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DAYENU! by Miriam Latimer

DAYENU!

A Favorite Passover Song

illustrated by Miriam Latimer

Pub Date: Feb. 1st, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-545-31236-3
Publisher: Scholastic

A joyful, child-friendly version of a traditional Jewish song.

A large, extended family enjoys the Passover meal together. Verses tell the dramatic story of Exodus, which is depicted in simple, though sometimes crowded scenes (the Jews advancing over the bed of the Red Sea may even elicit chuckles). They alternate with the chorus, which is accompanied by depictions of the present-day traditional dinner. Repetition builds a sense of purpose and revival. “Day-Day-enu / Day-Day-enu, / Day-Day-enu, / Dayenu, Dayenu, Dayenu!” The modern-day little girl's actions are sweetly and recognizably childlike; she eagerly greets her grandparents, sips her soup and then falls asleep, curled up on the dining-room chair as her relatives continue their conversation.

Here's a delightful addition to celebrate both religious identity and family togetherness.

(Board book. 1-4)