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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Welcome, Deborah Blumenthal! Deborah is the author of a new picture book biography, FRANK WHO LIKED TO BUILD: THE ARCHITECTURE OF FRANK GEHRY (Kar-Ben, 2022) illustrated by Maria Brzozowska. The book tells the story of famed architect Frank Gehry, known…
I am excited to chat with author Karen Pokras about her engaging middle grade novel, THE BACKYARD SECRETS OF DANNY WEXLER (Kar-Ben, 2021). The story follows eleven-year-old Danny as he and his friends attempt to solve a local mystery that…
I first met author Danielle Joseph when we both attended the TENT program at the Yiddish Book Center. Danielle is a wonderful writer and storyteller, and I am so excited to discuss her new middle-grade novel, SYDNEY A. FRANKEL’S SUMMER…
Valerie Estelle Frankel is an award-winning author of books for adults and children. Her book, CHELM FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Kar-Ben, 2019), is a collection of stories about the residents in Chelm as they celebrate Jewish holidays throughout the year. The…