Frannie had always enjoyed her family's Purim celebrations, which traditionally included a Purim play, or spiel. Her older brother Ezra always took the role of King Ahasueras, her cousins played Mordicai and the evil schemer, Haman, while Frannie herself got to be Esther - the brave Queen who saved the Jewish people! But when her cousins can't come this year, because they have the flu, and her mother invites their widowed neighbor, Mrs. Teplitzky - who's "old, and talks funny" - Frannie is convinced the Purim play will be ruined. But, as her father reminds her, "crazy and wonderful things happen, especially at Purim..."

An engaging story, that touches on issues of family, friends, and tradition, Purim Play is a wonderful holiday tale, in which a young girl learns to appreciate an older person, discovers that she can learn from her, and be friends with her. The colorful illustrations by Marilyn Hafner add to the sense of fun, while the afterword fills in some details of the Purim story, and the customs that accompany it. There's even a recipe for Frannie's mother's "Bet-You-Can't-Eat-Just-One" Apricot-Orange Hamantaschen! Appealing, entertaining, and heartwarming - this is a picture-book for anyone who loves Purim, or who wants to know more about it! ( )

Frannie is upset because an elderly neighbor is going to play the part of Haman in this year's Purim play, but Mrs. Teplitzky surprises everyone with her acting ability. Includes facts about Purim and a recipe for hamantaschen. ( )

NO OF PAGES: 30 SUB CAT I: Feasts/Festivals SUB CAT II: Children's Resources SUB CAT III: DESCRIPTION: Every year, when people are "winter weary and longing for spring," Purim comes, and it's time for play--time for the annual Purim play, that is! Frannie's two cousins always come to her house to celebrate Purim and reenact the story of how brave Queen Esther saved the Jewish people. But this year, the cousins are sick with the flu, and Frannie's mom, without asking Frannie, has invited old Mrs. Teplitzky from down the street to play the role of the evil Haman! Can this topsy-turvy Purim play go on? Crazy and wonderful things can happen, especially at Purim?Join in the celebration as the award-winning author and illustrator of Hanukkah! And Passover Magic team up again to create a warm and gently humorous story that captures all the fun, festivity, and friendship of the Purim holiday.NOTES: SUBTITLE: