FICTION

Matzah Man to the Rescue!

Apples & Honey. Mar. 2024. 40p. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781681156385.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2–An easy reader graphic novel that combines the traditions of Passover with the superhero trope to create a fun, accessible story. Matzah Man, decked out in a yellow suit with blue shorts, boots, gloves, cape, mask, and a blue Mem (the Hebrew letter “M”) on his chest, is called to save three other families’ Passovers, but can he make it home in time for his own? A bat signal-style beacon with a blue Mem on a matzah textured background calls Matzah Man to provide a replacement shank bone, find some matzah, and finally to make charoset. After using up his matzah ball power-ups to retrieve dates for the charoset, he runs out of energy. However, Elijah finds him and gives him a ride so he can spend the Passover seder with his family. This funny, over-the-top story has information about the seder worked in effectively. Text is in rectangular word bubbles, with the narration done in yellow-backed rectangles, and has a distinct comic book, superhero feel. Cartoon-style art varies from full-bleed spreads to pages with multiple insets to pages with up to five or six panels, keeping the story moving quickly. Matzah Man and his family are depicted with masks and light skin, but the rest of the cast is more diverse.
VERDICT This light, entertaining early reader Passover book is a pleasant addition to schools and libraries looking to expand their Passover collections.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?