I’m so happy to feature my writing friend Lydia Lukidis on the blog today! She discusses her second graphic novel in the adorable Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog series: The Terrifying Turnip Takeover, releasing April 28, 2026 (illustrated by Tara J. Hannon, published by Andrews McMeel Publishing). Lydia chats about her inspiration, as well as about… Read more »
I’m delighted to feature Doreen Klein Robinson on the blog today. Doreen and I are both members of a 2026 book promotion group – The Jewish Joytellers – and I’m happy to help create extra buzz around her beautiful picture books! Her newest release, A PLACE TO PRAY: A TALE OF FRIENDSHIP AND COMMUNITY INSPIRED… Read more »
I’m so happy to feature my talented writing friend, Candace Spizzirri, on the blog again. Her adorable new picture book, FINLEY: A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE, releases from Gnome Road Publishing on April 28, 2026. It’s a companion to FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE. Both are beautifully illustrated by the team Chantelle and Burgen Thorne…. Read more »
I’m so happy to welcome my dear friend and critique partner back to the blog! Ann Diament Koffsky has THREE picture books this season: THE MIRACLE OF MATZAH PIZZA: A BIBLICAL TALL TALE (written and illustrated by Ann, Intergalactic Afikoman, February 10, 2026); WHAT EMMA WROTE: THE WOMAN BEHIND THE WORDS ON THE STATUE OF… Read more »
Today I have a special post – three authors with newly released PJ Publishing board books about the Jewish holiday, Purim, are stopping by the blog to chat about the inspiration for their books, and to share about stories, creativity, and connection. PJ Library sends free high-quality Jewish children’s books to families every… Read more »
Welcome back, Ann! I’m delighted to feature my friend and critique partner, Ann D. Koffsky, on the blog again! Ann has several books out this September! She will discuss the inspiration for them all, sharing about stories, creativity, and connection. Congratulations, and take it away, Ann! 1) STORIES – Discuss the inspiration for your… Read more »
I am so happy to feature my friend, Dara Henry, on the blog today! Her latest book, MAZEL TOV BABY, illustrated by Varda Livney, releases from Sourcebooks Kids on September 16th! Dara chats about her inspiration for this interactive lift-the-flap board book, and also shares about stories . . . creativity . . . and… Read more »
I am so happy to feature author Catherine Ciocchi on the blog today. You can read my first interview with Catherine here. Her wonderful new picture book, MY SHADOW, illustrated by Aline Cardoso Macedo E Silva, releases from Lawley Enterprises on May 20, 2025. Catherine shares about the inspiration for her book (drawn from her… Read more »
I am thrilled to feature my critique partner and amazing friend Ann Koffsky on the blog today! You can read my previous interviews with Ann here, here and here. Ann’s KAYLA AND KUGEL series is perfect for celebrating and learning more about the Jewish holidays, and for all year round too! The latest book, KAYLA… Read more »
HAZEL AND MABEL: TWO HEARTS APART (illustrated by Anita Bagdi, releasing from Gnome Road Publishing, September 30, 2025) Did you ever move away, and when you came back to visit your best friend – the one you spent every afternoon with – your friendship wasn’t exactly the same? OR did your best friend – the… Read more »