Sylvia Rouss’s beloved children’s series SAMMY THE SPIDER has introduced young readers to many Jewish holidays, customs, and celebrations for over two decades. In her newest book, SAMMY SPIDER’S FIRST ABC (Kar-Ben, 2022) illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn, Sammy learns…
Author/illustrator Amalia Hoffman’s new board book, MY HANDS MAKE THE WORLD (PJ Publishing, 2022), offers a delightful take on the story of creation. The illustrations include engaging, bright colors and fun painted illustrations featuring artistic elements and techniques like paint…
I’m excited to share my interview with Betsy R. Rosenthal about her middle-grade novel WHEN LIGHTNIN’ STRUCK (Kar-Ben, 2022). I have known Betsy for many years, and it’s always a special treat to celebrate a friend’s new book. WHEN LIGHTNIN’ STRUCK…
Kate Hannigan’s new picture book biography BLIPS ON A SCREEN: How Ralph Baer Invented TV Video Gaming and Launched a Worldwide Obsession (Knopf, 2022) illustrated by Zachariah OHora tells the interesting story of Ralph Baer, a Jewish refugee who invented…
My coauthor June Sobel and I are so excited to share the cover reveal of our new picture book, APPLES, APPLES, ALL YEAR ROUND (Apples & Honey Press), launching in August 2022. The illustrations by Ruth Waters are absolutely delightful.…
Happy Earth Day! In Barbara Newman’s YA novel, THE DREAMCATCHER CODES (Green Writers Press, 2021), four teenage girls are entrusted with saving the planet from environmental destruction. Along the way, they share and learn about their diverse backgrounds, gleaning insights…
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…
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…
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…
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…