More Than Enough: A Passover Story

PreS-Gr 2—There is a beloved Passover song with a chorus that repeats the Hebrew word dayenu, meaning "it would have been enough," in gratitude for the biblical Exodus. This picture book shines a spotlight on that attitude of gratitude, reminding us, as the author's note says, to be "aware of and grateful for the blessings in each moment." Readers follow a family getting ready for Passover and observe their thankfulness for the simple joys of visiting the market and experiencing the rain and the more unique blessings of adopting a kitten and joining Nana for the seder. Upbeat declarations are concise and rhythmic. Every page is capped by the word dayenu, which is set apart in a large red hand-written font for emphasis. The family's healthy awareness extends well before and after the holiday, and the story concludes with a cozy, postseder evening at Nana's. Like the text, the artwork is sweet, with a light touch. Cheerful scenes are full of gentle color and movement. The neighborhood market is hip and diverse, although the featured family is "traditional" (mom, dad, son, daughter) and white. Their dress style shows that the Jewish family is not Orthodox. While a glossary is included at the end and a small note defines dayenu on the dedication page, the seder plate, the afikomen hunt, the prophet Elijah, and other elements of the holiday are mentioned casually and without explanation.