In Anna E. Jordan’s middle grade book SHIRA & ESTHER’S DOUBLE DREAM DEBUT (Chronicle Books, 2023), look-alike thirteen-year-olds Shira and Esther concoct a plan to swap places when they discover they are living each other’s dreams: one girl wants to…
Interview with Kathy Kacer, author of TWO PIECES OF CHOCOLATE
Kathy Kacer’s new book TWO PIECES OF CHOCOLATE (Second Story Press, 2024), illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard, is based on the true story of a young girl named Francine and her mother, who help a pregnant woman find a bit of…
Jewish Book Carnival – May 2024
The Jewish Book Carnival, a monthly roundup of Jewish literary links from across the blogosphere, has been posted for May 2024. Our host this month is Erika Dreifus at My Machberet Blog. You can see the carnival here: https://www.erikadreifus.com/2024/05/jewish-book-carnival-may-2024-5784.
Interview with Ann D. Koffsky, author of PING-PONG SHABBAT
Ann Koffksy’s nonfiction picture book PING-PONG SHABBAT: THE TRUE STORY OF CHAMPION ESTEE ACKERMAN (Little Bee Books, 2024), illustrated by Abigail Rajunov tells the story of Estee Ackerman, a talented young Ping-Pong champion. When a big competition that could earn…
Interview with Bess Kalb, author of BUFFALO FLUFFALO
Bess Kalb’s picture book BUFFALO FLUFFALO (Random House Studio, 2024), illustrated by Erin Kraan, follows Buffalo Fluffalo, a gruff, fluffy buffalo who rebukes offers of friendship from the eager animals around him. But after a rainstorm causes Fluffalo to lose…
Jewish American Heritage Month Mega Children’s Book Giveaway 2024
In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, a group of authors is organizing a book giveaway! I am pleased to participate along with so many authors. APPLES, APPLES, ALL YEAR ROUND is one of the included titles. In celebration of…
Interview with Sarah Sassoon, author of THIS IS NOT A CHOLENT
Sarah Sassoon’s picture book THIS IS NOT A CHOLENT (Kar-Ben, 2024) illustrated by Viviana Garofoli, is set in Australia and follows a girl named Amira and her grandmother, Nana, who participate in a Cholent cooking competition. Amira and Nana make…
Interview with Caroline Kusin Pritchard, author of WHERE IS POPPY?
Caroline Kusin Pritchard’s new picture book WHERE IS POPPY? (Simon & Schuster, 2024), illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte, follows a child struggling with the loss of her beloved grandfather on the Passover holiday. The young protagonist ultimately finds comfort in family…
Interview with Audrey Barbakoff, author of THE SCHLEMIEL KIDS SAVE THE MOON
In THE SCHLEMIEL KIDS SAVE THE MOON (The Collective Book Studio, 2024), illustrated by Rotem Teplow, Audrey Barbakoff puts a fresh spin on a traditional Chelm story. Filled with humor, the book follows siblings Sarah and Sam who face frustration…
Interview with Richard Michelson, author of ONE OF A KIND: THE LIFE OF SYDNEY TAYLOR
Richard Michelson’s picture book biography ONE OF A KIND: THE LIFE OF SYDNEY TAYLOR (Calkins Creek, 2024) illustrated by Sarah Green, tells the life story of Sydney Taylor, author of the iconic ALL-OF-A-KIND FAMILY book series. Sydney Taylor is a…