Sammy Spider's First Passover

Product Description When Sammy Spider's web gets swept away during the Shapiro family's Passover cleaning, his mother decides spring is a perfect time to make a new web. As Sammy learns to spin, he gets involved in the Passover seder and plays an important role in the success of the holiday meal. “An adorable story with vibrant cut-out illustrations and a surprise ending. The whole family will enjoy this charming story. . . . ” ―Parent Council From Publishers Weekly In this seasonal follow-up to Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah, the eager arachnid's mother teaches him to make a web when theirs is laid waste by a "monster"?a broom being used to ready the Shapiros' home for Passover. Though Sammy becomes fascinated by his mother's explanations of the holiday traditions, he is repeatedly told, "Spiders don't celebrate Passover. Spiders spin webs." Following instructions, Sammy completes a new web?and participates in the Shapiro family observance after all. Using cut-paper artwork made festive with cheery patterns, Kahn depicts a contemporary human family (complete with kitty), and a mother-son spider duo reminiscent of Eric Carle's creations. Though Rouss's text is lively and informative, her attempts to blend Passover basics with a rudimentary lesson on shapes (the first page terms this "a book of shapes") become somewhat jumbled and ultimately water down both aspects of the story. Ages 3-7. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. About the Author Sylvia A. Rouss is an award-winning author and early childhood educator, and the creator of the popular Sammy Spider series, celebrating its 25th anniversary with over half a million Sammy Spider books sold. She lives in California. Katherine Janus Kahn studied Fine Arts at the Bezalel School in Jerusalem and at the University of Iowa. She has illustrated many children's books including Kar-Ben's popular Sammy Spider series. She lives in Wheaton, Maryland.