I am delighted to feature my dear friend and critique partner Ann Koffsky on the blog today. You can read my previous interviews with Ann here and here.
Ann's newest picture book, PING PONG SHABBAT: THE TRUE STORY OF CHAMPION ESTEE ACKERMAN, illustrated by Abigail Rajunov, is an inspiring story centering around competitive ping pong, and the values of a young girl as she rose to become a champion. Read on as Ann shares about stories, creativity, and connection.
STORIES – Discuss the inspiration for your ideas and stories, and share the process about your latest projects.
Every project comes from a different place! So I’ll talk about my recent one.
The idea for PING PONG SHABBAT showed up because two things happened at about the same time—a picture book about Sandy Koufax came out that I had just read, and Estee was being covered in my local newspaper (we both live in the same West Hempstead neighborhood on long island). My brain connected the two: hey, if there is a book about Koufax not playing on Yom Kippur, why not a picture book about Estee not playing on Shabbat? Then I called Estee, and said hey, can I tell your story? And she was generous and kind and said yes—and now we have a book!
I also want to menion how beautiful a job Abigail Rajunov did with the illustrations. This is her debut picture book, and I just love the energy and excitement she brought to the pictures. That cover just goes WHAM right?
CREATIVITY -- How do you showcase your creative side through writing/illustrating and other pursuits?
In addition to writing and illustrating books, I love sharing my free coloring pages around the Jewish holidays. And you know Jewish holidays—there’s always a new one right around the corner! So this always gives me an opportunity to think of something new, and share a new drawing. (You can sign up to receive them here: https://coloringjewish.substack.com/publish/home. Yes, it’s free and I don’t plan to charge anytime time soon. Well, ever. )
CONNECTION -- How do you connect to your young readers through your writing/illustrating, and how do you stay connected to the KidLit community?
Amazingly, about five years ago my neighborhood block had a real transformation: a bunch of older neighbors moved to Florida, and in moved a new bunch of very young families with adorable, wonderful, young kids. So these days, I can connect to my young readers by watching them play as I sit on my porch!
They have also been very helpful and generously volunteered to model for me, when I need to sketch a young kid. So: yay for good neighbors!
In terms of the Kidlit community, I can’t recommend the facebook group KidLit Mavens and the 12x12 picture book challenge enough. Both have been a wonderful resource for information and community.
ANN'S BIO:
Ann Diament Koffsky is the author and illustrator of more than 36+ books for children. Several of her books have been PJ Library selections, and she has received a Sydney Taylor notable designation for her book Noah’s Swimathon.
Ping Pong Shabbat is her newest book.
CONNECT WITH ANN:
Website: https:/www.annkoffsky.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annkoffsky
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annkoffsky/
Twitter: https://x.com/AnnKoffsky
Enjoyed this wonderful interview with two of my favorite kidlit authors! Estee is so relatable for young readers. And the art is perfect for this fast-paced read. Good luck!