In this charming and witty Passover story about kindness, community, tradition, and forgiveness, a little mouse disrupts a town's preparations for the holiday when it steals a piece of leavened bread—or chometz—just as all the houses have been swept clean in time for the holiday.It's the morning before the start of Passover, and all the villagers have swept their homes clean of leavened bread, in keeping with the traditions of the holiday. Suddenly, a small mouse steals a piece of bread and tears through the town, spoiling everyone's hard work. But just when it seems as if the townsfolk will never be ready for their Seder, the little mouse's actions unwittingly bring everyone together, to work as a group to save the holiday.
Jewish families at Passover will embrace this rollicking, funny, and ultimately inspiring story—based on an original tale from the Talmud—that weaves together the themes of community, kindness, charity, and forgiveness. It's sure to become a modern holiday classic that's shared year after year among the generations.
An afterword discusses the story from the Talmud that the author used as her inspiration and includes a glossary of terms that will be useful to young readers.
★ "An excellent addition to the Jewish tradition."—
Kirkus,
starred review
On sale: January 28, 2020
Age: 3-7 years
Grade: Preschool - 2
Page count: 32 Pages
ISBN: 9781984895516
Reading level: Lexile: AD590L | Fountas/Pinnell: N
JOY NELKIN WIEDER is the author of over 30 books for children. She is also an illustrator, and her work has been exhibited in libraries and synagogues around the greater Boston area. She is a frequent school and library visitor and runs children's writing sessions on historical fiction, oral history, and Jewish children's books, highlighting Shabbat, family, and ancient Israel. Learn more about her work at jnwieder.com.
SHAHAR KOBER is a prolific children's book illustrator whose work has been published worldwide. He was the recipient of a Sydney Taylor Honor Award in 2009 for
Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride. He lives in a small town in Israel, where he also works as an art director and illustration teacher. See more of his work at skober.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram at @shaharkober.
★ "An excellent addition to the Jewish tradition." —
Kirkus Reviews,
starred review“
Heartwarming and
humorous.”
—Booklist
"This clever story, inspired by a discussion in the Talmud,
celebrates community and friendship. . . . The message of kindness and generous giving, as the characters move from anger to friendship, is both ancient and relevant today.”
—School Library Journal
"Wieder’s
brisk prose—punctuated by the refrain 'A mouse! A mouse! Brought bread into our house!'—and Kober’s
warmhearted cartooning successfully turn the story into one of
community cooperation and celebration."
—Publishers Weekly
"What may be surprising about this amusing story is that it is based on an actual passage from the Talmud. . . . The
brightly colored and expressive illustrations are an energetic match for the lively story." —
Jewish Book Council
