My friend Susan Lynn Meyer (previously interviewed for her novel Black Radishes) has a new picture book just in time for Passover! MATZAH BELOWSTAIRS (Kar-Ben) is a delightful story about a charming little mouse family whose lives Belowstairs. They are eager to celebrate Passover, just like the Winkler family who lives Abovestairs. But Miriam Mouse is struggling to forage for…
Ann Koffsky divides her time among numerous projects, as an author, illustrator, editor, and art designer – she does it all! Ann recently shared her artistic process on social media as she worked on a beautiful series of paintings. These lovely works would later become the art for a new picture book, CREATION COLORS (Apples & Honey Press). From painting…
Tracy Newman is the author of more than 10 Jewish books for young readers, most of them about celebrating holidays. Her newest book, AROUND THE PASSOVER TABLE (Albert Whitman & Company) is delightful picture book that takes readers through the entire seder with lyrical rhyming text. The illustrations by Adriana Santos depict a loving, relatable family. AROUND THE PASSOVER TABLE…
It’s always wonderful to hear about new publishers that are passionate about bringing meaningful stories to life for young readers. Green Bean Books, based in London, is a new, independent publishing company. They have select titles available, including translated works from some of Israel’s “best loved authors and illustrators.” I find it fascinating to view the publishing process from through…
I am pleased to introduce Rebecca Klempner. Her work has appeared in numerous magazines and she is the author of several books. The most recent is an endearing middle grade novel, Adina at Her Best (Menucha). Adina Ben Ami truly tries her best but often manages to get in trouble. When things go awry during a class trip, it seems…
Just in time for Valentine’s Day is a picture book that will touch the deepest places of your heart. It is a pleasure to celebrate the release of Gittel’s Journey (Abrams Books for Young Readers) by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Amy June Bates. Lesléa Newman has brought us many beautiful books, including Sydney Taylor Award winner, Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed.…
DEFYING THE NAZIS by Hermann Vinke is a translation and adaptation of the adult biography about Wilm Hosenfeld, the German officer who risked his life to save others. He is best known for rescuing Wladyslaw Szpilman, depicted in the acclaimed film, The Pianist. There is a layered history to Hosenfeld’s courage, including his own tragic ending. I chatted with Skyler Lambert…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJANUARY 28, 2019 2019 Sydney Taylor Book Award Winners Announced Winners of the annual Sydney Taylor Book Award were announced by the Association of Jewish Libraries today in Seattle, WA at the Youth Media Awards press conference of 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…
I am delighted to introduce award-winning author, Joanne Oppenheim. Joanne has published over 50 books for children. The most recent is The Knish War on Riverton Street (Albert Whitman & Company), a charming and beautifully illustrated picture book about two families with competing knish bakeries. Illustrated by Jon Davis, The Knish War on Riverton Street is a PJ Library Selection 2017,…
The Association of Jewish Libraries presents “Love Your Neighbor,” a series of book recommendations for youth meant to grow readers’ understanding of the Jewish religion and its people, created in response to the tragic synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. The picture books and chapter books in these lists will touch readers’ hearts and inspire them to build a more welcoming world.…