It is my honor and pleasure to welcome back Maxine Rose Schur! In her picture book, DAY OF DELIGHT: A JEWISH SABBATH IN ETHIOPIA (Kalaniot, 2026), a reprint of the 1994 classic illustrated by Brian Pinkney, the joy of Jewish…
Interview and Book Giveaway with Ilana R. Wieder, author of SHIRA THE SINGING PUPPY
In Ilana R. Wieder’s picture book SHIRA THE SINGING PUPPY (Kar-Ben, 2025), illustrated by Alexandra Colombo, an enthusiastic singing dog named Shira is hushed all week long. But when the sun goes down after Shabbat, Shira finally gets to use…
Passover Picture Book Roundup 2026
Welcome to the 2026 Passover Book Roundup! The following are a selection of Passover picture books published this year. Wishing you a wonderful holiday! All Who Are Hungry, Come and Eat!: A Passover Story by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Alyssa…
Interview with Doreen Klein Robinson, author of A PLACE TO PRAY
Doreen Klein Robinson’s new picture book A PLACE TO PRAY: A TALE OF FRIENDSHIP AND COMMUNITY INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY (WorthyKids, 2026), illustrated by Yuke Li, tells the true story of a community coming together with compassion and care.…
Interview with Lesléa Newman, author of SOMETHING SWEET: A SITTING SHIVA STORY
Lesléa Newman’s new picture book, SOMETHING SWEET: A SITTING SHIVA STORY (Charlesbridge, 2026), illustrated by Sarita Rich, tells the story of young Lizzie, who attends the shiva for her best friend Joshua’s grandfather. She visits and learns about Jewish mourning…
Interview with Steven Gellman, author of SOMEWHERE IN NOWHERE
In Steven Gellman’s YA novel SOMEWHERE IN NOWHERE (Ninestar Press, 2026), high school senior Simon Bugg moves to a new home, balances old friends with new friends, and experiences an unexpected crush on a classmate. He is a layered character…
Interview with David Sherrin, author of BIG BAD WOLF AND THE MASQUERADE BALL
I am delighted to welcome back David Sherrin to chat about the newest installment in the Big Bad Wolf Diaries series, BIG BAD WOLF AND THE MASQUERADE BALL (Apples & Honey Press, 2026), illustrated by Martín Morón. The book follows…
Interview with Rinat Gilboa, illustrator of THE SHABBAT I KNOW
In THE SHABBAT I KNOW, written by Chris Barash (Green Bean Books, 2026), Rinat Gilboa’s textured collage art evokes the warmth and joy of Shabbat. The illustrations are a perfect pairing for the rhyming text that welcomes young readers to…
Interview with Selina Alko, author and illustrator of OTHERWISE KNOWN AS JUDY THE GREAT: A POETIC ODE TO JUDY BLUME
I’m delighted to chat with author/illustrator Selina Alko about her new picture book, released today, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS JUDY THE GREAT: A POETIC ODE TO JUDY BLUME (Christy Ottaviano Books, 2026). From the gorgeous cover to the end pages, the…
Purim Book Spotlight – 3 New Books from PJ Publishing
With Purim just around the corner, I’m delighted to celebrate the release of three delightful new Purim board books published by PJ Publishing. PURIM BASKETS by Nancy Churnin, illustrated by Amy Schimler-SaffordCreating and gifting Purim baskets for friends and family,…