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…
Category: Interviews
Welcome Laurel Snyder and Baxter the Pig Who Wanted to be Kosher
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…
The Year of Goodbyes
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…
Secrets of a Jewish Mother
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…
Welcome Debby Waldman
I am thrilled to introduce author Debby Waldman. Debby’s first picture book, A Sack Full of Feathers, a charming retelling of a Jewish folktale, was published by Orca in 2006. She is also the author of WOW: World’s Outstanding Women…
Welcome Menno Metselaar – The Anne Frank House
Anne Frank: Her Life in Words and Pictures from the Archives of the Anne Frank House by Menno Metselaar and Ruud van der Rol, translated by Arnold J. Pomerans was chosen as a Sydney Taylor Honor Book for Older Readers.…
Honoring Sid Fleischman
I was saddened today to hear of the passing of Sid Fleischman. Sid was a gifted writer and his contributions to children’s literature will continue to enlighten generations of children. More importantly, Sid was a kind and generous man. I…
Welcome Dean Schnider – Hachi: A Dog’s Tale
If you have a dog or love a dog, you won’t want to miss Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, now available on DVD. The remarkable true story about a dog named Hachiko took place in Japan in the 1920s but was…
Fern Schumer Chapman – Is it Day or Night?
Welcome, Fern Schumer Chapman! Junior Library Guild has selected her new book, Is It Night or Day? (March 2010), as a spring title. In a starred review, Booklist called the work ”powerful and eloquent,” adding, ”as with the best writing,…
Welcome Barbara Reid – Fox Walked Alone
Barbara Reid is the author/illustrator of FOX WALKED AONE (Albert Whitman and Company) a visually stunning story of Noah’s ark. FOX WALKED ALONE is a Sydney Taylor Notable Book for 2010. Barbara’s unique Plasticine art provides wonderful visual images for…