The Passover Pet Surprise
A multicultural addition to the Passover picture book canon, this sweet story explores the meaning of freedom for the Jewish people–and their pets!
This Passover, Jordanita’s family is leaving their Miami apartment and flying to Argentina to spend the holiday with their cousin. Visiting their cousin is the best, since he not only has a giant yard—he also has two dogs, a cat, two turtles, and two parrots called Tic and Toc! But when Jordanita hears the Passover story this year, she can’t help but notice that Tic and Toc are in a cage. If the point of Passover is to celebrate freedom, shouldn’t that apply to all creatures?
Celebrated Jewish Argentine author Ana María Shua explores the nature of freedom and the love of family in this warm-hearted tale, perfectly paired with the gentle humor of Spanish illustrator Angeles Ruiz’s lively illustrations.
An excellent choice for Passover story hour, this book also works year-round as a conversation starter about culture, family, and responsibility toward animals.
⭐ School Library Journal, starred review
With its unique Argentinian setting and candy colored illustrations, this picture book about an extended Hispanic Jewish family (plus pets) is a fascinating slice of life during a Passover visit. Jordanita honors the Festival of Freedom by letting the parrots out of their cage, instigating an emotionally truthful exploration of the concept of freedom.
Association of Jewish Libraries, Holiday Highlights
A story about taking the lessons that you learn and applying them to your own life.
Betsy Bird, Fuse #8, School Library Journal
[A] multicultural feast for the eyes.
Foreword Reviews
Passover brings a family together in Argentina where cousins live alongside an abundance of animals and shared traditions. The holidays message of freedom takes on new meaning, learning and understanding when pet birds are let free in an unexpected way.
Jesica S., Seattle Hebrew Academy
