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 and traditions that help her hold on to Poppy’s memory. The black and white illustrations with lovely washes of color are perfect paring for the text. I look forward to learning more about the story. Welcome back, Caroline! WHERE IS POPPY? Chronicles grief and loss in an accessible, child-friendly way. What inspired you to tel ..read more

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 as they attempt to help the adults in their community discover that the moon hasn’t actually disappeared. I look forward to learning more about Audrey’s process of researching and writing THE SCHLEMIEL KIDS SAVE THE MOON. Welcome, Audrey! What inspired you to write a twist on a traditional Chelm folktale, especially featuring kids, siblings Sarah ..read more

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 beloved figure in Jewish children’s literature, and I am thrilled that her story is out in the world and accessible to young readers. I first met author Richard Michelson when I served as the chair of the Sydney Taylor Book Award committee, and I have since been delighted to interview him about his books and awards. Now, I am happy to learn more from ..read more

Emily Barth Isler’s middle-grade book, THE COLOR OF SOUND (Carolrhoda Books, 2024), follows twelve-year-old Rosie, who has synesthesia. Although Rosie is a gifted musician, she refuses to play her violin. She also struggles with her mom and has issues with her best friend. Stuck spending the summer at her grandparents’ home, Rosie embarks on a surprising journey of self-discovery. Emily has done a remarkable job of creating an extraordinary character that readers will want to embrace. I’m excited to chat with her about her journey creating this wonderful story. Welcome back, Emily! Rosie is a ..read more

An informative and important story, Frank Baker’s graphic novel illustrated by Tim Ogline, WE SURVIVED THE HOLOCAUST: THE BLUMA AND FELIX GOLDBERG STORY (Imagine and Wonder, 2022), chronicles the true story of Bluma and Felix, two young adults who survived the Holocaust. Frank is a media literacy educator and advocate, and the book’s website features a teacher guide: https://wesurvivedtheholocaust.com/. The book is also available in Spanish. I look forward to learning more about the background and process of how Frank and Tim created WE SURVIVED THE HOLOCAUST. Welcome, Frank! How did you come ..read more

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, who has experienced past trauma of her own, Melanie learns the importance of friendship. This thoughtful story has real-world resonance and relatable characters. I look forward to learning more about the novel and Deborah’s writing process. Welcome back, Deborah! In your novel, Melanie and Dorit deal with serious life issues.  What challenges did y ..read more

THE BLUE BUTTERFLY OF COCHIN (Kalaniot, 2024) by Ariana Mizrahi, illustrated by Siona Benjamin, follows Leah, who immigrates from her beloved home in India to Israel. Along the way, she is escorted by a lovely blue butterfly who gives her hope. Featuring gorgeous illustrations, THE BUTTERFLY OF COCHIN is a spectacular book that utilizes Nanographic printing, a cutting-edge technique that makes the illustrations pop with color. Learn more about the process here. I had the opportunity to interview Siona for my 2020 nonfiction book DIJ – DO IT JEWISH: USE YOUR JEWISH CREATIVITY, and I am delighte ..read more

It is my pleasure to welcome author Lesléa Newman and illustrator Susan Gal. In their picture book, JOYFUL SONG: A NAMING STORY (Levine Querido, 2024), Zachary eagerly awaits his sister’s baby naming ceremony. Along with his moms, he excitedly invites friends and neighbors on their walk to the synagogue, where her name will be revealed. Featuring beautiful, vibrant illustrations, this charming story offers insights into a Jewish tradition and the importance of community. I’m thrilled to learn more about this truly joyful book from Susan and Lesléa. Lesléa, in JOYFUL SONG, you create a beautifu ..read more

Laced with humor and heart, Alan Silberberg‘s alphabet board book P IS FOR PASTRAMI: The ABCs of Jewish Food (Viking, 2024) is a fun-filled, delicious exploration of Jewish cuisine. Charming anthropomorphic food illustrations and clever, quippy dialogue bubbles will engage even the youngest readers. I look forward to learning more about Alan’s writing, illustrating, and research process for this delightful book. Welcome back, Alan! Did you do a lot of research before creating P IS FOR PASTRAMI? Any cooking or baking? Great question! There was a lot of research to create the “alphabet” of ..read more

In father-daughter team Phil and Lily Rosenthal’s new picture book JUST TRY IT! (Simon & Schuster, 2024), illustrated by Luke Flowers, Dad Phil is an adventurous eater, while his young daughter Lil is picky, sticking to only a couple of favorites. When they visit a food truck festival and Phil tries to get Lil to expand her tastes, they both embark on unexpected adventures. This relatable, funny story will appeal to young readers, emphasizing the importance and benefits of trying something new. Welcome, Phil and Lily! JUST TRY IT! is a relatable book for many parents and kids, too. How did ..read more