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Published by NorthSouth Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
A multicultural addition to the Passover picture book canon, this sweet story explores the meaning of freedom for the Jewish people–and their pets!
Also available in Spanish: La gran sorpresa de Pésaj.
This Passover, Jordanita’s family is leaving their Miami apartment and flying to Argentina to spend the holiday with their cousin. Visiting their cousin is the best, since he not only has a giant yard—he also has two dogs, a cat, two turtles, and two parrots called Tic and Toc! But when Jordanita hears the Passover story this year, she can’t help but notice that Tic and Toc are in a cage. If the point of Passover is to celebrate freedom, shouldn’t that apply to all creatures?
Celebrated Jewish Argentine author Ana María Shua explores the nature of freedom and the love of family in this warm-hearted tale, perfectly paired with the gentle humor of Spanish illustrator Angeles Ruiz’s lively illustrations.
Also available in Spanish: La gran sorpresa de Pésaj.
This Passover, Jordanita’s family is leaving their Miami apartment and flying to Argentina to spend the holiday with their cousin. Visiting their cousin is the best, since he not only has a giant yard—he also has two dogs, a cat, two turtles, and two parrots called Tic and Toc! But when Jordanita hears the Passover story this year, she can’t help but notice that Tic and Toc are in a cage. If the point of Passover is to celebrate freedom, shouldn’t that apply to all creatures?
Celebrated Jewish Argentine author Ana María Shua explores the nature of freedom and the love of family in this warm-hearted tale, perfectly paired with the gentle humor of Spanish illustrator Angeles Ruiz’s lively illustrations.
About The Author
Ana María Shua has published more than 180 books in different genres, from novels, poetry, and essays to children’s books. She lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
About The Illustrator
Ángeles Ruiz is the illustrator of many books for children. Growing up, reading was always her favorite thing to do and thus began her passion for creating magical stories. She lives with her husband, their daughter, and gray cat named Gus in Barcelona, Spain.
Product Details
- Publisher: NorthSouth Books (March 3, 2026)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9780735846081
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
"An excellent choice for Passover story hour, this book also works year-round as a conversation starter about culture, family, and responsibility toward animals."
– School Library Journal, starred review
"With its unique Argentinian setting and candy colored illustrations, this picture book about an extended Hispanic Jewish family (plus pets) is a fascinating slice of life during a Passover visit. Jordanita honors the Festival of Freedom by letting the parrots out of their cage, instigating an emotionally truthful exploration of the concept of freedom."
– Association of Jewish Libraries
The breakout star among this year’s new Passover releases.
– The Canadian Jewish News
"It is rare that we see the Argentine Jewish experience, and this book deliciously fills that gap."
– The Jewish Book Garden
"[A] multicultural feast for the eyes."
– Foreword Reviews
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): The Passover Pet Surprise
Hardcover 9780735846081
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Author Photo (jpg): Ana María Shua
(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
