In Jane Sutton’s new picture book ZAYDE BABYSITS BEFORE PASSOVER (Kar-Ben, 2025) illustrated by Kate Chappell, young Ruthie and her grandfather have fun as they help their family prepare for the upcoming Passover Seder. But what happens when it’s Ruthie who is more responsible? From sweeping for leftover breadcrumbs to getting into mischief at the grocery store, Ruthie and Zayde have a blast. ZAYDE BABYSITS BEFORE PASSOVER is a delightfully humorous book that will resonate with youngsters. Welcome back, Jane!
ZAYDE BABYSITS BEFORE PASSOVER is a fun and engaging book about Ruthie and her Zayde, who spend the day together, with unexpected humorous twists. How did you come up with the idea?
I wanted to write a funny story about a well-meaning, kind of clueless relative babysitting. Then I thought, Oh, it could be a grandfather taking care of his granddaughter by himself for the first time. When I came up with this happening right before Passover as Bubbe is busy preparing for the seder, I thought Yes! That has great possibilities!
The use of subtext in the illustrations gives the story its delightful context. How did you share your vision with the illustrator? Did you provide notes, or did you work together collaboratively?
I wrote lots of art notes along with the text to share what I had in mind.
What were your thoughts when you first saw the illustrations by Kate Chappell?
I thought Kate nailed the characters’ emotions and personalities and added her own humor through adorable details.
Do you have a favorite “babysitting” activity in the book?
I’d have to say it’s when Zayde and Ruthie follow Mommy’s direction to go to the grocery store and Zayde sits in the shopping cart with Ruthie pushing.
What do you hope your readers take away from the story?
I hope that readers will learn or be reminded of some Passover traditions, feel the warmth between grandfather and granddaughter, and of course, giggle.
Thank you, Jane!
Jane Sutton is an award-winning author of picture books and novels for children. She grew up on Long Island and attended Brandeis University. Jane lives with her husband in the Boston area, as do their grown children and families. She is grateful to get lots of chances to babysit her grandchildren and hopes she makes fewer mistakes than Ruthie’s Zayde.