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 a tale…
Bryon MacWilliams – The Girl in the Haystack
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…
Welcome Menahem Halberstadt – A Basket Full of Figs
Menahem Halberstadt is a 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…
The Passover Mouse – Joy Nelkin Wieder
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…
Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour! Welcome Victoria Ortiz, author of DISSENTER ON THE BENCH: RUTH BADER GINSBURG’S LIFE & WORK
I am excited that Jewish Books for Kids is a stop on the Sydney Taylor Book Award Tour! It is my absolute honor to introduce Victoria Ortiz, winner of the STBA Silver Medal for her riveting book, Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth…
2020 Sydney Taylor Book Awards 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…
Where’s the Potty on this Ark? Welcome, Kerry Olitzky
Kerry Olitzky has served in many leadership roles in Jewish Education. He is also the author of 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…
The Kids Are All Write!
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
Welcome, illustrator Vali Mintzi
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…
Sylvia Rouss – The Hanukkah Fable of Little Dreidel and Silver Menorah
Sylvia Rouss is the award-winning author and early childhood educator who created the popular Sammy Spider and The Littlest books, among many others. Sylvia has received numerous awards as an educator and she conducts seminars for parents and teachers. Teachers,…