*SIGNED BOOKPLATE

Its the Spring of 1933 in Washington D.C., and the Great Depression is hitting young Muriels family hard. Her father has lost his job, and her family barely has enough food most days, let alone for a Passover Seder. They dont even have any wine to leave out for the prophet Elijahs ceremonial cup.

With no feast to rush home to, Muriel wanders by the Lincoln Memorial, where she encounters a mysterious magician in whose hands juggled eggs become lit candles. After she makes a kind gesture, he encourages her to run home for her Seder, and when she does, she encounters a holiday miracle, a bountiful feast of brisket, soup, and matzah.

But who was this mysterious benefactor? When Muriel sees Elijahs ceremonial cup is empty, she has a good idea.

This fresh retelling of the classic I.L. Peretz story, best known through Uri Shulevitzs 1973 adaptationThe Magician, has been sumptuously illustrated by noted graphic novelist Sean Rubin, who based his art on photographs of D.C. in the 1930s. An author note with information about the holiday is included.