Out of Egypt, like Shazak’s Queen of Persia and Miracle Lights, is a full-length graphic novel that details the history of a Jewish holiday. This volume is associated with Passover and depicts the exodus from Egypt.
The details of the story are drawn from both Torah and midrash, and as such may be unfamiliar to many readers. Elements such as a miraculously stretching arm of Pharoah’s daughter (allowing her to reach baby Moses), or the single giant frog that spits out a plague of little frogs add a mystical flavor to the story. While readers may enjoy these fantastical aspects of the book, educators should be aware that the story has been augmented in this way. As with other Shazak works, the story is conveyed with an irreverently modern sense of humor and with richly colored comedic artwork. Both art and layout give a sense of movement that carries the story forward. A humorous quiz at the back of the book feels like a game, but provides a thorough reading comprehension review. The story is also available as an audio CD and as an animated cartoon DVD (not reviewed). Ages 8 – 10.
