I am thrilled to welcome my friend and co-author June Sobel for CHALLAH, CHALLAH, FOR YOU AND ME (Apples & Honey Press, 2024), illustrated by Ruth Waters. Working with June is such a joy, and I am excited to share her perspective on our writing process and projects. This is our second book together. Our first, APPLES, APPLES, also illustrated by Ruth Waters was released in 2022. Featuring the same adorable woodland animal characters, CHALLAH, CHALLAH, is a celebration of the many ways we enjoy challah. Welcome, June!
Can you tell me a bit about your writing journey for APPLES, APPLES, and now CHALLAH, CHALLAH?
When you and I wrote APPLES, APPLES, we adhered to a simple, repetitive rhyming format that young children could echo when the book was read aloud. With CHALLAH, CHALLAH, it was a challenge to create a text with that same scheme and pacing. I have lost count of how many times we rewrote this book until we reached the final version that was accepted for publication by Apples & Honey Press. From years of writing picture books, I have learned that patience is essential to finding the perfect words that sing as well as inspire the illustrations.
As the author of many acclaimed children’s books, including the GOODNIGHT TRAIN series, how is working with a partner different from writing alone?
The best part of writing with a partner is you have a friend in the journey of making the book come true. Writing with a partner has proven to be an enlivening counterpoint to my ongoing solitary projects. Collaboration allows us to have two sets of eyes for a work in progress. Doubt doesn’t enter the process as we share our ideas and encourage each other to keep going. Most of all, working with you, Barbara, has been fun!
Why do you think Jewish books for very young readers like APPLES, APPLES, and CHALLAH, CHALLAH are so important?
These books provide an opportunity to bring aspects of the Jewish culture to young families and their children, especially those who may not be aware of many of the traditions. APPLES, APPLES travels through a year of Jewish holidays, illustrating the fruit’s role in each celebration while CHALLAH, CHALLAH playfully introduces this beloved braided bread to the very young. I feel our books establish an early connection to Jewish practices without being pedantic.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday?
My favorite Jewish holiday is Hanukkah since my son, Adam, was unexpectedly born on the first night 32 years ago. The best gift I could have ever received! If he is home during the holiday, we light all our menorahs and enjoy lots of latkes, Adam’s favorite food!
What were your thoughts when you first saw the illustrations by Ruth Waters?
Ruth Water’s illustrations for CHALLAH, CHALLAH have built upon the original artwork she created for APPLES, APPLES. I was thrilled to see how she expanded this world of woodland creatures in a playful, engaging way. Who could have imagined a raccoon and a bear enjoying challah!
Thank you, June!
June Sobel loves picture books for the way they awaken the wonder of words in children and keep the child alive in adults. She is the author of over a dozen picture books. Her best-selling THE GOODNIGHT TRAIN (Clarion Books) has continued to grow into a beloved series. APPLES, APPLES, All Year Round and CHALLAH, CHALLAH, for You and Me were written in collaboration with Barbara Bietz to bring a bit of Jewish joy to young families. A graduate of Skidmore College and Stanford University, June lives in Westlake Village, California. When away from her desk, June enjoys hiking, yoga, reading, and adventurous travel. Visit June at www.JuneSobel.com.
What a joy to hear about your collaboration. Can’t wait to read as I enjoy a piece of challah.
Thanks so much, Liz! Hope you love it!