I am pleased to welcome author Leah Scheier, author of the novel THE LAST WORDS WE SAID (Simon & Schuster, 2021) which was chosen as a 2022 Sydney Taylor Young Adult Honor Book. The story focuses on a trio of…
Category: Interviews
Interview with Deborah Blumenthal, author of FRANK WHO LIKED TO BUILD: THE ARCHITECTURE OF FRANK GEHRY
Welcome, Deborah Blumenthal! Deborah is the author of a new picture book biography, FRANK WHO LIKED TO BUILD: THE ARCHITECTURE OF FRANK GEHRY (Kar-Ben, 2022) illustrated by Maria Brzozowska. The book tells the story of famed architect Frank Gehry, known…
Interview with Vivian Kirkfield, author of PIPPA’S PASSOVER PLATE
It is a treat to welcome Vivian Kirkfield. In Vivian’s picture book, PIPPA’S PASSOVER PLATE (Holiday House, 2019) illustrated by Jill Weber, a mouse named Pippa prepares for Passover but is troubled when she can’t find her Seder plate. When…
Interview with David Shawn Klein, author of SHERLOCK MENDELSON AND THE MISSING AFIKOMEN
I am pleased to welcome award-winning author, David Shawn Klein, to chat about his first children’s book, SHERLOCK MENDELSON AND THE MISSING AFIKOMEN (Black Rose Writing, 2022) illustrated by Bridget Starr Taylor. Sherwood Mendelson, a young detective, refers to himself…
Interview with Elly Swartz, author of DEAR STUDENT
Elly Swartz is the author of several middle grade novels. Her newest book, DEAR STUDENT (Delacorte Press, 2022), follows Autumn, a middle schooler who is facing challenges at home and school. Feeling resentful that her dad has left to serve…
Interview with Mari Lowe, author of AVIVA VS THE DYBBUK
I’d like to welcome Mari Lowe, author of AVIVA VS THE DYBBUK (Levine Querido, 2022). The story follows a lonely girl named Aviva who is mourning the loss of her beloved father. As she grapples with her grief, Aviva also…
Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour! Interview with Eugene Yelchin, author of THE GENIUS UNDER THE TABLE
What an honor it is to be a stop on the Sydney Taylor Book Awards Blog Tour! The Sydney Taylor Book Award is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Presented by…
Interview with Barbara Bottner, author and contributor to COMING OF AGE: 13 B’NAI MITZVAH STORIES
COMING OF AGE: 13 B’NAI MITZVAH STORIES (Albert Whitman & Company, 2022) is a wonderful anthology celebrating the important rite of passage in the Jewish community. Edited by Henry Herz and Jonathan Rosen, the range of stories will engage readers…
Interview with Maya Shleifer, illustrator of LIGHTS IN THE NIGHT
I’d like to welcome Maya Shleifer to chat about her illustrations for the board book LIGHTS IN THE NIGHT (Green Bean Books, 2021) written by Chris Barash. This charming book portrays a family celebrating a quiet, yet beautiful seaside Shabbat.…
Interview with Freda Lewkowicz, author of I AM HAVA: A Song’s Story of Love, Hope and Joy
I’m so thrilled to welcome Freda Lewkowicz, author of I AM HAVA: A Song’s Story of Love, Hope and Joy (Intergalactic Afikoman, 2021) illustrated by Siona Benjamin. The story is a beautiful, heart-filled tribute to the song we all know and love,…