I’m so pleased to introduce author Jodie Sadowsky to chat about her new book, A SUKKAH FOR BELLA (Lovevery Books, 2025). It’s a charming story featuring photo illustrations of Jodie’s own family, including her young niece, Bella. The family prepares for the holiday, from building the sukkah to decorating, planning to welcome guests, and more. It was wonderful to learn about Jodie’s process of creating this informative and engaging book. Sukkot is a beautiful holiday, and A SUKKAH FOR BELLA offers a warm and welcoming introduction for young readers and families. Welcome, Jodie!
A SUKKAH FOR BELLA is illustrated with photographs. How did this idea come about? What did the creative process entail?
A Sukkah for Bella is the newest title in a collection of Celebration Books from early childhood development company Lovevery. Nearly all of Lovevery’s 120 books use real photography, consistent with scientific research that seeing authentic experiences on the page aids budding readers in making connections between storytime and life. It was so special to welcome Lovevery’s photographer and producer to my backyard to capture my niece, Bella, building a sukkah with her family.
Instead of illustration notes, we developed the manuscript with a shot list and prop list and planned page turns. Bella worked so hard to get the shots we needed; she had to pout, look frustrated and confused and of course, smile. Once we had a draft of the book, we had to make more revisions to make the pictures make sense. I’m grateful to have been included in the editorial process, and also, to share the light of a Jewish tradition with Lovevery’s diverse readership.
In the story, Bella is the youngest in her family. She wants to play a part in building the family sukkah. What do you hope young readers take away from Bella’s experience?
While the story is fiction, it was inspired by watching Bella grow as the youngest of three siblings and many (12!) older cousins. In the story, and in real life, Bella is spirited, thoughtful and determined to be part of the action. Like me, she also loves creating things, so building a sukkah was a perfect project to show her struggle to find a way to help.
It’s easy for little ones to feel left out in a big, busy family, especially when trying to participate in a big project like building a sukkah. I hope readers will recognize in themselves a sense of confidence and persistence in finding creative ways to be a helper and an active participant in the work families do together.
Why do you think Sukkot is an important holiday to share with kids?
I only started celebrating Sukkot outside of synagogue once I was a parent. I wanted my kids to grow up loving being Jewish, as I did (for me, it was through Jewish sleepaway camp and trips to Israel). My firstborn loved building from the time he was a toddler, so by the time he was 11, we started the annual tradition of building a sukkah. I don’t know if there is a more irresistible mitzvah to kids than building an outdoor fort and spending as much time inside it as possible. As readers will see in the book, even the smallest builders can find a way to help create a special sukkah.
You have written quite extensively for the adult market. How is writing a children’s book different?
I’m a real estate lawyer by training, but began “practicing” as a writer during the pandemic. I’ve always loved reading, and began studying and writing picture books after falling in love with books like Extra Yarn and The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess while reading to my own kids. You can play more with word choice and rhythm in children’s books, but you have far fewer words for your story. Whether contracts, essays or picture books, the essentials of winnowing big ideas down to clear and effective language for your reader is critical.
A Sukkah for Bella is my first book but I have more stories in the works, including a Hanukkah book for Lovevery and a Jewish concept book inspired by the wordplay of beloved Jewish writer Amy Krouse Rosenthal. I also dream of writing a graphic novel about Sukkot inspired by the adventures of my builder son.
Thank you, Jodie!
Jodie Sadowsky is the author of A SUKKAH FOR BELLA, as well as essays appearing in Kveller, The Huffington Post, CNN, and more. Jodie serves on the selection committee for the Malka Penn Award for Human Rights in Children’s Literature and on her local library foundation board.
Learn more about Jodie AND find instructions on how to build a sukkah at www.jodiesadowsky.com.