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“An excellent choice for Passover story hour, this book also works year-round as a conversation starter about culture, family, and responsibility toward animals.”

—School Library Journal, Starred Review

“With its unique Argentinian setting and candy colored illustrations, this picture book about an extended Hispanic Jewish family (plus pets) is a fascinating slice of life during a Passover visit. Jordanita honors the Festival of Freedom by letting the parrots out of their cage, instigating an emotionally truthful exploration of the concept of freedom.”

—Association of Jewish Libraries

The Passover Pet Surprise

Written by Ana María Shua
Illustrated by Ángeles Ruiz
Published by NorthSouth Books

A multicultural addition to the Passover picture book canon, this sweet story explores the meaning of freedom for the Jewish people–and their pets!

This Passover, Jordanita’s family is leaving their Miami apartment and flying to Argentina to spend the holiday with their cousin. Visiting their cousin is the best, since he not only has a giant yard—he also has two dogs, a cat, two turtles, and two parrots called Tic and Toc! But when Jordanita hears the Passover story this year, she can’t help but notice that Tic and Toc are in a cage. If the point of Passover is to celebrate freedom, shouldn’t that apply to all creatures?

Celebrated Jewish Argentine author Ana María Shua explores the nature of freedom and the love of family in this warm-hearted tale, perfectly paired with the gentle humor of Spanish illustrator Angeles Ruiz’s lively illustrations.

También disponible en Español, La Gran Sorpresa de Pésaj.

Primary ISBN: 9780735846081
Publication Date: March 2026
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Miami FL), Argentina (Mendoza)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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