‘One Little Goat’ Graphic Novel Is A Time-Traveling Passover Adventure For Young Readers

As Passover approaches, a new middle-grade graphic novel by celebrated Jewish author Dara Horn, “One Little Goat,” introduces a whimsical and thought-provoking take on the holiday.

The book, illustrated by Theo Ellsworth, offers young readers a humorous, magical adventure tied to Passover traditions, time travel, and a talking goat. Released last month, “One Little Goat” is designed for readers ages 10–14 and brings Horns signature blend of humor, intellect, and Jewish storytelling to a new generation.

The novel follows a family stuck in an endless seder after they lose their afikomen — the hidden matzah essential to concluding the Passover meal. Months into their predicament, a wisecracking, time-traveling goat arrives with alarming news: generations of past seders have piled up beneath them, and the only way out is to retrieve the missing afikomen from one of those forgotten celebrations. With the help of the goat, the familys “wise child” embarks on an extraordinary journey through centuries of Passovers to recover the lost matzah and, along the way, uncovers the deeper meaning of the holiday.

Horn, a three-time National Jewish Book Award winner, brings her deep understanding of Jewish history and tradition into a fresh, adventurous format.

“I’ve always been enchanted by the seder as a kind of portal to the past,” Horn said in a recent interview with Tablet Magazine.

The novels richly illustrated pages complement Horns witty storytelling, blurring the lines between history and fantasy. Ellsworth, best known for “Capacity” and “Sleeper Car,” is renowned for his intricate, dreamlike illustrations that add a layer of surreal magic to the tale.

With its unique mix of Jewish history, humor, and fantasy, “One Little Goat” promises to be a must-read for middle-grade audiences — a delightful and meaningful book to enjoy before, during, and beyond Passover.