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…
Tag: Kar-Ben
Interview with Deborah Lakritz, author of THINGS THAT SHIMMER
Set in 1973, Deborah’s middle grade novel THINGS THAT SHIMMER (Kar-Ben, 2024) follows Melanie, a middle schooler desperate to join the cool clique in school while also dealing with her mother’s PTSD. But when she befriends a new student, Dorit,…
Interview with Amalia Hoffman, author/illustrator of AFIKOTECTIVE
In Amalia Hoffman’s picture book AFIKOTECTIVE (Kar-Ben Books, 2024), a bear searches for the Afikomen at the Passover seder. AFIKOTECTIVE is an ideal selection for young readers learning about Passover. It’s a fun and unique way to introduce the Passover…
Interview with Elka Weber, author of MRS. MACCABEE’S MIRACLE
Elka Weber’s picture book MRS. MACCABEE’S MIRACLE (Kar-Ben, 2023), illustrated by Amélie Videlo, offers a fun retelling of the Hanukkah story. In the book, Mrs. Maccabee’s five sons are always losing their belongings. When it’s time for them to visit…
Interview with Tami Lehman-Wilzig, author of LUIS DE TORRES SAILS TO FREEDOM
Tami Lehman-Wilzig’s newest picture book, LUIS DE TORRES SAILS TO FREEDOM (Kar-Ben, 2023) illustrated by Oliver Averill is the story of a man escaping the Spanish Inquisition against the backdrop of Tisha B’av, a day of mourning the destruction of the First and Second Temples. In…
Interview with Sarah Sassoon, author of SHOHAM’S BANGLE
It’s a delight to welcome Sarah Sassoon, author of SHOHAM’S BANGLE (Kar-Ben, 2022) illustrated by Noa Kelner. SHOHAM’S BANGLE is the story of an Iraqi family who leaves their home for a new life, told through the eyes of a young…
Interview with Bonnie Lindauer, author of HANNAH G. SOLOMON DARED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Bonnie Lindauer’s picture book biography HANNAH G. SOLOMON DARED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE (Kar-Ben, 2021) illustrated by Sofia Moore tells the life story of National Council of Jewish Women founder Hannah G. Solomon. Hannah spent her life working to make…
Interview with Jacqueline Jules, author of MY NAME IS HAMBURGER
I am so excited to interview my friend, author and poet Jacqueline Jules. I am a big fan of Jacqueline’s picture books and chapter books, and I was thrilled to hear about her newest book, a middle-grade verse novel titled…
Interview with Sylvia Rouss, author of SAMMY SPIDER’S FIRST ABC
Sylvia Rouss’s beloved children’s series SAMMY THE SPIDER has introduced young readers to many Jewish holidays, customs, and celebrations for over two decades. In her newest book, SAMMY SPIDER’S FIRST ABC (Kar-Ben, 2022) illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn, Sammy learns…
Interview with Betsy R. Rosenthal, author of WHEN LIGHTNIN’ STRUCK
I’m excited to share my interview with Betsy R. Rosenthal about her middle-grade novel WHEN LIGHTNIN’ STRUCK (Kar-Ben, 2022). I have known Betsy for many years, and it’s always a special treat to celebrate a friend’s new book. WHEN LIGHTNIN’ STRUCK…