I’m so happy to feature my friend and fellow Jewish Joyteller, author Lisa Cloherty, on the blog today. Lisa’s heartfelt picture book, MABEL’S MITZVAH, illustrated by Yaara Cellier, releases from Free Spirit Publishing on September 22, 2026. Lisa shares her inspiration, and chats about stories, creativity, and connection. Welcome, Lisa!
1. STORIES – Discuss the inspiration for your ideas and stories, and share the process
about your latest projects.
This story was inspired by a true story. When my family first
moved into our house we noticed an older woman across the street. My daughter
wondered why she never had visitors and if she was lonely. Shortly after, while
discussing the power of a mitzvah my daughter decided to befriend our neighbor. In the
weeks that followed, she shouted greetings and delivered handpicked flowers to no avail.
One day we baked cookies and walked them across the street. To our surprise, our
neighbor welcomed us inside and showed us pictures of her family, her fridge filled with
magnets and even gave us soup to bring home. Although their relationship never turned out
quite like Mabel and Mrs. Horowitz’s it inspired me to write this story about the beauty
of bringing joy to others.
2. CREATIVITY — How do you showcase your creative side through writing/illustrating
and other pursuits?
I love words! I am so lucky that I have been able to bridge my love of language into my
professional and creative life. As a speech-language pathologist, I assess, analyze and
calculate language and communication. But as a kidlit writer I just have fun! Writing has
always been my passion, creative outlet, and a source of pride. I often use my life
experiences as a framework for a story and then color between the lines with the type of
language that brings me joy!
3. CONNECTION — How do you connect to your young readers through your
writing/illustrating, and how do you stay connected to the KidLit community?
Writers (and kidlit writers especially) are just about the most supportive, encouraging,
and wonderful group of people I know. While writing is such a joy in my life, the path of
publication can be lonely and challenging. Through my network of other writers in my
critique groups, author marketing groups (Picture Book Pals and Jewish Joytellers),
through SCBWI, and retreats (Shout out to Highlights Foundation/Boyds Mills!) I have
found the most amazing community. No one quite knows how big even the little
milestones can be like your writing friends. I’m so lucky to have them!
LISA’S BIO:
Lisa Cloherty is an award winning writers of children’s books. Her debut picture book,
TERRANCE THE HOTHEAD: A Book to Manage Big Feelings (2022, ASHA press) was
a finalist for the SCBWI New England Crystal Kite Award and won the 2023 EXCEL
association publishing award. Her forthcoming picture book MABEL’S MITZVAH will
be released in October 2026 (Free Spirit). She lives in Connecticut with family. You can
find out more about her upcoming books at www.lisaclohertybooks.com.
CONNECT WITH LISA:
Website: Lisaclohertybooks.com
Instagram: @Lisaclohertybooks