Publishers Weekly
12/18/2023
After a bear family assembles the ingredients for a seder plate, the cub narrator of this celebratory title dons not a traditional yarmulke, but rather a Sherlock Holmes–esque deerstalker cap—all the better to solve the mystery of where Grandma has hidden the afikomen. To ensure success, the cub has invented an “Afiko-Sniffer” from a beloved elephant stuffy named Elfie, which is mounted on a wheeled platform pulled by a red string. Hoffman chronicles the duo’s hunt around the house with cozy, collage-style artwork that features crayon and paper textures, and paper cutouts that lend a 3-D feel. But before a big, cursive “Yay” heralds the quest’s success, Elfie sniffs out an array of other seder meal ingredients, prompting a refrain of “Oh no!” and a brief explanation of the ingredient’s role (“That’s an egg—like the egg we put on our seder plate”). It’s a friendly, and instructive, holiday affair. An author’s note concludes. Ages 2–7. (Jan.)
From the Publisher
"A delightfully charming and unreservedly recommended pick for family, school, and library children's book collections."—Midwest Book Review
School Library Journal
11/17/2023
PreS-K—This Passover-meets-detective story doesn't reach its potential. The unnamed first-person narrator, a personified and fully dressed little bear, explains how the family is preparing for Passover. They make and gather all of the items for the seder plate. Skipping entirely over the ceremonial meal, the story jumps to after dinner when the narrator (wearing a deerstalker hat) searches for the missing matzah or "afikomen." Using their toy elephant, Elfie, who has been modified to be an "Afiko-Sniffer," they search unsuccessfully around the house, creating messes as they go. Deciding Elfie isn't working, they retrieve the toolbox to fix it, only to find the afikomen. Though uninspired, the spare and straightforward text is accessible to a young audience. The concept of the child using their toy to search is certainly appealing. The illustrations, which appear to be done in a layered 3D collage, are engaging and have the feel of a flannel board. While some of the bear family's eyes are somewhat disconcerting, the narrator is appealing, and the dimensionality of the illustrations give them an almost tactile feel. The story definitely has a childlike sensibility, but the lack of any explanation of the seder and the narrow focus on the afikomen leaves one with no sense of the experience or importance of the holiday. Back matter explains the afikomen, but also neglects the rest of the holiday. VERDICT Jewish schools and libraries in search of unusual Passover stories might find a place for this one. Others can pass.—Amy Lilien-Harper
Kirkus Reviews
2023-10-07
A young bear dons a deerstalker and attempts to solve a Passover mystery.
After the seder, Grandma, who uses a wheelchair, hides the afikomen (a piece of matzah broken during the meal and hidden for children to find afterward). The little bear decides to use Elfie, a toy elephant, to track it down, since “elephants have a great sense of smell.” Turning Elfie into “an Afiko-Sniffer,” the young “Afikotective” searches everywhere: in a bowl of apples, in the fridge, and in the pantry. No luck. Believing that the Afiko-Sniffer must be broken, the bear heads to the tool kit…and finds a surprise. Throughout the story, the bear encounters important Passover foods, such as apples, an egg, and maror. No information is provided about the significance of these items, and while the backmatter defines afikomen (“afikomen comes from the Greek word epikomon or epikomion, meaning ‘what comes after the meal’—or dessert!”), it doesn’t explain the holiday itself; adults may want to add context if sharing this story with children unfamiliar with Passover. Little ones with background knowledge, however, will find it delightful. The story is simple and fun, with vibrant collages that incorporate 3-D elements like photos showing bits of matzah, wool, and ribbon. Throughout it all, this multigenerational family’s love and joy are evident.
A charming romp to share in anticipation of Passover preparations. (Picture book. 3-5)
