Behind Kar-Ben’s books are the clever, creative, wise, witty and wonderful people who write them. An author visit is a fun way to show kids that books and learning about Jewish culture, holidays and traditions matters. Many authors offer interactive programs with hands-on components to create memorable experiences. From board book authors who engage preschoolers and parents with rhyme and song to picture book writers who bring silliness and shenanigans to those with programs for older children on Jewish history, Kar-Ben’s authors inspire young minds to be curious and enthusiastic about Jewish life.
Download an Author Visit brochure that includes author information and program ideas (pdf) or search the state-by-state listings below for an author near you.Alabama:
Alaska:
Arizona:
One Good Deed is a story about the power of mitzvahs bringing a neighborhood together. Following a reading, children will participate in activities and discussions that highlight the ways they can make the world a better place.
Sarah Lynn Scheerger, author
Camarillo, CA
Mitzvah Pizza
After presenting this sweet story about kindness and friendship, Sarah Lynn will facilitate ways to “pay it forward” with hands-on activities. A perfect tie-in to a service-learning project.
Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh, author
Burbank, CAPamela Mayer, author
Foster City, CA
Peek-A-Boo Passover, Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup, Don’t Sneeze at the Wedding
Participate in rhyming fun, finger plays, and melodic tunes with Pamela!
Stacia Deutsch, author
#1 New York Times Best Selling author presents this inspiring story from the Civil Rights Movement. Through the lens of Tikkun Olam, Hot Pursuit examines the lives of three young men and their commitment to register voters in Mississippi in 1964. Through reading and discussion, presentations will open up this important slice of history in an age-appropriate manner. (Ages 8-11)
Both an author and an illustrator, Becky’s interactive, hands-on workshop will help kids consider the link between words and pictures so they can create their own mini-books.
Oakland, CA
Betsy Rosenthal, author
Los Angeles, CA
When Lightnin’ Struck
Through her slide show, by reading excerpts from her middle grade novel, When Lightnin’ Struck, and by posing thought-provoking questions, Betsy reveals a lesser-known chapter in the history of the Jewish people---that of the Jews of Spain, their forced conversion and their secret practices. She also offers students a glimpse into a period of U.S. history in Texas just before the Great Depression and what life was like in small-town U.S.A. for an immigrant family from Russia.
Los Angeles, CA
When Lightnin’ Struck
Through her slide show, by reading excerpts from her middle grade novel, When Lightnin’ Struck, and by posing thought-provoking questions, Betsy reveals a lesser-known chapter in the history of the Jewish people---that of the Jews of Spain, their forced conversion and their secret practices. She also offers students a glimpse into a period of U.S. history in Texas just before the Great Depression and what life was like in small-town U.S.A. for an immigrant family from Russia.
Marcia Berneger, author
San Diego, CA
A Dreidel in Time: A New Spin on an Old Tale
A former teacher, Marcia offers workshops on basic story elements for levels from kindergarten through high school. Learn how to blend the elements of real life with stories from the past and fantasy.
Audrey Ades, author
Jupiter, FL
Judah Touro Didn't Want to be Famous
Join Audrey Ades in an engaging presentation on the secret philanthropist, Judah Touro
Joni Klein-Higger & Barbara Scharf, author
Tampa, FL
Barnyard Bubbe’s Hanukkah
Joni and Barbara will sing original songs, read their barnyard counting book, and provide lots of Hanukkah fun!
Tom Leigh, illustrator
Little Deer Isle, ME
Shalom Sesame series
Half-day or full-day presentations include demonstrating how to create a digital painting from a Sesame Street book from sketch to finish, as well as a demonstration of drawing various Sesame characters, and then allowing students to complete their own drawings of Grover.
Debbie Levy, author
Potomac, MD
The Key from Spain: Flory Jagoda and Her Music
Celebrate music and Ladino language, as Debbie reads an excerpt from the book, talks about friendships with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and teaches some Ladino words, plus Flory’s most famous song, Ocho Kandelikas.
Laura Gehl, author
And Then Another Sheep Turned Up: Laura Gehl’s high-energy program includes rhyming games, acting out a busy Passover seder with not enough chairs to go around, and—of course—counting sheep!
Using a flannel board with characters and shapes, children become “illustrators” in Janus’ characteristic collage style. Children learn about holidays, and how “all those animals, people and places got into the book.”
Massachusetts:
Arnon Z. Shorr, author/Joshua Edelglass, illustrator
José and the Pirate Captain Toledano
With extensive experience teaching and working with older kids and adults, Arnon and Josh offer a range of dynamic presentations connected to their graphic novel about Jewish pirates. Events range from a simple book talk to film screenings, lectures and even a weekend-long scholar-in-residence program. For a list of program options and pricing, visit http://tinyurl.com/toledanospeakers
José and the Pirate Captain Toledano
With extensive experience teaching and working with older kids and adults, Arnon and Josh offer a range of dynamic presentations connected to their graphic novel about Jewish pirates. Events range from a simple book talk to film screenings, lectures and even a weekend-long scholar-in-residence program. For a list of program options and pricing, visit http://tinyurl.com/toledanospeakers
Susan Lynn Meyer, author
Sherborn, MA
Matzah Belowstairs
Read this exciting Passover book aloud and then share different families’ Passover traditions. Programs include a hands-on craft—making mouse ears!—and then searching for the afikomen, just like the characters in the book!
Laya Steinberg, author
Auburndale, MA
The Best Sukkot Pumpkin Ever
Read this charming book with the author and be inspired to roll up your sleeves and do a community service project in the same spirit of the story.
Heidi Smith Hyde, author
Chestnut Hill, MA
Pavel and the Tree Army, Elan, Son of Two Peoples, Feivel’s Flying Horses, Mendel’s Accordion, Emanuel and the Hanukkah Rescue
Programs specific to each book include hands-on activities and discussion.
Jane Kohuth, author
Holliston, MA
Who’s Got the Etrog?
After an author-led read-aloud, Jane will present a program that can be focused depending on audience needs to include hands-on activities like crafts or walking students through the writing process. Learn about the Sukkot holiday ritual of the lulav and etrog, the Abayudaya people and Jewish diversity, or the process of writing a book. Preschool programs will include Sukkot-themed crafts and about how to shake (and share!) the lulav and etrog just like the animals in the story!
Lesléa Newman, author
Holyoke, MA
Baby's Blessings, Hanukkah Delight!, My Name is Aviva
Like Aviva, the star of Lesléa Newman’s children book, My Name is Aviva, everyone’s name has a story. After reading My Name is Aviva, Lesléa Newman will lead a writing exercise, during which each child will write a simple poem about his or her name.
Susan Axe-Bronk, author
Newton, MA
The Vanishing Gourds
Solve the mystery of the missing gourds and uncover the mischief of some sneaky squirrels! Susan Axe-Bronk reads her suspenseful ecofriendly Sukkot tale. Presentation can include crafting cool sukkah decorations.
Jane Sutton, author
Lexington, MA
Paulie’s Passover Predicament, Esther’s Hanukkah Disaster
Join Jane Sutton to explore the real meanings of holidays by reading her hilarious books and participating in crafting and silly games.
Amy Meltzer, author
Northampton, MA
The Shabbat Princess, A Mezuzah on the Door
Boys and girls are invited to come dressed as princes and princesses when Amy Meltzer presents her book The Shabbat Princess. Her presentation includes a book reading, Shabbat-related art project, and a costume parade!
Jacqueline Dembar Greene, author
Wayland, MA
Walk Till You Disappear, Speak Up, Tommy!, The Secret Shofar of Barcelona
Jacqueline Dembar Greene, author of American Girl series Rebecca Rubin, reads her story about a bomb sniffing dog from Israel, and explores the lesson of what it’s like to be a new student in a new country, when you are just learning to speak the language. Learn the Hebrew words used to train the dog in the story.
Esty Schachter, author
Newton, MA
Pickled Watermelon
Esty will read from her tween-pleasing novel about eleven-year-old Molly, who just wants to spend the summer with her friends at camp, but reluctantly heads to Israel to visit family she barely knows instead. Then Esty can lead an audience in an activity, from sharing ideas to even writing about their own life experiences.
Michigan:
Lisa Rose, author
Detroit, MI
Esty Schachter, author
Shmulik Paints the Town, The Singer and the Scientist
High-energy fun and creativity abound when Lisa Rose and her pup puppet visit and share her book. A community-building art project can also be included.
Minnesota:
Linda Glaser, author
Duluth, MN
Way Too Many Latkes, Hannah’s Way
Since she was a child, Linda dreamed of becoming a children’s book writer. She enjoys demystifying the writing process and making writing fun for children, bringing “show-and-tell” materials such as a rough draft (or “sloppy copy”), revisions, a book contract, editor’s comments, an uncut press sheet, color separation sheets, and her rejections (very popular with all kids!). She, of course, reads a book to the class and tells the story of how it came to be!
Duluth, MN
Way Too Many Latkes, Hannah’s Way
Since she was a child, Linda dreamed of becoming a children’s book writer. She enjoys demystifying the writing process and making writing fun for children, bringing “show-and-tell” materials such as a rough draft (or “sloppy copy”), revisions, a book contract, editor’s comments, an uncut press sheet, color separation sheets, and her rejections (very popular with all kids!). She, of course, reads a book to the class and tells the story of how it came to be!
Minneapolis, MN
Invite a children’s book publisher to your organization, book fair or conference to speak about current trends in Jewish children’s books, the writing and marketing of Jewish children’s books, or other book-related topics. An experienced presenter, she can tailor her Jewish children’s book related talk or workshop to your programming needs. (Adults)
Minneapolis, MN
L’Dor Vador: A Keepsake Coloring Book
Children and adults can join Judy for intergenerational coloring projects. A professional artist specializing in ketubahs, Judy can create a special piece for your community to color in together and display with pride.
Nebraska
Karen Rostoker-Gruber, author
Branchburg, NJ
Happy Birthday, Trees!
Karen Rostoker-Gruber's presentations are extra-special as she's also a ventriloquist! She takes the students through each step of her process - from sticky notes at 3am all the way to the printed book. Maria, her life-sized puppet, is her funny sidekick. Karen also does storytimes. [email protected]
Ann Malaspina, author
Ridgewood, NJ
A Scarf for Keiko
Ann will share how she gets her ideas and writes her books, plus present fun activities like “verb hunts” and "walking in a character's shoes." In addition, a knitting activity will engage readers to think about themes from A Scarf for Keiko.
Rachelle Burk, author
East Brunswick, NJ
The Best Four Questions
Curiosity, creativity, and imagination in the story creation process are at the core of Rachelle’s presentations for elementary and preschool audiences. Storytelling visits include interactive dramatics, story board, masks, puppets, and other props.
Elizabeth, NJ
Rise & Shine: A Challah-Day Tale, Only Nine Chairs, Fins and Scales
An author and illustrator, puppeteer and ventriloquist, Karen Ostrove inspires children to explore the creative processes of writing and drawing through hands-on activities.
Andria Warmflash Rosenbaum, author
Fair Lawn, NJ
Meg Goldberg On Parade, A Grandma Like Yours/A Grandpa Like Yours
A book reading, body movement group game and craft activity. (Preschool-Kindergarten)
Meg Wiviott, author
Morristown, NJ
Benno and the Night of Broken Glass
After gentle assessment of what the children know about the Holocaust, Meg gives a brief introduction to the events of Kristallnacht, followed by a short presentation on why she decided to write the Benno story, which is inspired by her meeting a survivor of Kristallnacht. Meg reads the story of Benno and leads a discussion focusing on the theme of the loss of friendship and tolerance for others. Each child will create a collage out of colored paper pieces mimicking the shattered glass of Kristallnacht, using the art to express the feelings of the characters in the story as well as their own feelings. (Ages 8 and up)
Ruchama King Feuerman, author
Passaic, NJ
The Mountain Jews and the Mirror
All Jews arrived from somewhere, and not all of them came from Europe. Join author Ruchama King Feuerman, whose family lived in Morocco for centuries, to learn about the Jews of North Africa in a book reading and discussion.
Barbara Krasner, author
Somerset, NJ
Goldie Takes a Stand: Golda Meir’s First Crusade, 37 Days at Sea: Aboard the M.S. St. Louis, 1939
Barbara Krasner’s program What Would Goldie Do? inspires children to dream big and to help their communities. The program includes a reading of her story about Golda Meir’s first crusade as a fourth grader in Milwaukee, raising money to help her classmates buy textbooks. Children then engage in a game, What Would Goldie Do?, to demonstrate how one kind gesture can make a big difference.
Ann Koffsky, author
West Hempstead, NJ
Shabbat Shalom, Hey!
Using illustrations from her more than 30 published books as a starting point, Ann’s lively, interactive program describes the process of writing and illustration from the first word, to first sketch, to the final book. It includes a sketching demonstration, a grab bag of props and lots of other fun surprises!
New Mexico
New York:
Linda Elovitz Marshall, author
Albany, NY
Talia series, Sh…Sh…Shabbat, The Mitzvah Magician, Grandma Rose’s Magic, Shalom Bayit: A Peaceful Home
Using objects like real vegetables and magic wands to bring her books to life, Linda Marshall reads her stories while she interacts with kids, explaining how she plays with words when she writes her books. Kids will explore the fun, inventive side of writing books with experiences from their own lives!
Bellmore, NY
Passover Scavenger Hunt
A dynamic presentation includes a reading and an art activity when children make their own puzzles, just like the story’s main character.
Ellen Bari, author
Brooklyn, NY
Jumping Jenny, Does Your Dog Speak Hebrew? A Book of Animal Sounds
A high energy and fun program–kids will be hopping about tikkun olam! Kids select their favorite hobby: jump roping, ball bouncing, singing, coloring, whatever–and use that interest to make the world a better place. Create a Take-Home Tikkun Olam newspaper, like in the book.
Lela Nargi, author
Brooklyn, NY
A Heart Just Like My Mother’s
After presenting this lovely story about how a mother and daughter share the urge to make the world a better place, audiences will participate in a related tzedekah activity that encourages children to know themselves and to do good in the world.
Rahel Musleah, author
Great Neck, NY
Apples & Pomegranates: A Rosh Hashanah Seder
Children and adults learn about the traditions, songs, customs, history and stories of the Sephardic, Mizrahi and Oriental communities in a multi-media format. “Outside-the-box” holiday celebrations include creating a Baghdadi-Indian Passover seder plate; ushering in the New Year with a Rosh Hashanah “seder;” taking a Purim trip back to the tombs of Esther and Mordechai in Persia; and welcoming Hanukkah with the Tunisian “Hag Habanot”: Festival of Daughters. $500 plus travel.
Hudson Valley, NY
Green Bible Stories for Children
Durga Bernhard helps children make Bible stories personally meaningful through writing and crafting. Create a story scroll or make stick puppets of your favorite characters, build a paper ark and your own cutout animals, write and illustrate poems, or make group collages that “talk” to the sun.
Amalia Hoffman, author and illustrator
Larchmont, NY
Dreidel Day
A dynamic presenter, Amalia Hoffman will share this charming book with help from its star—a cat puppet. The cat and dreidels will spin, tumble, balance, and hide, just like in the book. Children will participate by singing the dreidel song, coloring paper dreidels and counting them. For older children and adults, Amalia will explain why the number 8 is so important in the story of Hanukah.
Chris Nicola, author
New York, NY
The Secret of Priest’s Grotto: A Holocaust Survival Story
This remarkable author—a globetrotting caver, shares the story of how he uncovered the secret of the Stermer family, who survived the Holocaust by hiding in the labyrinth of Ukrainian caves known as Priest’s Grotto. Chris can wear or bring his caving equipment! (Ages 10+)
Krystyna Poray Goddu, author
New York, NY
An Unlikely Ballerina
A veteran author who writes about interesting people and their histories, Krystyna will discuss her research process for the book. After a reading, students will be led through exercises to discover the most interesting parts of their own amazing biographies.
Leah Rachel Berkowitz, author
Poughkeepsie, NY
The World Needs Beautiful Things
Rabbi Leah Rachel Berkowitz is experienced at presenting to all ages, and can provide Shabbat-in-Residence programming for synagogues. Young audiences will create a story about a biblical character, like in The World Needs Beautiful Things, using writing, bibliodrama, photography or crafting.
North Carolina:
Ellen Fischer, author
Deborah Blumenthal, author
New York, NY
Frank, Who Liked to Build: The Architecture of Frank Gehry
After reading her book about Frank Gehry, one of the most extraordinary architects in the world, Deborah will talk about the creative process and how artists get their ideas, with specifics on how picture books are put together. Depending on the age of the group, she may do a guided art project to encourage kids to make their own Gehry-inspired buildings.
Greensboro, NC
Shalom Sesame series, Latke, the Lucky Dog
Using learning games to create an interactive program, Ellen Fischer gets kids excited about reading and learning about holidays.
Reidsville, NC
Shalom Sesame series, Maccabee!, Let My People Go!, ABC Hanukkah Hunt, ABC Passover Hunt, Eight is Great, Lotsa Matzah, Oh No, Jonah!, The Queen Who Saved Her People
Shalom Sesame series, Maccabee!, Let My People Go!, ABC Hanukkah Hunt, ABC Passover Hunt, Eight is Great, Lotsa Matzah, Oh No, Jonah!, The Queen Who Saved Her People
Maccabee: Tilda leads children in a vigorous retelling of the Hanukkah story with rhythm and rhyme that match the excitement of bold illustrations. A repeated theme allows listeners to participate and adds depth of meaning to the age old story. In conjunction with a student program, Tilda Balsley can include an afterschool workshop for teachers. Based on fluency research, this session shows teachers how to use rhyme and readers’ theater with students to encourage enthusiastic rereading.
North Dakota
Ohio:
Allison & Wayne Marks, authors
Akron, OH
Og’s Ark, The Art Lesson
Prolific husband and wife duo bring the excitement of story crafting and word play to your group.
Brian P. Cleary, author
Cleveland, OH
Eight Wild Nights: A Family Hanukkah Tale
Entertaining book reading with question- and-answer teaches children to play with words, anagrams and palindromes, and how to write short verse. (Grades PreK-6) $590/half-day, $850/full-day plus travel.
Fawzia Gilani-Williams, author
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; Oberlin, OH
Yaffa and Fatima, Shalom, Salaam, The Button Box
Read together and discover the message of peace and being a good neighbor. After reading, we can discuss how we actually can all work together to make the world a better place, as well as do an activity that helps others to reinforce these values.
J. Patrick Lewis, author
Westerville, OH
The Wren and the Sparrow
Getting children excited about the wonders of poetry is the reason J. Patrick Lewis visits schools in the first place. Poetry that is fun and respects the music of the written word. Poems about animals, nature, people, holidays, everything under the sun - including limericks, haiku, riddles, shape poems, narrative poems, song lyrics and nonsense verse. $2,200/day+ travel, includes 4 presentations.
Linda Leopold Strauss, author
Wyoming, OH
A Different Kind of Passover
Linda often visit schools and libraries to make presentations to young people ranging in age from pre-schoolers to high school seniors. Her speaking style is informal and encourages creative give and take with students.
Oklahoma
Oregon:
Robert Rubinstein, author
Eugene, OR
Zishe the Strongman
Learn to tell tales, and techniques to teach communication and storytelling skills to young people. Robert Rubinstein, professional teller, teacher, and director of the nationally known Roosevelt Middle School Troupe of Tellers, will help you build skills and enhance curriculum. (Ages 7 and up)
Pennsylvania:
Tamar Fox, author
Eugene, OR
Zishe the Strongman
Learn to tell tales, and techniques to teach communication and storytelling skills to young people. Robert Rubinstein, professional teller, teacher, and director of the nationally known Roosevelt Middle School Troupe of Tellers, will help you build skills and enhance curriculum. (Ages 7 and up)
Philadelphia, PA
No Baths at Camp
Is there any other place you would rather be right now than summer camp? Enjoy an interactive session, complete with an entertaining reading of the book, games and hands-on activities, all about the joys of summer camp
Judy Press, author
Pittsburgh, PA
Bubbe’s Got the Beat, Pinky Bloom series
An experienced art educator and award-winning author of children’s art activity books, Judy Press stimulates parents and children alike. Along with a reading, Judy will encourage children’s creativity through making original, age-appropriate arts and crafts.
Rhode Island
Kelly Easton Ruben, author
Saint Paul, MN
A Place for Elijah
Read together, talk about creativity, and practice imagining and telling stories.
Nashville, TN
It’s Tu B’Shevat, Too Many Cooks: A Passover Parable
YA author Tammar Stein loves talking about her books, writing and what makes great literature. Learn about why Tammar decided to write The Six-Day Hero and Beni's War, and talk about heroes in your life.
Jennifer Elvgren, author
Barboursville, VA
The Edelweiss Pirates, The Whispering Town
Suitable in a school library and public library setting, Jennifer describes modern Europe and then jumps back in time to Nazi-occupied Europe. I then discuss how I got the ideas for my books, and walk the students through the process of making a book from idea to the bookstore shelf.
Bill and Ruth Goldeen, authors
Charlottesville, VA
Alef-Bet Yoga for Kids
A fun interactive session led by experienced kids’ yoga instructors, in which children learn to “be” the Hebrew alphabet letters through yoga poses.
Washington:
Carolivia Herron, author
Washington, D.C.
Always an Olivia
Carolivia Herron, an African American writer (Nappy Hair) who grew up in Baptist tradition, spent forty years journeying toward her conversion to Judaism. One Shabbat, her father’s surprising recognition of the Hebrew candle blessing led Carolivia to recall this story of Jewish ancestry told by her Great Grandmother Olivia Smith. about her family’s ancestral Sephardic journey — from Spain, Portugal, and Italy, to Barbary Pirates, Tripoli, Libya, and the GeeChees on the Georgia Sea Islands.
Rabbi Mindy Avra Portnoy, author
Washington, D.C.
A Tale of Two Seders, Matzah Ball, Where Do People Go When They Die?
Kids Program: Book reading, followed by a conversation with children about our families and the different ways we celebrate holidays at home. This program could be combined with an adult program in family education context. Adult Program: Book reading, followed by a presentation and discussion for parents, clergy, and educators about new family configurations (divorce, single parent, two moms and two dads, intermarried) in the Jewish community, and how rituals and lifecycle events can help our children and support their families. No fee in local area. Fee plus travel outside area.
West Virginia
Wisconsin:
Deborah Lakritz, author
Milwaukee, WI
Say Hello, Lily, Joey and the Giant Box
Deborah Lakritz, author, social worker, and mother of five, presents a unique program for grandparents and grandchildren. Based on her book Say Hello Lily, about a shy little girl who visits a nursing and makes friends with its residents, Deborah will have kids and grandparents interacting with one another, sharing stories about birthdays past and present, culminating in a very special birthday party.
Wyoming
Canada:
Karen Fisman, author
Toronto, ON
Nonna’s Hanukkah Surprise
When Rachel misplaces her special hanukkiah, Nonna saves the day with a fabulous homemade replacement. Following a reading, children will use their imaginations to create their own hanukkiahs out of regular household objects.
Elisabeth Kushner, author
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The Purim Superhero
In a storytelling session, author Elisabeth Kushner will introduce young readers to the superhero she created: Nate the Super Alien! Children will have an opportunity to create and share their own superhero identities.
Peter W. Schroeder and Dagmar Schroeder-Hildebrand, authors
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Six Million Paper Clips
International journalists Peter and Dagmar Schroeder present their role in the internationally known Paper Clip Project and address issues of tolerance in schools and communities.
(Middle school through Adult) Honorarium plus travel.
Lesley Simpson, author
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Yuvi’s Candy Tree, The Shabbat Box
Yuvi’s Candy Tree, based on the true story of a little girl and her grandmother who make their way from Ethiopia to Israel, is exciting and amazing! Author Lesley Simpson reads the story and then offers children the opportunity to create their own candy trees and tell their own stories about growing up.
Charlottesville, VA
A fun interactive session led by experienced kids’ yoga instructors, in which children learn to “be” the Hebrew alphabet letters through yoga poses.
Monique Polak, author
Montreal, Quebec
Room for One More
Monique will share with students how she met a woman in Montreal whose own family story inspired this one. Monique will share how to go about interviewing people and then transforming the interviews into fictional stories.
Cary Fagan, author
Toronto, Ontario
Mr. Tempkin Climbs a Tree
The idea that everybody has a story to tell is central to Cary Fagan’s presentation. Reading, talking and singing help young audiences see themselves as powerful storytellers.
International journalists Peter and Dagmar Schroeder present their role in the internationally known Paper Clip Project and address issues of tolerance in schools and communities.