I’m delighted to feature my writing friend and fellow Jewish Joyteller Martha Seif Simpson on the blog today. Martha’s newest adorable picture book, I WILL NOT EAT LATKES, illustrated by Lisa Hunt, releases from Apples & Honey Press on October 20th. Martha also discusses an earlier picture book, A RING FOR A KING, which… Read more »
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… Read more »
I am so excited to feature my writing pal and dear friend, Alayne Kay Christian. Her terrific new picture book, TURKEY ON THE RUN!, illustrated by Neha Rawat, released from Flamingo Books (Penguin Random House) on September 29, 2026. Alayne shares her inspiration, as well as her thoughts on stories, creativity, and connection. Welcome back,… Read more »
I’m so happy to welcome my friend, author Kari Ann Gonzalez, to the blog today. Kari Ann’s wonderful and clever new picture book, GOAT MAA-TH: AN ADDITION STORY!, illustrated by Bonnie Kelso, released from Gnome Road Publishing on September 8, 2026. Kari chats about her inspiration, as well as stories, creativity, and connection. Welcome, Kari… Read more »
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 –… Read more »
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 »