Who Will Ask the Four Questions? (Paperback)
Imprint: Green Bean Books
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781784384630
Published: 3rd February 2020
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‘You showed us all what a fantastic big brother you are!’
As Passover draws near, Eitan is excited about singing the Ma Nishtana - the Four Questions - as he does every year on Seder night. But the Ma Nishtana is supposed to be sung by the youngest at the Seder table and this year, to Eitan’s consternation, his little sister Libby finally thinks she is ready for the job.
Grandma tries to keep the peace: ‘Maybe you could teach your sister to sing the Four Questions?’ she suggests to Eitan. ‘She can sing next year,’ he shrugs.‘Why don’t you sing it together?’ Grandma tries. But Libby will not hear of it. Despite Eitan’s best efforts, Libby stands firm: she is the littlest and she will sing the Mah Nishtana.
When Seder night finally arrives, the whole family gather together. They all take turns to read from the Haggadah and, when it is time for the Mah Nishtana, they turn to Libby. She looks nervous: the words don’t come out, until Eitan finds himself helping her and she sings her first Mah Nishtana perfectly.
Beautifully illustrated and charmingly told, this story celebrates the challenges and joys of family, festivities and the all-important, Four Questions.
Young readers will feel validated in their struggle and adults will appreciate the multigenerational approach to an issue. This is a good book to keep on hand along with the Haggadah.
Jewish Book Council
Read the full review here
Who Will Ask the Four Questions is a Jewish Passover story that focuses on an older brother who is preparing to sing the Four Questions, complete with accompaniment by guitar, when he is jarred out of his singing stupor by being informed that the actual youngest person, his little sister, will be singing them instead. Any person who is a younger or older sibling can relate to this Passover tale and the frustration and overall love that whelms them when dealing with an annoying sibling. I know I can! ;)
NetGalley, Ess Aytch
This story focuses on the relationship between the older brother and younger sister, and their competition for who gets to sing the questions, so if you are looking for a children’s Passover story that focuses on more traditional holiday elements, know that this one does not have them. The pictures were colorful and the interactions between the family members were right on point with the story’s theme.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Donna Maguire
Who Will Ask the Four Questions is a very sweet story and I thought it was lovely.
The book focusses on Eitan and Evie, a brother and sister who both want to sing "Ma Nishtana" to celebrate Seder night. The book has a strong focus on learning traditions, overcoming frustration and strength in confidence and I loved these underling themes in the book.
I thought that the images were excellent and they worked so well with the story, it was easy to read and follow and a delightful book that can be read by all children to help them learn more about others cultures - very highly recommended!!
It is a great picture book to show a happy family celebration, and a little girl learning how to ask the questions, and her older bother helping her.
NetGalley, Laura Testa-Reyes
And for all those who have never been to a seder, or know nothing about it, then you can go and research it. This book is not for educating you, so much, as entertaining you with a good Jewish family story.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Elizabeth Donald
Short and interesting little book about a little girl and her grandma good little story and short and sweet. Colourful illustrations in the book.
Keeps your interest throughout the book.
Who Will Ask the Four Questions is a sweet story about learning tradition, overcoming frustration and strength in confidence.
NetGalley, Leah Horton
Eitan wants to sing “Ma Nishtana” on Seder night. His little sister Evie, being younger and keeping with traditions, is the one who has the home of singing it instead. Eitan struggles to deal with his emotions and Evie struggles to learn the song and deal with making mistakes.
This book is a great story. Cute illustrations. I learned a little about a new culture and I am always 100% into anything that shows us a bit more about one another.
There are not nearly enough books out there geared at Jewish children, especially when it comes to Passover. This one features beautiful illustrations and a story that delivers information without being boring. I look forward to gifting copies next year.
NetGalley, Morris Morgan
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Maryline D
5 stars from me.
Well written, easy to read and follow, full of colors, beautiful designs/drawings.
Beautiful cover and interesting story.
Perfect for children.
I really like the artworks in this one. It was colorful and very warm!
NetGalley, Etienne Breton
A nicely written book about being nice and sharing things. I loved the storyline and the illustrations matched it perfectly.
NetGalley, Amanda Williams
About Naomi Ben-Gur
Born in 1948 in Tel Aviv, Naomi Ben-Gur has written more than 40 books for children and works as a children’s book editor at an Israeli publisher. She studied literature at Tel Aviv University, film at New York University and began writing whilst serving as a military correspondent in the Israel Defence Force. Ben Gur lives with her husband in Ramat Aviv, Israel.
Carmel Ben-Ami was born in the Netherlands and raised in Israel, where she studied at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem. She illustrates children’s books and poetry collections and worked in the Animation Department of the 2017 film The Legend of King Solomon. She lives in Amsterdam, where she works as a freelance illustrator and animator.