Daniela Weil is the author of the historical middle grade novel, The Diary of Asser Levy: First Jewish Citizen of New York (Pelican Publishing, 2020). The novel tells the story of the Jewish refugees who arrived in Manhattan in 1654. Beautifully crafted, with lots of visual interest, including maps, photos, documents, and more, the novel introduces readers to a fascinating…
It is difficult to introduce the history of WWII to young readers. Bear and Fred is a beautifully crafted story that gently approaches the topic. Originally written in Hebrew and recently translated into English, Bear and Fred is…
Bryon MacWilliams is an award winning journalist who lived in post-Soviet Russia, where he was based for more than a decade as a foreign correspondent. He is the author of the memoir WITH LIGHT STEAM. His work, which also includes essays and poetry, has appeared in numerous publications. His new book, THE GIRL IN THE HAYSTACK, is a dark, yet…
Menahem Halberstadt is children’s book illustrator and fine artist. He recently illustrated A BASKET FULL OF FIGS (Green Bean Books). Written by Ori Elon, the picture book is a retelling of the Midrash about an Emperor’s encounter with an old man who plants a fig tree for future generations. As a child, Menahem loved to draw says he hasn’t stopped…
I met Joy Nelkin Wieder when we were both attendees at the TENT Workshop at The Yiddish Book Center. We had chatted about her winning manuscript and I was delighted when I learned The Passover Mouse had been published. What a charming tale with a truly satisfying ending! I couldn’t wait to learn more…
Click link for the full schedule. The Sydney Taylor Awards Blog Tour 2020
2020 Sydney Taylor Book Award Winners Announced Winners of the annual Sydney Taylor Book Award were announced by the Association of Jewish Libraries today in Philadelphia, PA at the Youth Media Awards announcement at the American Library Association. Named in memory of Sydney Taylor, author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series, the award recognizes books for children and teens that…
Kerry Olitzky has served in many leadership roles in Jewish Education. He is also the author of a several books about Jewish spirituality. His first children’s book, WHERE’S THE POTTY ON THIS ARK? (Kar-Ben) is a charming picture book that is sure to please the youngest readers and their parents. Both clever and…
I’m so honored to share this interview about SWEET TAMALES FOR PURIM from The Kids Are All Write with the amazing Nancy Churnin! Click here for the full interview: How Sweet It Is
l I love learning about illustrators’ creative processes. I’m so pleased to have the opportunity to interview award-winning artist, Vali Mintzi about her work. Vali immigrated to Israel in 1989. She is a graduate of the Bezalel Academy of Art in Jerusalem where she lives and works as an illustrator of children’s books, a graphic designer and puppetry designer. Vali…