I’m so excited to share this book announcement! MY SPECTACULAR SUKKAH is a Sukkot story, and once again illustrated by the talented Sophia Vincent-Guy Illustration. Thrilled to be working again with Candlewick Press. And a two-book deal means another picture book is in the works! Big thanks to Jacqui Lipton and Tobias Literary Agency for making this deal happen.

A meditative look at Shabbat preparations.

A pregnant mother—referred to as Ima—and a child, both with light skin and voluminous black hair, wake early to begin making challah dough before sitting down to enjoy Shabbat dinner with the rest of the family. Carefully laying out each step of the baking process, from mixing ingredients to braiding the loaves, the book evokes Shabbat itself, conveying the beauty of taking time to rest and appreciate loved ones. The text highlights minutiae of the characters’ day—steam rising from morning tea, sun shining through the kitchen window, the slow expansion of the proofing dough—encouraging readers to notice the small details in their own lives. Though the figures’ faces are too simple to carry much expression, the mixed-media illustrations depict a precisely curated home with a luxuriant garden, another subtle reminder of the importance of devoting time and attention to the things we love. Line breaks in the text suggest a slow, lyrical reading tempo, congruent with the ruminative content. After the close of Shabbat, the book gestures toward the future and implies the passing of time; as the book ends, a new day begins, with the family ready to make more challah and Ima holding the new baby.

Intertwining the tactile rituals of baking with the religious and cultural heft of Shabbat, a contemplative paean to challah. (author’s note, recipe for challah, Hebrew glossary) (Picture book. 4-8)

Lead challah baker for the Associated Hebrew Schools Tu B’shvat

I had the honour of being the lead challah baker for the Associated Hebrew Schools Tu B’shvat challah bake a couple of weeks ago. I may be behind on sharing the pic, but I’m still smiling from the event! Thank you to the AHSPA for inviting me! It was an amazing event. I even got to promote RISING with some fantastic bookmarks

If you’re planning a challah bake, and you’d like me to lead, send me a DM! I always feel the need to KNEAD…

Family Tradition Picture Books with Sidura Ludwig

Thanks for my friend @stefaniehohl for including me on her picture book blog! Are you looking for some great creative picture book inspiration? Every month, Stef looks at a different picture book form, invites guest writers, and challenges her followers to write a first draft. If you follow from the beginning of the year, you’ll have 12 PB first drafts by the end of the challenge! My guest post is on Family Tradition picture books. Had a great time with this!

https://www.stefaniehohl.com/new-blog