A friend and I have talked about books for as long as we’ve known each other. She is a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, author (both fiction and nonfiction, for both adults and teens), a reader and much much more. But one thing she was not was a graphic novel reader. Well, as you might know, I am a reader of the genre. So I said to her, give it a shot and here are recommendations, even sending her a few books. Well, one day she said she picked up One Little Goat: A Passover Catastrophe by Dara Horn and illustrated by Theo Ellsworth and told me about it. And fair is fair and though she did not directly recommend it, I picked up a copy to give it a try. It was a subject out of my usual wheelhouse (religion) but why not?
Therefore, one night I was going to get ready for bed, but sat down to browse the book first. It was later, I was tired, and had work the next day. Less than two hours later, I put the book down. As I was reading, I sat pretty much on the edge of the couch the entire time, engaged in an interesting book that had creative and clever moments of history and faith. It had humor, thoughtfulness and more. I enjoyed it, but still found it wonderfully bizarre! (And my tushy wasn’t likening me…there’s a hard edge to that couch….)
You see, while there is no question what the surface story was, which is a boy who is the Wise Guy of his family based on his birth order, and his family are stuck in a SIX MONTH long Seder. They are unable to end it as tradition dictates because the baby of the family tossed the item they need to officially allow an invisible dead guy to enter the home (Elijah) into a rip in the space/time continuum. Now it is up to this eldest brother to find it and end the “celebration” by visiting Seder’s Past to learn about the true meaning of why they are celebrating. It is the “deeper meaning” that has the layers, just like the celebrations are towered onto each other.
From last year’s events to the very first in Egypt we learn about the big and little things that shaped his people. Things like why great-grandma feels things are being done wrong (and how bada%% she really is), and why his dad loves the holidays, why his mom had four kids and a fifth on the way, why people would fight for freedom, and of course, what is freedom to begin with. These things are all wrapped up in (for me) unfortunately busy, crazy, loopy, mixed up, crowded, messy images. Things are supposed to be funny, but sometimes they blur the actual story. However, they do fit the tone and pacing of things. I wished they had been a bit more distinct and had actual colors to them, but as always they are an experience each of us experiences in different ways.
Publisher descriptions say that the book is for third grade and up. I would say at least 10 and up, but even older would work (and of course, adults should read as well). There is a lot going on and while the themes and tones are good for the younger reader, I am not sure all will understand the overall concepts or appreciate the quirks. But , as always, know your reader to find the right reader that fits this.