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Most often, despite the seeming collaboration, authors and illustrators of children’s books never meet or work directly with each other. Even so, results that seem almost magical can be achieved in the final product. One very special book is An Unlikely Ballerina by Krystyna Poray Goddu (who is based in New York) and illustrated by Cosei Kawa (who is based in Japan), a great example of the interplay between story and image. Krystyna was curious about a unique element of Cosei’s art, and wrote to him to ask about it:

Rabbi Kerry Olitzky has held many leadership positions in Jewish organizations.

This book is set in ancient Egypt. Let me set the scene for you: a marvelous boy filled with curiosity and optimism is enamored by every single thing that catches his eye. He finds beauty in all things. This boy, Bezalel, turns out to be, with other Israelites under Egyptian rule, a slave. However, his genuine curiosity and appreciating for all things--mostly forgotten things--is refreshing. His clinging to his ‘beautiful things box’ definitely hits home.

Mazel tov on the rescue of the young soccer players, and thanks to their intrepid team of divers! The world breathes a collective sigh of relief this morning as the twelfth boy and their coach have been safely rescued from a Thai cave after more than two weeks of being trapped. 

Given to fifteen books that represent excellence in the field of children’s literature, the Crystal Kites Awards are peer-selected, voted on by SCBWI members from local regions. Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod was recognized by her fellow authors in the Middle East/India/Asia region with the award. Read about the awards here.

It was a strange experience writing and researching a book about my own grandmother, and I wondered what it was like for members of my family to read it. This month, when The Family with Two Front Doors was published in the United States, I asked my cousin, Adina (who lives in New York), what she thought. 

Tu B’Shevat, though a minor holiday about agriculture in antiquity, has significance in today’s modern world, even though celebrating it during winter in North America requires a little bit of ingenuity. Tu B’Shevat has evolved into an opportunity to celebrate a connection to Israel while promoting environmentalism. Tu B’Shevat provides a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about the importance of a healthy planet, and their roles in carrying on the legacy of a verdant world. 

As an author, one of the questions I’m frequently asked is, “Where do you get your ideas from?”

The answer is easy, “Everywhere.”