Workitu’s Passover

Workitu’s mother and sister wonder why she’s not up at dawn preparing for the coming celebration. Her sister, Almaz, discovers she’s on her bed sulking, dreading what’s customary of this time of year. The Passover is near, and today she and her family will break their dishes, then grind them into soft, powdery material. Workitu mourns the thought of losing her favorite cup to this tradition. She holds it close and sips from it one last time. When she arrives at her Auntie Balainesh’s hut, she drops her cup and runs. With trepidation, she joins her aunt in crafting beautiful treasures from the remains of the old.

This heartfelt book takes place in Ethiopia. It’s both culturally and religiously rich. Additionally, it offers children a new perspective on letting go of the old, so they can welcome the new. Change is hard and often especially for youth. Whether a soft, handmade blanket or a hard-earned first place ribbon, things are sacred and held close to the heart. The lesson is, perhaps, that attachment is normal as is letting go of things past. The illustrations throughout this meaningful story perfectly complement the text and are full of emotional appeal that young ones will favor.