3 Question Interview – JANIE EMAUS

I’m delighted to feature my friend and fellow Jewish Joyteller, author Janie Emaus, on the blog today. Janie’s wonderful new culturally blended picture book released on September 1, 2026 – Mrs. Claus’s Noodle Kugel (illustrated by Bryan Langdo, Sky Pony Press).  Janie joins me to share about her inspiration, and chat about stories, creativity, and connection. Welcome, Janie!

 

 

 

1. STORIES – Discuss the inspiration for your ideas and stories, and share the process about your latest projects.

I was raised Jewish and my husband was raised Catholic. So, when we had our daughter, we introduced her to both Hanukkah and Christmas. We lit the menorah, fried latkes, visited Santa and decorated a Christmas tree. Like any good mother, I went in search of books that she could identify with. When I could not find any I did what any writer would do, and wrote my own. Of course it took decades to sell the first book, Latkes for Santa Claus. That story ended with Mrs. Claus loving the latkes and so for years I had a sequel in mind. And then one day, I heard Mrs. Claus asking for another Jewish food, and Noodle Kugel popped into my mind. Mostly, because it sounded so funny. And I hope it does make kids laugh.

 

 

2. CREATIVITY — How do you showcase your creative side through writing/illustrating and other pursuits?

Throughout the year I post on social media and attend book fairs. During the holiday season, I have book signings, story hours and book giveaways. The holidays are really busy for me, as my books are seasonal. It can be exhausting, but fun and rewarding. Especially when I meet people who tell me that my books represent their family. And wish my book had been available when they were growing up.

 

3. CONNECTION — How do you connect to your young readers through your writing/illustrating, and how do you stay connected to the KidLit community?

I’m a member of KidLit411, SCBWI and 12 x 12. And would love to get involved with classroom visits. During book signings I meet a lot of young aspiring writers and love talking to them about the writing process. And encourage them to follow their passion. Throughout the year, I’m pass out my bookmarks to kids when they comment on my pink hair!

 

 

 

 

JANIE’S BIO:

Janie Emaus believes when the world is falling apart, we’re just one laugh away from putting it together again. Janie is the author of the blended holiday picture books, Latkes for Santa Claus, a finalist in the 2022 International Book Awards, Easter Eggs & Matzo Balls and Mrs. Claus’s Noodle Kugel. She is also the author of the novels, The Advice Columnist and The Time Traveling Matchmaker, and is a frequent contributor to AARP.  In a past life she was a ghost writer for a popular children’s series. Her essays, stories, and articles have been published in numerous magazines, anthologies, and websites. To learn more about Janie, visit her at www.janieemaus.com

 

 

CONNECT WITH JANIE:

https://www.facebook.com/janie.emaus
https://twitter.com/Janie_Emaus
https://www.instagram.com/janieemaus/
https://www.janieemaus.com