Both of the Passover books in this review are from February 2024, however, I still had online reader copies of both. The first, An Invitation to Passover by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky, Rabbi Deborah Bodin Cohen and illustrated by Mariia Kolker was read in full, while the second,
Why On This Night? : A Passover Haggadah for Family Celebration by Rahel Musleah, and Louise August was skimmed. With that said, both seem to be really good Passover stories.
Olitzky’s story is a younger introduction to the holiday through the eyes of a young girl whose family cannot make it the seder that year. Instead, she invites her friends to the seder. When she sends out the invitations she puts something special on each one; a reason why they celebrate. When the friends arrive, they bring something to represent the piece on the invitation: music that celebrates freedom; kimchi to represent the bitterness of slavery; and so forth. The illustrations are cute, simple, colorful, medium with details. It is nice, and even a good way to introduce things to an adult. Or as a summary to get things started. There are also extras to let you celebrate your own seder.
And Why On This Night? : A Passover Haggadah for Family Celebration is more in depth and actually not only stories, but facts, myths, the foods, meaning to things as well.. There are activities, recipes and more. It is a guidebook (by what I saw) more than a sit-down-and-read book. The activities in it do seem like they could be adapted for most ages, but adult supervision will be needed. It is for at least ages 8 and up, but even a strong reader might need help. There is a lot going on. The illustrations make things feel old-fashioned, like it belonged to your grandmother, or set 40-60 years ago. Yet, the cover has a mix of modern and classical elements, but things are meshed together. It’s nicely done, but not for everyone. Rachel Musleah and Louise August’s book is something special.