Easter

In a warm and simple style, Nerlove presents customs and a smattering of history related to these two religious holidays. Told in rhyming verse, both books emphasize the ways families celebrate together; particularly, the ways in which children participate. And in both, there's the predominating, unifying tradition of eating a festive meal with loved ones. Framed illustrations reminiscent of Anne Rockwell take up nearly the whole of each page, while the brief rhymes underneath advance the chatty storylines. Passover features a necessary afternote that further details the holiday's history and customary accompaniments--the search for the afikoman, for example--but Easter does not. Nerlove has wisely chosen a multicultural approach to her works in making the Jewish family white while the Christian family is black. A pleasant introduction to the holidays for the youngest family members. Ages 1-6. (Dec.)