What Kids are Reading

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THE FOUR QUESTIONS

by Lynne Sharon Schwartz

illustrated by Ori Sherman

recommended for kindergartners to adults

“On a certain night each year when the dark of winter is passing and the world is warming up for the green of spring, Jews in all lands gather to celebrate a joyful holiday: Passover, or Pesach.” So begins The Four Questions, by Lynne Sharon Schwartz.

Passover week (or Pesach, the Hebrew word for Passover) begins on April 19 and continues for seven days, ending on April 25. Everyone may enjoy getting ready for the Passover Seder (a special meal celebrated with prayers), or learning about it with their little ones, with this beautiful book by Schwartz and gorgeously illustrated by the late Ori Sherman.

During the first night of Passover, which commemorates the night Moses led the Hebrews out of subjugation in ancient Egypt, Jews hold a Seder meal during which the youngest child traditionally asks four questions: “Why is this night different from all other nights? Why do we only eat matzoh bread and bitter herbs on Pesach? Why do we dip green herbs in salt water? Why do we open the doors?”

The Pesach Seder is based on the commandment that says “And you shall teach your children.” The story of the Book of Exodus is read and shared with songs and prayers.

So why is Schwartz’s book different from all other books about Passover? Because she answers the Four Questions in a language that’s accessible for children, clear yet elegant, without being sanctimonious or self righteous. She makes the history informative and exciting to read. Schwartz also explains the symbolism of the various relevant foods and shows the order of the meal.

Sherman uses a variety of animals to illustrate Schwartz’s text. Some of the creatures are beautifully clothed and even wear yarmulkes (small round skullcaps) as they act out the Pesach Seder. His purpose in this was to make the message of the Seder meal universal, and he does so with gentility and grace. His pictures transcend mere illustration to high art, recalling the beautiful illuminations of the medieval Haggadahs (Seder books).

Each of the Four Questions is asked in English, with the Hebraic parallel upside down—this is magical artistry!

Schwartz and Sherman have created an eye-catching, refreshing retelling of this beautiful holy day that may be appreciated by everyone, Jew or Gentile. The Four Questions is a wonderful book for Bubbes (grandmas), or any adult, to share with youngsters.

I wish all of my readers a joyful Pesach and Shalom! ∆

 “What Kids are Reading” is a regular feature in the Sun, highlighting children’s books available for young readers in Santa Maria. This week’s recommendation was made by writer, educator, and honorary ‘Bubbe’ Ariel Waterman who, grandson Sammy says, makes the best matzoh ball soup ever.

This article appears in Apr 7-14, 2011.