Cover Reveal! LOOKING FOR LIGHT: A Shabbat Story

What a joy it is to finally share this breathtaking cover of LOOKING FOR LIGHT: A Shabbat Story, illustrated by the absolutely incredible Diana Mayo (who, you may notice, also illustrated FINDING FORGIVENESS. Don’t you think they are going to look so good together on the shelf?!).

I promise, Diana has once again outdone herself and I can’t wait to share the rest of her stunning art when the book releases on JANUARY 19, 2027 with Farrar, Straus & Giroux/Macmillan! (In the meantime, it is available for pre-order anywhere books are sold for anyone who likes to plan ahead!)

More about the book from the publisher:

From the creators of Finding Forgiveness, a Sydney Taylor Notable Book, this hopeful and lyrical picture book about a Jewish family celebrating Shabbat inspires readers of all kinds to look for moments of joy, even amidst challenging times.

On this rainy Friday evening, a boy dwells upon the frustrations of his week. But as the Shabbat candles dance and he feels the warmth of his family gathered around him, he is able to look back and remember that along with the challenges, he also experienced a great deal of joy and awe.

From the unexpected kindness of a stranger to a funny joke he learned, the more the boy searches for the light in his life, the more he comes to see that hope, happiness, and gratitude can be found in even the smallest moments.

With lyrical rhyming text from Rebecca Gardyn Levington and gorgeous illustrations from Diana Mayo, Looking for Light is a poignant story about a Jewish family celebrating Shabbat, the day of rest, that inspires us to realize that even when good things feel overshadowed, there is always a spark of light to lift us up―if only we choose to look for it.

Back matter includes an author’s note about Shabbat, as well as a section on “How to Look for Light,” which suggests different ways we can practice gratitude on Shabbat or any day of the week.

A Great Time at the Poughkeepsie Children’s Book Fest!

I was honored to be once again invited to attend the wonderful POUGHKEEPSIE CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL
in Poughkeepsie, NY on March 28th! As someone who spends 99% of her time alone behind a computer, it is nice to have these moments to connect with my readers (and fellow authors!)

Of course, it was CRAZY busy so I totally forgot to take pics until the very end of the day. Still here are a few with fellow author peeps (Suzy Levinson, Valerie Bolling, Sylvia Chen and Ellen Ramsey — go check out their awesome books too!)

New Book Deal! APPLES ALL AROUND coming fall 2028!

I’m thrilled to finally be able to share about this new book deal! 🎉APPLES ALL AROUND is a lyrical rhyming picture book about a child and their family enjoying a beautiful fall day at an apple-picking orchard. By collecting keepsakes, taking photos, and stopping to notice and appreciate all the small details of their day, they make a memory — one that strengthens their bond and connects them always, even on the days they can’t all be together. ❤️ It will be illustrated by the truly amazing Gillian Eilidh O’Mara Artist, who has been on my dream illustrator list for FOREVER. The book will be coming out in time for fall 2028 with Farrar, Straus & Giroux/Macmillan! WHOOHOO!🥳

WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW is featured in Michigan County-Wide Reading Program!

WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW is currently being featured as part of a county-wide “read-along” program, hosted by the Paw Paw, Michigan District Library!

Here are a few photos from one of the first events as well as an outdoor “Story Stroll” of the book that was installed at a local schools! More events and photos on the way!

SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND long-listed for the Anna Dewdney Read-Together Award!

I’m over the moon that SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND has been nominated along with so many amazing books for this award!

More about the award:
“Since 2016, the award has been given annually to a picture book that is both a superb read-aloud and reflects Anna Dewdney’s mission to spark compassion, empathy, and connection through reading.”

Cover Reveal for UNICORN SURPRISE!


I am SO excited to share the AMAZINGLY ADORABLE cover for
UNICORN SURPRISE!

This is the follow up board book to DINOSAUR SURPRISE!, both illustrated by Teresa Bellon. and will be published with Highlights Press on… SEPTEMBER 1, 2026!

I honestly didn’t think anything could top the cute-ness of DINOSAUR SURPRISE! but… I mean, seriously!?? Like the Dino book, UNICORN SURPRISE! also has felt-flaps so kids can play “peek-a-boo,” die-cuts to stick their little fingers through, and a mirror at the end, so “Baby-Corn” can wave “Hi!” I can’t wait to share it with you all this fall!

FINDING FORGIVENESS is named a Sydney Taylor Award Notable Picture Book!!

I am thrilled to share that FINDING FORGIVENESS, written by me and illustrated by the incredible Diana Mayo, has received the prestigious Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable honor from the Association of Jewish Libraries! The Sydney Taylor Book Awards are presented annually to “outstanding books for children that authentically portray the Jewish experience.” For this book to be acknowledged in this way is a dream come true!

My photo in PW Children’s Bookshelf!

So cool! My photo was featured in the Publisher’s Weekly Children’s Bookshelf!  Last month, I was very honored to participate in this NYC storytime event with my publisher, Barefoot Books, in support of amazing literacy organizations Reach Out and Read, Literacy in Community and the New York Public Library!