Meet the Matzah

by Alan Silberberg

From the creator of Meet the Latkes comes the zaniest retelling of the Passover story starring an earnest matzah and his bready friends!

What makes this Passover different from all other Passovers?

Meet Alfie Koman. He's a matzah who really likes to hide. But Alfie also has a great story to tell his class of how the Hebrews fled Egypt to freedom. Too bad Loaf, the school sourdough bully, turns Alfie's Passover story upside-down. A pharaoh who is a giant cockroach? Moses as a mighty superhero? And Ten Plagues that include "No Wi-fi" and "Chocolate-turned-to-broccoli"?

Looks like it's up to Alfie and his best friend Challa Looyah to get the Passover story right. Alfie just has to come out of hiding first....

A follow-up to the hysterical Meet The Latkes , this Passover book is another mis-told holiday treat.

Genres: Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Fiction, Jewish, Spirituality, Humor

36 pages, Hardcover

Published March 2, 2021

Reviews

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet the Matzah is a different type of Passover story retelling. Alfi-komen is supposed to tell the Passover story to his class. Everyone in this classroom is a different bread product and it is Alfi's turn to tell the Passover story. But during his speech, Loaf the school sourdough interrupts and tries to take over the story! Silberberg's Passover story is cute and funny, but this story also has a message about not hiding from one's troubles and facing bullies instead. As usual, his cartoons illustrations are bright and colorful and jus as funny as the story. Families that enjoy this book will also like his other two "Meet the..." holiday books Meet the Hamantaschen and Meet the Latkes.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly delightful and creative way to tell the Jewish story of Passover. A fun and entertaining read for all ages! So much cleverly goodness I must read more from this author!

I enjoyed the playful use of all the characters being different types of breads and the youthful storytelling and artwork that weaves several lessons into one story. This is my favorite youth read so far this year.

As I’ve seen and LOVED about PJ Library books are the story insights and hands on activity suggestions that accompany and correlate with each books theme. The hands on suggestion with this story is spot on with the theme, encouraging kids to tell their own story of Passover and make their own book. The creative story and artwork in Meet the Matzah will spark creativity of readers of any age!

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a funny way to tell a story about Hanukkah through an absurd family. This is a school story where Alfie Koman is a kid who loves to hide as his escape mechanism. He's charged with telling the Passover story, but the school bully who's also -- everybody is bread at this school. Loaf, the school bully, takes over Alfie's story and takes the class on this wild Passover story that Alfie gets to correct. I loved it.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/ala...

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS GUY'S BOOKS!
I absolutely adored the hilarity of the Meet the Latkes book, and somehow I didn't realize this was the same guy until I saw the cameo of the kids watching the movie of the alien potatoes in space. This guy's wit is on fire and the way he makes the Jewish history and tradition so interesting and funny is just delightful. I can't wait for Purim!

[Dylan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and sometimes silly retelling of the Passover story. Probably geared toward younger audiences, this picture book uses different cultures' breads to illustrate differences in experience and history. A great introduction to a Jewish holiday, as well as giving a glossary at the back.

[Nessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Alan Silberberg’s style of writing kid’s books. They’re fun, engaging, heavy on the visuals, but informative, too. I had tons of fun reading this (with the voices, of course) and my little brother did, too.

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story. Not only was it informative but it had an anti bullying message. It was also really cute and funny. The illustrations are colorful and bold. Kids will really enjoy it while simultaneously learning. Great book! 5 stars

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way they told the story of Passover through different types of bread. The story was cute and interactive with a great glossary at the end to better explain some of the traditions of Passover.

[Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny and lots of puns that not a lot of kids will get. A little long for a read-a-loud also.

[Liz Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting and fun retelling of the Passover story... Super Moses shows up.
Let my story go! :)

[Molly]

Very fun and silly retelling of the Passover story that will appeal to kids.

[Beth Mendelsohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny! I wish this book was available when my kids were younger. A very entertaining way to describe the story of Passover.

[Jasmine Ganter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever way to share the Passover story with kids. It has a school setting, great puns with character, and the MC and bully both undergo great transformation 💙🍞🥖🥐🥯

[Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

We're reading all sorts of books about holidays our family doesn't celebrate, especially ones that also deal with Big Feelings.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever and fun way to tell the Passover story. Has a few good laughs and a Matzah to root for!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious. However, I think you have to know at least a little about the story of Passover to get the humor.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny cartoonish way to learn about Passover with food.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This couldn't be more Jewish. The main character is bullied as the Jewish people have been. Nice nod to Seder with the question.