January continues and so do my Read Your World (previously Multicultural Children's Book Day) reviews. Today I get to share a fun picture book about a new stepfamily that is combining their religious spring celebrations. The book is Easter Eggs and Matzo Balls by Janie Emaus and illustrated by Bryan Langdo. It is recommended for ages 4 to 6.
From the Publisher:
To: The Easter Bunny
From: Michael
I’ve always celebrated Easter, but my new stepsister, Anna, celebrates Passover. I want her to have something special in the Golden Egg when you bring it. If I think of something, I’ll let you know.
While waiting for an answer, Michael annoys Anna by following her around hoping for inspiration. But Anna has her own problem: her Passover items are missing.
Each time she can’t find something, Michael has an “aha” moment and is certain he has discovered what to put in the egg . . . only to hear back from the Easter Bunny that the item won’t fit.
In the end, Michael does more than find something special to put inside the Golden Egg—he saves Anna’s favorite part of the Passover seder.
In this humorous and endearing picture book, blending both Easter and Passover, a young boy and his stepsister realize celebrating together (or hunting together for Easter Eggs and the Afikoman) makes the holidays even better.
Easter Eggs and Matzo Balls includes a glossary of Easter and Passover terms and concludes with recipes of Anna and Michael's favorite holiday foods ready for children to replicate in their own kitchens.
From Me:
In this book Michael is excited to share Easter with his new stepsister, Anna. He wants it to be extra special for her, so he texts the Easter Bunny and keeps texting ideas for what to put in the special golden egg. His suggestions are all the different things she cannot find that are needed to celebrate Passover, her spring holiday. It is such a sweet story about how stepsiblings can care about each other and how stepfamilies can get along and care.
I love that Michael has the Easter Bunny's cell number and that the Easter Bunny responds to Michael's texts. I also love that the book takes us through some of the traditions of both Easter and Passover. It does not get into any of the religious beliefs of either holiday. It shares some of the ways each holiday is celebrated like the egg hunt and Afikoman bag and hiding the matzo. I also love that there are two recipes (for chicken soup and matzo) and a glossary of Passover and Easter terms.
This book is perfect for sharing a bit of both Easter and Passover with younger kids. It is also great for sharing about stepfamilies and how to welcome one another and care about each other. I can see it read by families as well as at story times. Check out some of our other posts about Easter and Passover. You will see ways the holidays are celebrated around the world, other books, crafts, the religion behind them and more!
Read Your World 2025 (1/30/25) is in its 13th year! Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative; they are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural diverse books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.
Read Your World’s mission is to raise awareness of the need to include kids’ books celebrating diversity in homes and school bookshelves. Read about our Mission and history HERE.
Read Your World is honored to be Supported by these Medallion:
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr (Audreypress.com)
🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
🏅 Platinum Sponsors: Publisher Spotlight and Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 60 Languages
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Authors: Stephanie M. Wildman, Martha Seif Simpson, Anna Jennings, Gwen Jackson, Afsaneh Moradian, Josh Funk, Nancy Tupper Ling, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Gea Meijering, Eugenia Chu, Dorktales Story Time, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Authors J.C. Kato and J.C.², Cynthia Levinson, Diana Huang, Rochelle Melander, Lisa Chong, Lisa Stringfellow, Brunella Costaglioga, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Rachel C. Katz, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Shifa Safadi, Lisa Rogers, Sylvia Liu, Eva Clarke
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📌 FREE RESOURCES from Read Your World Day
📌 Register for the Read Your World Virtual Party
Join us on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 9 pm EST celebrating 13 years of Read Your World Day Virtual Party! Register here.
This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.
We will be giving away a 10-Book Bundle during the virtual party plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants are welcome. **
Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, and connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. We look forward to seeing you all on January 30, 2025, at our virtual party!
