to freedom. Its clear language and bright pictures help children understand the story and its significance.
Passover Cook Books to Share with Kids
Matzah Meals: A Passover Cookbook for Kids by Judy Tabs and Barbara Steinberg
The title says it all. This cookbook contains recipes for all the yummiest parts of your Seder. Written in encouraging, kid-friendly language, your youngest chef will be eager to jump in!
Jewish Fairy Tale Feasts: A Literary Cookbook by Jane Yolen
Jane Yolen is a prolific author, with over 350 books to her name. Many of them are children's books, including the “How Do Dinosaurs” series. Beyond Passover, this book features Jewish fairy tales, folktales, and traditions. Each is accompanied by a recipe, written by her daughter Heidi E.Y. Stemple. And who doesn’t love a good snack while they read?
What are your favorite books about Passover?