Anna Olswanger is one of the busiest and most diverse professionals in the world of children’s books. Among many other roles, Anna is an award-winning author, literary agent, promoter of Jewish books, and publisher of miniature books. I was thrilled…
Howard Schwartz is a folklorist, mythologist, and author of numerous Jewish books for adults and children. His recent picture book, Gathering Sparks (Roaring Brook Press), explores the origins of tikkun olam in a sweet story of a grandfather and his…
For many years, children have been charmed by the adaptation of the classic tale of King Solomon and an oh-so-smart bee. In King Solomon and the Bee by Dalia Hardof Renberg and illustrated by Ruth Heller, the clever bee helps…
Today I welcome Karen Fisman, the author of Adventures in Latkaland and Problems in Purimville, the second book in the Jacob and Sarah series. Somewhere in her distant past, Karen was an equities analyst and wrote a whole bunch of…
I am thrilled to welcome my dear friend, Ann Stampler. Ann is a multi-award-winning children’s author. Fans of all ages adore her folktales, including one of my personal favorites, Something for Nothing. Ann is a gifted storyteller and her books…
Margarita Engle is a multi-award-winning author and poet. Her novel-in-verse, Tropical Secrets (Henry Holt) was honored with the Sydney Taylor Book Award for Teen Readers. The unusual topic of the plight of Holocaust refugees is told from the perspective of…
I have just returned from the Association of Jewish Libraries Convention in Seattle. One of the highlights of the convention is honoring the winners of the Sydney Taylor Book Award. Robin Friedman is the winner of the Gold Medal for…
I am pleased to introduce my friend, Laurel Snyder. Laurel is the author of three novels for children: Penny Dreadful, Any Which Wall, Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains or The Search for a Suitable Princess (Random House), and two…
Debbie Levy is the author of nonfiction, fiction, and poetry books for young people. Her most recent title is The Year of Goodbyes: A True Story of Friendship, Family, and Farewells (Disney-Hyperion 2010). The book is based on her mother’s…
The Jewish mother is traditionally the heart of the family. How has modern life changed the role of mothers in Jewish families? Despite technological advances, shifting social norms, and changing fashions, the soul of a Jewish mother remains strong from…