Pippa’s Passover Plate

Pippa the mouse must get her cozy home in the wall ready before Passover begins at sundown. “Hustle, bustle, lots to do./ Pippa stirs the chicken stew./ Sets the table—all looks great.” But wait: “Where’s the special Seder plate?” A search turns up nothing, forcing Pippa into the yard to seek help from three animals—and potential predators—that make her “cringe and quake”: a huge black housecat, a snake, and an owl. Instead of trying to nosh on Pippa, however, the animals seems impressed by her solicitous but determined demeanor (“Have you seen my Seder plate?/ Sun sets soon—it’s getting late”), give her good advice on where to look, and happily join her at the seder. Cheery text and lush, naif-styled backyard scenes make the little mouse’s quest fun to follow. If kids need a diversion before their seder begins, this should fit the bill. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)