Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Depression-era setting adds grit to magical Passover tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
THE PASSOVER GUEST begins with a little girl named Muriel encountering a mysterious juggler at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and rewarding his performance by putting her only penny in his hat. He tells her it's almost time for her Passover Seder. "My family isn't having one this year," Muriel says. "Are you sure?" asks the man. "Perhaps you'd better hurry home." It's 1933, at the height of the Great Depression, and Muriel knows her family is unable to afford the annual religious feast. Soon after she arrives home, the mysterious stranger is at the door asking if he can join their Seder. Muriel's father welcomes him but tells him he has nothing to share. The man says, "I have everything we need," and suddenly a sumptuous feast appears. Muriel runs to get the rabbi and bring him back to see what's happened, as many neighbors follow him. When they all arrive, they find the man gone, but the rabbi confirms it's a miracle and says they can enjoy the meal. Muriel sees that the cup of wine put out for Elijah (the Biblical prophet whose return is awaited each Passover) is empty. "Now she knew who the mysterious stranger was."
Is It Any Good?
This magical holiday tale has added layers thanks to its gritty Depression-era setting and marvelous, detailed art by graphic novelist Sean Rubin. There's genuine suspense and surprise as young Muriel is amazed by the mysterious stranger ... and who he turns out to be. Author Susan Kusel takes a classic old-world story and sets it in a realistic (if historical) American landscape that may make it more relatable to young U.S. readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the miracle in The Passover Guest. How could the mysterious stranger have provided all the food for the Seder? What convinces the rabbi that it's a true miracle?
Had you heard about the Great Depression, a time in the United States when many people lost their jobs and had trouble feeding their families? Are there people where you live today who don't have enough food?
How does the mysterious stranger show kindness and compassion to Muriel's family?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Sean Rubin
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Gratitude , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Neal Porter Books
- Publication date : January 19, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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