I have two books that were released in Fall of 2012.
Here’s what the Holiday House catalog has to say about The Schmutzy Family, which is illustrated by Paul Meisel:
On Sunday the Schmutzys drag in dirt from the malodorous Feldman Swamp. On Monday they make mud pies, and on Tuesday they smear spaghetti sauce. So it goes until Friday morning, when it’s time to be not-so-schmutzy. The family members soap, scour, and shower. And on Friday night they are ready to celebrate Shabbos!
Kirkus says: ”Delightful and unpretentious in its approach to welcoming the Sabbath.”
Here’s a link to the Publishers Weekly review which talks about Paul’s joyous illustrations and my ”crisp, reportorial prose.” (Do you think they knew I worked in newspapers?)
The Schmutzy Family was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Awards in illustrated children’s books. It was also a Sydney Taylor Notable Book.
This is how Albert Whitman introduces Happy Birthday, Tree: A Tu B’shevat Story, illustrated by Jana Christy: It’s Tu B’Shevat, the Birthday of the Trees, and Joni is looking for a present for her favorite climbing tree. It has to be something special, something every tree really needs — but what? Joni and her neighbor, Nate, try various gifts, but none seem exactly right. Then Joni has the perfect solution — for this tree and for all the trees of the world.
Kirkus says: “While directed at a Jewish audience, the overall ecological message can be applied in just about any cultural milieu.
“Ingenuous and sweet.”
And here’s the link to the Publishers Weekly review.
Happy Birthday, Tree is listed on the soon-to-be-released Bank Street College Best Books of the Year list for 2013.
My first middle-grade novel, Canary in the Coal Mine, is due out this spring from Holiday House. Here’s the cover, by Chris Sheban. When my editor chose him, she told me she was looking for someone who could do cute but not precious, and who was excellent with light. I think she found the perfect fit.
And some press:
An interview with me by National Book Award winner Kathy Erskine is here.
Here is an interview/review with Washington Jewish Week.
Here’s an interview with Joe Corey III.