Doreen Klein Robinson’s new picture book A PLACE TO PRAY: A TALE OF FRIENDSHIP AND COMMUNITY INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY (WorthyKids, 2026), illustrated by Yuke Li, tells the true story of a community coming together with compassion and care.…
Interview with Lesléa Newman, author of SOMETHING SWEET: A SITTING SHIVA STORY
Lesléa Newman’s new picture book, SOMETHING SWEET: A SITTING SHIVA STORY (Charlesbridge, 2026), illustrated by Sarita Rich, tells the story of young Lizzie, who attends the shiva for her best friend Joshua’s grandfather. She visits and learns about Jewish mourning…
Interview with Steven Gellman, author of SOMEWHERE IN NOWHERE
In Steven Gellman’s YA novel SOMEWHERE IN NOWHERE (Ninestar Press, 2026), high school senior Simon Bugg moves to a new home, balances old friends with new friends, and experiences an unexpected crush on a classmate. He is a layered character…
Interview with David Sherrin, author of BIG BAD WOLF AND THE MASQUERADE BALL
I am delighted to welcome back David Sherrin to chat about the newest installment in the Big Bad Wolf Diaries series, BIG BAD WOLF AND THE MASQUERADE BALL (Apples & Honey Press, 2026), illustrated by Martín Morón. The book follows…
Interview with Rinat Gilboa, illustrator of THE SHABBAT I KNOW
In THE SHABBAT I KNOW, written by Chris Barash (Green Bean Books, 2026), Rinat Gilboa’s textured collage art evokes the warmth and joy of Shabbat. The illustrations are a perfect pairing for the rhyming text that welcomes young readers to…
Interview with Selina Alko, author and illustrator of OTHERWISE KNOWN AS JUDY THE GREAT: A POETIC ODE TO JUDY BLUME
I’m delighted to chat with author/illustrator Selina Alko about her new picture book, released today, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS JUDY THE GREAT: A POETIC ODE TO JUDY BLUME (Christy Ottaviano Books, 2026). From the gorgeous cover to the end pages, the…
Purim Book Spotlight – 3 New Books from PJ Publishing
With Purim just around the corner, I’m delighted to celebrate the release of three delightful new Purim board books published by PJ Publishing. PURIM BASKETS by Nancy Churnin, illustrated by Amy Schimler-SaffordCreating and gifting Purim baskets for friends and family,…
Interview and Book Giveaway with Elizabeth Suneby, author of SAY SHALOM ALL DAY LONG and CHALLAHBALOO
Welcome back, Elizabeth Suneby! In her two board books, SAY SHALOM ALL DAY LONG (PJ Publishing, 2025) illustrated by Elke Boschinger and CHALLABALOO! (PJ Publishing, 2026) illustrated by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom, Elizabeth introduces young readers to Jewish concepts in a…
Interview with Andrea Max, author of THE ART OF EXILE
I’m pleased to welcome Andrea Max, author of the YA contemporary fantasy novel, THE ART OF EXILE (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2025). The story weaves history, Jewish mythology, and social justice as the main character, Ava, enters the seemingly utopian world…
Sydney Taylor Book Awards 2026
The 2026 Sydney Taylor Book Awards were announced by the Association of Jewish Libraries. Mazel Tov to the winners, honors, and notables! Check out the list here: https://jewishlibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/STBA-2026-Press-Release.pdf