It’s my pleasure to welcome Ruth Spiro. Her picture book, ONE SMALL SPARK: A TIKKUN OLAM STORY (Dial Books, 2024), illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov, introduces young readers to the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam. With lyrical images and delightful cityscape illustrations, ONE SMALL SPARK shows young readers how they can help repair the world in their own communities. I am eager to learn more about the process of the book’s creation.
What inspired you to write about Tikkun Olam for kids?
One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story comes from an idea I’d been thinking about for a long time. Tikkun olam is often translated to “repair the world” or “make right.” But even though it’s a Jewish concept, I wanted to write about it in a larger sense because many other faiths and cultures share a similar tradition of practicing compassion, charity, and community service. Now, more than ever, I believe it’s important for us to find points of connection with others in our schools and communities and focus on the values we have in common.
What challenges did you face bringing such a big concept to young readers?
“Repairing the world” can sound overwhelming to a child! How could I empower readers and let them know that even if they’re small, they’re capable of making a difference? I decided the best way to approach the concept would be to break it down and focus on one moment in time. Because when we see someone who needs help, in that moment we all make a choice about the kind of person we want to be.
What were your thoughts when you first saw the illustrations by Victoria Tentler-Krylov? Do you have a favorite spread?
I’ve been a fan of Victoria’s work and knew her style would be a perfect fit. Her art is both stunning and complex, and invites readers to take a closer look at what’s happening in each scene. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in bringing this book to life.
If I had to choose one spread that stands out to me, it’s the one that accompanies this text:
“But even the tiniest spark
will flicker and dance until
it’s impossible to ignore.
Think of each act of kindness
as a little gift,
given quietly.”
The scene shows an entire community gathered in a park, making repairs and connecting with new friends. It’s colorful, joyous and optimistic!
What do you hope young readers take away from ONE SMALL SPARK?
After reading this book I want children to know that while they may not be able to solve every problem, they do have the ability to make a difference through the things they say and the actions they take. I hope all readers will think about what it means to be compassionate and how they can contribute to creating the world they want to live in.
Thank you, Ruth!
Ruth Spiro is the author of more than 30 children’s books, with over one million copies in print worldwide. Her bestselling Baby Loves Science board books are the groundbreaking originals that introduce big ideas to the littlest listeners in an age-appropriate and engaging style. The series has been praised by the Los Angeles Times, NPR, TODAY, Popular Science, Working Mother, and more. Ruth graduated with a B.S. in Communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign and earned an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago. She worked for advertising agencies in both account management and broadcast production, and coordinated a large-scale research grant at DePaul University funded by the National Institutes of Health. Ruth’s work has won awards and recognition from the National Science Teaching Association, Bank Street College of Education, Illinois Reads, Purdue Engineering, Willamette Writers, and Writer’s Digest. Ruth lives in Chicago.
Website: https://ruthspiro.com/
Instagram: @ruthspiro
Just what the world needs NOW. Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait to read it.
Absolutely! More kindness!