THE LITTLE RED HEN AND THE PASSOVER MATZAH

When this Jewish Little Red Hen decides it is time to get ready for Passover, her first thought is to make the traditional matzah. Gathering a small pile of grain she kept safe from water and wind, she approaches her friends and receives the typical rude, if somewhat altered, responses. “ ‘Not I’, said Sheep. ‘Sorry, bub,’ said Horse. ‘Think again,’ said Dog.” Little Red Hen resigns herself to going it alone, but she is a classic kvetcher: “I should live so long, to see this bunch of lazy no-goodniks put in an honest day’s work.” Meisel’s accompanying cartoons, done in ink, watercolor and pastels, add exactly the right touch of humor to this holiday version of a classic folktale, which is filled with enough Yiddishisms to make every Bubbe act out the reading in old-world style. In accordance with the Passover tradition to welcome all who are hungry to the seder table, the three non-helpers are invited in—and they redeem themselves with some dishwashing, while the Little Red Hen enjoys a relaxing moment. (author’s note, recipe, glossary) (Picture book. 3-6)