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…
Interview with Leah Scheier, author of THE LAST WORDS WE SAID
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…
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…
New Purim Book: MEET THE HAMANTASCHEN by Alan Silberberg
Last year, I interviewed author/illustrator Alan Silberberg about his picture book MEET THE MATZAH. Alan’s newest book, MEET THE HAMANTASCHEN (Viking, 2022), puts a new spin on the Purim story. It follows three detective hamantaschen cookies on the search for…
Purim Story Time – Please Join Me!
I am excited to be part of this Purim event on March 20th with the Lappin Foundation. Please join the fun! It’s 3:00 pm East Coast time, so 12:00 pm for West Coast friends. Register here!
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…
Remembering Paula Cohen: Author/Illustrator of BIG DREAMS, SMALL FISH
March 1st is the launch of a truly special book, BIG DREAMS, SMALL FISH (Levine Querido, 2022) written and illustrated by Paula Cohen. Sadly, Paula passed away suddenly last week. I had just planned interview questions for her when I…
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…