Where Is Poppy?

by Caroline Kusin Pritchard, Dana Wulfekotte (Illustrator)

Overview

In this heartwarming Passover story, a young Jewish child learns to work through grief with the help of family, memory, and tradition.

It’s Passover time and everything seems the same, but there’s one major problem. Poppy is gone. And it’s just not Passover without Poppy. Mama says he’s still here, and Aunty says to keep looking, but where? This young child searches and searches but can’t find Poppy anywhere.

All of Poppy’s favorite people are here though, and so are the special traditions he taught them. Suddenly she starts to realize that maybe, just maybe, Poppy is here, too...and always will be.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781534489196
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Publication date:	02/13/2024
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	297,881
Product dimensions:	11.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Caroline Kusin Pritchard grew up as the youngest of four children in Dallas, Texas, and spent her childhood sneaking extra helpings of noodle kugel from her bubbe’s kitchen. Her debut picture book Gitty and Kvetch was a Tablet Magazine Best Jewish Picture Book of 2021, and her other books include Where Is Poppy? and The Keeper of Stories. Caroline lives in the Bay Area with her husband, three kiddos, and their 120-pound dog.

Dana Wulfekotte is an animator and children’s book creator. She was born in South Korea, raised in New Jersey, and currently lives in Queens, New York, with her boyfriend and two pet rabbits.

Editorial Reviews

"With a racially diverse extended family and mention of modern traditions (oranges on the seder plate), this will be welcomed."

January 2024 - Booklist

01/12/2024

K-Gr 3—A young girl arrives at Passover dinner with disappointment and longing, wondering how the yearly celebration can continue on without "Poppy." As Mama claims he is "still here," the search for the beloved family member begins. The girl keeps looking for him, while each room sparks fond memories of her time with him: storytelling in his favorite chair, sharing the secret ingredient to his matzah ball soup, and singing around the dinner table. Poppy's legacy lives on, thanks to the beautiful traditions created by him and, in turn, carried on by this very special, loving family. This family's Passover traditions are captured with ease. Wulfekotte's black-and-white illustrations of each character stand out against a muted but colorful background. VERDICT A simplicity of language gives this title wide appeal, while also keeping the attention of readers as the search for Poppy unfolds; a perfect story for all ages.—Kerra Mazzariello

School Library Journal

2023-12-16
A beloved relative’s presence is still felt.

The young narrator keenly misses Poppy—Grandpa—at Passover. The little one looks for him as the family gathers for the seder. Some things seem the same as everyone assembles for the holiday: “the same chasing cousins, the same squishy seats, the same goofy giggles.” But “it’s not Passover without Poppy,” the protagonist forlornly tells Mama. Mama reassures the child that Poppy is still here. So do Aunty and the child’s brother as the child repeatedly asks, “Where is Poppy?” The child recalls wonderful memories: Poppy’s secret for his spicy matzah ball soup (slipping a chili pepper into the broth), his “wide, wide, wide” smile, and how he presided over the seders. As the family members read from the Haggadah, sing joyous songs, and revel in the warm delight of celebrating as a family, the child realizes that Poppy is here in spirit and always will be. Though it’s never explicitly stated, readers are to assume Poppy has passed away. This is a delightful, though poignant, Passover read that reminds children that this festive spring holiday is about family unity and keeping traditions and memories alive. Charming and delicate pencil, gouache, and charcoal illustrations, finished digitally, rely on a limited palette; the narrator is depicted as light-skinned and the family as racially diverse.

A tender Passover tale that will be especially meaningful for families who’ve lost cherished members. (author’s note, glossary) (Picture book. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews