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A recent review of my latest picture book, Gracie Brings Back Bubbe’s Smile, is one of my favorites so far. Ronna Mandel of Goodreads with Ronna not only considers it a “thoughtful, educational, and accessible read for children processing a loss,” but also praises Gracie’s cleverness: “Rather than come right out and tell Bubbe what… Read more »

Recently, I did a fun interview on Candleschtick.com, a terrific website with all kinds of Jewish-themed gifts. Children’s Book author Sarah Lynne Ruel and I were featured together because we both have new picture books with Jewish grandmothers and food. Sarah answered questions about the inspirations for her delightful picture book Bubbie & Rivkah’s Best-Ever… Read more »

I think it’s kinda cute   that my husband, Alan Ticotsky, and I were college sweethearts at Brandeis University and to our surprise, our new books are featured on the same page (separated by 1 book) in the latest alumni magazine. Alan’s book is a valuable resource for educators—NOW WHAT? A CALL TO ACTION— and… Read more »

It was definitely winter the day of the Writers’ Loft Winter Book Bazaar, with the first real snowstorm of the season. But the atmosphere inside was warm, with dozens of member authors selling a variety of picture books and middle grade and YA novels and crafts. It was such fun to chat with other authors and attendees… Read more »

What fun to share Gracie Brings Back Bubbe’s Smile with the wonderful listeners in Congregation Beth Elohim’s Sunday school classes! They were attentive, engaged, and asked great questions. Thanks to the temple (in Acton, MA) for having me and to the terrific indie bookstore Silver Unicorn for selling my books. AND I got to meet author-illustrator Sarah Lynne Reul… Read more »

Yes, I do! And with the publication of Gracie Brings Back Bubbe’s Smile, I’ve had a chance to answer lots of questions for blog interviews. Recently I enjoyed answering the thought-provoking questions posed by Barbara Bietz for the blog Jewish Books For Kids…and More! When the interview was published, I was pleased to read Barbara’s description of my book as a… Read more »

Yesterday my new picture book Gracie Brings Back Bubbe’s Smile (Albert Whitman 2022) was launched at my local bookstore, Maxima Book Center in Lexington, MA. I was so pleased to share Gracie and Bubbe’s story with about 40 attendees and to sign so many copies that the store sold out! In my intro, I explained that the book… Read more »

On the aptly named website Destination Mirth, journalist Nina Livingstone interviews people in a feature called “Nina’s Nine.” Recently, I was tickled to be included and to get the chance to answer Nina’s fun questions. Some of my responses are serious, and some are pretty funny (if I do say so myself). Here’s the full interview. And here’s an excerpt: NINA: If you… Read more »

Every year I look forward to creating a Halloween ball-headed (and actually bald-headed, now that I think of it) character to greet trick-or-treaters. This year’s happy guy is day-dreaming about Hawaii as he waits for costumed candy-seekers to come by.

  Kathy Carroll’s terrific blog Celebrate Picture Books recently featured my new book GRACIE BRINGS BACK BUBBE’S SMILE.. I was gratified to read the summary of the book—it sounded so good I think I’ll read it, oh! I wrote it! And pleased as punch (is punch really pleased?) to read the glowing review. Here’s the concluding paragraph:… Read more »