The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah

Book excerpt: A classic tale gets a Jewish twist, when Little Red Hen asks her friends for help making Passover matzah. Before she knows it, Little Red Hen tells herself, it will be time for Passover. So she decides to plant some grain. But when she asks her friends to help, they're too busy for her. "Sorry, bub," says the Horse. "Think again," barks the dog. Oy gevalt! "Friends, shmends," she says. "I'll just do it myself." But when the wheat is grown and harvested, when the flour is milled and the matzah baked and the Seder table set-- all by Red on her own--who should come to her door but her not-so-helpful friends? Though she's tempted to turn them away, Little Red is a mensch-- and a mensch forgives. Like her Haggadah says: Let all who are hungry come and eat. But who will do all these dishes? Filled with Yiddish phrases and a healthy dose of humor, this Passover tale of hard work, friendship, and forgiveness is not to be missed. Bright cartoon illustrations add humor and detail to the story. Backmatter includes a glossary of Yiddish phrases, an author's note about the holiday, and a recipe for making your own Passover matzah.