Free at Last: From Mud to Mirth consists of both a Haggadah and a detailed explanation of the essence of Pesach, laid out in a way that all ages can appreciate. The fictional section at the beginning of the book focuses on a Jewish teen in New York City named David Gold. David is learning about Pesach and he and his family are at the Seder when an unexpected and unknown visitor knocks at the door, helping David to learn far more and in greater depth than he had ever expected. The play- like dialogue helps make the story accessible and easy to understand. The Haggadah has clear English and Hebrew text. The illustrations are large and bright and add visual interest. The book is accompanied by a CD that provides an alternate way to access the story and has the additional benefit of providing music, helpful in drawing in many readers for whom text alone may not be as engaging. Somewhat different than other treatments of the Seder, this book is recommended for ages 6 – 10.
Nathan Weissler is a 2021 college graduate from Maryland, and has been reviewing for Jewish Book Council for over ten years.