In CHALLAH DAY! (Holiday House, 2023) by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Jason Kirschner, a family spends the day baking Challah. The bouncy, rhyming text takes readers through preparing and mixing ingredients, waiting for the dough to rise, and braiding and…
Interview with Ryan Lavarnway, author of BASEBALL AND BELONGING
In his picture book BASEBALL AND BELONGING, illustrated by Chris Brown, Ryan Lavarnway chronicles his story as a kid growing up playing baseball to his career as a catcher for Major League Baseball teams. Along the way, Ryan had many…
Interview with Tammar Stein, author of THE GIANT, THE SLINGSHOT, AND THE FUTURE KING
Tammar Stein’s illustrated chapter book THE GIANT, THE SLINGSHOT, AND THE FUTURE KING (Apples & Honey Press, 2023) illustrated by Dodo Maeder, retells the story of David and Goliath, as well as David’s life beyond his victory over the giant.…
Interview with Hava Deevon, author of BAREFOOT IN THE SAND
In Hava Deevon’s picture book, BAREFOOT IN THE SAND (Green Bean Books, 2023) Saul, a young boy from Romania, grows up hearing stories about the Land of Israel and spends his whole life imagining himself walking on the warm sand…
Interview with Yona Diamond Dansky, author and illustrator of WISHES AND KNISHES
WISHES AND KNISHES written and illustrated by Yona Diamond Dansky is a story of family and food, and the relationships we share with our loved ones. In the story, Kaley hopes to learn how to make knishes, but she’s always…
Interview with Leslie Kimmelman, author of EVE AND ADAM AND THEIR VERY FIRST DAY
Welcome back, Leslie Kimmelman! In her picture book EVE AND ADAM AND THEIR VERY FIRST DAY (Apples & Honey Press, 2023) illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich, Leslie writes a midrash about the very first day of life for biblical figures Eve…
Shanah Tovah!
Wishing you all a very happy new year!
Interview with Sylvia Rouss, author of IN MY PRESCHOOL, THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYTHING
In her new picture book, IN MY PRESCHOOL, THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYTHING (Bedazzled Ink Press, 2023), Sylvia Rouss introduces young readers to the many happenings in a day at preschool using the message of Ecclesiastes verses. Featuring photos…
Board Book Roundup 2023
Board books are so important for very young readers. They are sturdy enough for little hands to hold and explore with an adult or independently. This year, there are several terrific titles available that celebrate Jewish life. I am so…
Interview with Erica Lyons, author of COUNTING ON NAAMAH
Erica Lyons’s picture book COUNTING ON NAAMAH: A MATHEMATICAL TALE ON NOAH’S ARK (Intergalactic Afikoman, 2023) illustrated by Mary Reaves Uhles, is a clever midrash tale that focuses on Naamah, Noah’s wife, and her talents as a mathematician. In the…