In an out-of-this-world story, young Asteroid and her family are headed back to Earth from their trip to Pluto when space traffic necessitates a landing delay. They realize that they won’t make it home in time for the first day of Passover and will have to conduct their seder on board the spaceship.
Cleaning out chametz in zero gravity is challenging, and where can they get the proper food for their seder meal? With the big dipper, Asteroid scoops up some of Jupiter’s moons which make ideal matzoh balls; a piece broken off of one of Saturn’s rings is as crunchy as matzoh. With creativity and verve, using the Milky Way as a pantry, Asteroid gathers all the elements for a spectacular star-studded seder, ending with the not-quite-traditional sentiment “Next Year In Outer Space!”
Humorously illustrated in rich tones reminiscent of a starry night, written in clever, rhythmic verse, and including a helpful glossary of terms, this unusual book delivers other-worldly fun.
Michal Hoschander Malen is the editor of Jewish Book Council’s young adult and children’s book reviews. A former librarian, she has lectured on topics relating to literacy, run book clubs, and loves to read aloud to her grandchildren.