FOR WRITERS, ILLUSTRATORS, PARENTS, TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS, AND BOOK LOVERS EVERYWHERE
TODAY’S GUEST
ANN KOFFSKY
We haven’t had a Will Write for Cookies post in a while…and so I was thrilled when I found out that one of my dear friends, author/illustrator, Ann Koffsky, had several new books coming out this year. Will Write for Cookies posts give us a chance for an inside peek into the writing journey and path to publication.
Ann Diament Koffsky is the award-winning author and illustrator of more than 50 books for children, including PING PONG SHABBAT ( Little Bee) the KAYLA AND KUGEL SERIES (Apples and Honey) and THE MIRACLE OF MATZAH PIZZA (Intergalactic Afikoman). She is the co-author of DIFFERENT KINDS OF MINDS with Temple Grandin.
Ann’s artwork has also been featured on products by Hallmark, Costco, and Rite Lite Judaica, as well as in publications like The Philadelphia Inquirer, Jewish Action Magazine and Hadassah Magazine. Previously she was an editor and art director at Behrman House Publishers, and an illustration Professor at Stern College, Yeshiva University. Ann creates free, Jewish coloring pages before each Jewish holiday. If you’d like to sign up to receive them, visit coloringjewish.substack.com. Ann lives with her family in West Hempstead, NY
ME: Thank you so much for stopping by, Ann. I know we are all excited for your upcoming books, as well as the body of work that has graced bookstores and libraries for many years. Who were your favorite authors/illustrators when you were a child?
ANN:Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog, Vivian. I’ve loved being in the #JewishBoardBooks group with you…and meeting you on so many other kid lit platforms. I vividly remember loving What the Moon Brought by Sadie Rose Weilerstein, which is a CLASSIC collections of stories about how two Jewish girls celebrate Jewish holidays in the USA.
ME: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started writing?
ANN: Ya gotta have friends! You think it’s a solo mission you’re on, but I couldn’t have gotten anywhere without so much support from other authors (like you!), my writing groups, family, friends, readers, etc. etc. etc.
ME: Where do you like to draw – inside, outside, special room, laptop, pen and paper?
ANN:I used to enjoy drawing at my drafting table, which had everything set up—pens, paper, ink, light box, a lovely incline…Now I’ve gone all modern, and I work on my ipad. That often looks like me sprawled out on a couch, and not ergonomically correct in any way. But it is very cozy.
ME: When do you write – early morning, late in the day, middle of the night, on schedule, as the muse strikes?
ANN: Ha. I wish the muse would strike on a schedule! Sadly I must wait and write when the muse shows up.
ME: You have three new books coming out in 2026. How did that happen?
ANN:It’s crazy right? Basically, one book was accelerated, another book was delayed from two years ago, and then wham! They kind of all crashed into each other.
ME: Please tell us a little bit about each one.
ANN: Thanks for asking ;)! The first, which just came out Feb. 10, is called The Miracle of Matzah Pizza: A Biblical Tall Tale. It’s about a boy and his zaydie, grandfather, making matzah pizza together on Passover. While they make it, Zaydie tells a true Biblical tale (wink!) about how Matzah pizza was invented when the Jews left slavery. I loved imagining these drawings and tried to make them ridiculous and fun.
I’ve included the recipe for Matzah Pizza in the book, and in this post too. It’s super simple.
My two others are non-fiction:
What Emma Wrote: The Woman Behind the Words on the Statue of Liberty is all about Emma Lazarus: How she helped new immigrants, and how her Jewish heritage was a big part of her identity and advocacy. It even includes Emma writing a passionate reply in response to an antisemitic screed: go Emma!
Shoutout to Naz Tarcan, who did just a wonderful job capturing the time period in her illustrations.
Finally, coming out in April isBlazing Humor: Mel Brooks is Seriously Funny! which was as you might expect, was really fun to research! (Oh no, my job means I have to watch a bunch of Mel Brooks movies and skits—poor me!). The illustrator, Jason Kirschner did a fabulous job with it too, and I think kids are going to love discovering all his many fun and hysterical characters.
ME: Also, if you have any thoughts or advice for aspiring writers, please share. As well as anything else you want to talk about that parents, educators, writers, librarians might want to hear.
ANN: My best advice is related to question two: make friends in this biz! Get yourself a writing group. Find and support other authors and illustrators. Your best work will be its best when you have the input, feedback and support of other crazy people who are trying to do this, too.
That’s fabulous advice, dear Ann. And thank you for all the other insights you’ve shared. Plus, I know we aren’t finished since you will be sharing a Matzah Pizza recipe!
ANN: Oh yes…I’m excited to share that recipe which is so simple…and it’s in the form of coloring pages…so it’s perfect for our youngest helpers in the kitchen.
Dear friends, I know we are grateful to Ann for sharing so much with us. And I am grateful to all of you for spending your precious time with us! I’m hoping to have the results of the #50PreciousWords International Writing Contest posted before the end of the month…hopefully on Monday or Tuesday. Every year it gets more and more difficult to choose prize winners…the quality of the submissions was excellent.
Hold onto your hats, dear friends. And grab a cup of your favorite beverage. You are in for a treat! And stick around for the entire post because the fabulous folks from Kidlit Clubhouse are each sharing a favorite yummy recipe AND giveaways!
ME: WELCOME!!! It’s lovely to see all of you fabulous creators!I already know many of you from #50PreciousWords and/or social media. Thank you all for stopping by to share your insights, writing journeys, and upcoming books…plus of course, we are thrilled some of you have offered recipes for sweet treats AND giveaway opportunities. We’ll take turns with the Q&A – and at the end of the post, I’ll list the four giveaways so that when people leave a comment, they’ll let us know which prize they’d prefer if they are one of the lucky winners. First, here’s a little bit about our guests:
Kerisa Greene is the author-illustrator of I AM BOTH: A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE STORY (Feiwel & Friends, 2024) and LEGENDARY CAKES (Feiwel & Friends, 2025). She has also illustrated for publications such as Ladybug Magazine (Cricket Media, 2023) and THE IMPOSTER (Gnome Road, 2024). Kerisa is a first-generation Asian-American who loves her grandma’s cooking and always craves a big bowl of phở. As a previous preschool teacher and children’s book buyer for an indie bookstore with a background in graphic design, Kerisa has combined her love of illustrating and storytelling into a passion for crafting picture books. When Kerisa isn’t drawing or writing stories, you can find her munching on chocolate chip cookies, exploring new places with her family, and petting every dog that walks by. Website: kerisagreene.com Email: hello@kerisagreene.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/kerisagreene Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerisagreenebooks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerisagreenebooks Sales Order Links: East City Bookshop Barnes and Noble Amazon Bookshop.org Target
Chloe Ito Ward A former curriculum director, Chloe has a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She spent the last decade teaching kindergarten, where she discovered her passion for picture books. Chloe’s debut picture book LOVE GROWS HERE releases April 2024 with Albert Whitman & Company. Her other picture books include: MADE FOR MORE, arriving WINTER 2025 with HarperCollins and CHOPSTICKS ARE, coming SPRING 2026 with Chronicle Books. When Chloe isn’t perfecting her ramen recipe, you can find her rock climbing or dancing in the kitchen with her husband, son, and their imaginary dog Miso. Pre-Order LOVE GROWS HERE at https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-grows-here-chloe-ito-ward/20303779 http://www.chloeitoward.com https://www.instagram.com/chloeitoward
Jamie Ofelia is the author of the humorous and heartfelt picture book MIGUEL MUST FIGHT!, which is slated for publication with Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in summer of 2024. As a biracial Latina, Jamie writes fiction and nonfiction stories so Latinx kids can see themselves reflected as heroes in mainstream children’s literature. She holds her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and is currently a stay-at-home mom living in Dallas, where she spends her days reading diverse picture books with her son. When her son gets bored, she continues reading diverse picture books all by herself. JamieOfelia.com https://bookshop.org/p/books/miguel-must-fight-jamie-ofelia/20368176
David McMullin is a picture book writer, illustrator, and children’s poet. His poems are featured in several magazines and anthologies. Honors include an SCBWI Ann Whitford Paul Award, an Astra International Picture Book Writing Contest award, a Madness Poetry championship and he was a Picture Book Rising Stars mentor. David and his husband are currently full time world travelers, bird nerds, and YouTubers. In past careers he was a Broadway actor, an educator, and a children’s librarian. Website: http://www.davidmcmullinbooks.com/welcome/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcmullinpb/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmcmullinpb
Joëlle Retener is a 1st generation Haitian American children’s author from the DC metro area. Once upon a time, they traveled the world hobnobbing with foreign dignitaries and senior government officials. They now work as a reproductive justice advocate and community birth worker. Joelle has a BA in Spanish from Spelman College and an MA in International Studies from American University. When they’re not tending to their homestead, you can find Joelle on their porch sipping a cup of herbal tea with their partner and 3 tiny humans. Joëlle is represented by James McGowan at Bookends Literary. Social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelleretener/ bluesky: @joelleretener.bsky.social www.joelleretener.comPreferred purchase link: https://bookshop.org/p/books/marley-s-pride-joelle-retener/20576412
ME: And now it’s time to ask the questions. Who were your favorite authors/illustrators when you were a child?
KERISA: Some of my favorite books as a kid were Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes, Stellaluna by Janell Cannon, and Dinotopia by James Gurney.
CHLOE: I loved Don Freeman’s picture book DANDELION. I had such a strong emotional response to it as a kid, it still makes me cry. Also, the limited color palette for that book is lovely! The first book I read and thought, I want to be an author, was ELLA ENCHANTED by Gail Carson Levine. It’s immersive, magical, and empowering. I must have read that book 50+ times the year my mom bought it for me. I still have that book, with dog eared pages and tomato soup stains!
JAMIE: Frances Hodgson Burnett’s books, The Little Princess and The Secret Garden, captured my imagination in a big way when I was a kid.
DAVID: My favorite was Roald Dahl, especially James and the Giant Peach. I also loved The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. They both created such fantastic worlds.
JOELLE: Growing up I loved reading books by Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume and Stan and Jan Berenstain.
ME: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started writing?
KERISA: Hmm, when I first started I took all the writing courses I could, which was so incredibly beneficial but I realized I learn and grow the most from actually writing and editing stories. So I guess I wish I wasn’t so afraid to just write and just gave myself the space to learn and grow with each manuscript without the pressure of thinking that everything I wrote needed to turn into something. I wish I knew that it’s okay to just play and try out an idea for fun!
CHLOE: Everyone talks about voice. But finding and creating your voice as a writer takes time and lots of practice. It wasn’t until I started leaning into my love of poetry that I really found my own distinct voice.
JAMIE: I’ve learned that as I’m drafting, it doesn’t help me much to worry about whether what I’m writing will impress others. In order to craft an exciting story, I have to follow my own nose and focus on impressing myself first. I know that if I love the story, that passion will come through stronger in my writing. Critique partners are essential to my revision process, but only after I’ve finished drafting something I love.
DAVID: How important it is to make connections within the writing community. I can attribute much of my growth and success as a writer to the relationships I built with other writers. So get on those socials and start socializing. I wish I had started making connections earlier.
JOELLE: As a recovering perfectionist I really struggled with the idea of sharing unpolished manuscripts with fellow writers. What would they think? What would they say? It’s taken a while to work through the anxiety but I now recognize that art is really a collaborative process. My critique partners each bring unique perspectives and insights into the mix which ultimately strengthen my work. They help me to stretch and grow as an author. So don’t be afraid to get an extra set of eyes on that SFD (sh*tty first draft).
ME: Where do you like to write – inside, outside, special room, laptop, pen and paper?
KERISA: With a young baby, I’ll write wherever I can which usually means I’m typing up ideas and drafts on my phone. I do prefer to edit on the computer though and need a quiet space to sit with all my thoughts!
CHLOE: Since I’m the primary caregiver of a toddler I typically write at either the kitchen counter or table. I need to have one eye on my son and another on my computer. I dream of having a desk one day!
JAMIE: I write when and where I can! Usually it’s on my laptop at a café or on the couch. Sometimes an idea strikes while I’m in the middle of doing dishes or walking the dog, and I have to quickly tap it into the Notes app on my phone. If I don’t write it down, I WILL forget!
DAVID: I prefer to work curled up on a couch. My medium depends on the style of writing. Prose goes right onto the computer. If I’m writing in rhyme, I work on paper so I can have all of the pieces spread out in front of me.
JOELLE: My writing habits are a bit eclectic. I usually write indoors on my laptop but when I am feeling stuck or experiencing writer’s block, I like to switch things up by writing with pen and paper. I have random notes on receipts and there are pieces of loose leaf paper with my notes and musings scattered across the house. I find that moving between digital and analog helps eliminate the self censorship that naturally occurs with easy access to a delete button.
ME: When do you write – early morning, late in the day, middle of the night, on schedule, as the muse strikes?
KERISA: As the muse strikes! Which usually happens late in the evening or when I’m supposed to be working on something else.
CHLOE: I get in little bits of writing throughout the day, during breakfast/lunch/nap or when my son is entertaining himself with building blocks or painting. But I prefer to write when the world is quiet, so either early in the morning or after everyone goes to bed. I drink a LOT of coffee and tea!
JAMIE: I’m a morning person; My brain is fresh and eager to work early in the day. Lately, I’ve been writing for about 30 minutes before my family wakes up, and then again for maybe another hour while my kiddo is in morning preschool.
DAVID: I am highly distractible. I work best in the wee hours of the morning before the rest of the world wakes up.
JOELLE: I typically do my best writing in the morning- ideally at the crack of dawn (I’m talking 4-5am). There’s something about writing when the world is still wrapped in stillness that really gets my creative juices flowing. With that said, I don’t schedule my writing. I really like to honor my creative rhythms instead.
ME: Why do you write for children?
KERISA: There’s so much joy and wonder in the way children see the world and it’s that awe that I want to imbue into the books I create. Writing for children is such a gift, kids can empathize with an emotional book while also laugh themselves silly at a fart joke and it’s amazing!
CHLOE: I taught kindergarten for over ten years and there is something so special about being a part of a child’s life. I find that picture books are a great tool to help kids grow mentally and emotion ally. Growing up I didn’t have stories with characters like me so I hope to bring that, I want kids to feel heard, seen, and accepted.
JAMIE: I write for children because they’re the most important people on this planet! Kids deserve riveting, joyful books that reflect their experiences and their families, and they also deserve the opportunity to read about families whose culture is different from their own!
DAVID: I was one of those kids who only read when I had no other choice. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I discovered what a joy reading could be. I write because I would love to create the kind of books that reluctant readers, like I was, reach for and can’t put down.
JOELLE: Writing for children is an opportunity to affect change and make an impact on future generations. It’s a chance to dream up a world that is better than what we’ve got and empower children to strive to make it a reality. Writing for children also allows me to step outside of my adult roles and responsibilities and jaded perspectives and connect to my inner child– we can all use a little more fun and joy in our lives.
ME: Also, if you have any thoughts or advice for aspiring writers, please share. As well as anything else you want to talk about that parents, educators, writers, librarians might want to hear.
CHLOE: There were so many times on my publishing journey that I thought, this is impossible, I’m not good enough, what am I doing? But I have so many wonderful friends that encouraged me to keep going, reminding me that contrary to the nagging voice inside my head, I am talented. We can be so self-critical. So please, talk to yourself the way you would a friend, be gentle with yourself, and find your people, the kidlit community is the best!
DAVID: Feel “Free to Be Fabulous!” at all times! That’s not just the title of my book, it’s a great way to approach the world. Parents, teachers and librarians, help kids make reading choices that are different, adventurous and fun. Kids can learn, be, do anything in the pages of a book. And writers, create those fabulous stories. Be brave and daring. Say what your heart wants you to say.
JOELLE: This is a message for all of those who write, consume and share diverse books. Don’t give up on these stories. I know the fight is exhausting and that you may be scared but keep going. Our kids need these books and they need us to keep pushing to keep them accessible for all. Let’s continue to work together to ensure that children can see themselves affirmed through the media around them. The future of future generations is in our hands.
What an amazing high note to end on! Thank you so much, dear guests! And of course, the sweetness isn’t over yet! Here are some of their favorites treat recipes:
KERISA’S Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients 1/2 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 large egg, room temperature 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup dark chocolate chips 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut Directions Grab a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar then beat in the egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips and coconut. Scoop out the dough into small balls onto a baking sheet. Bake at 375° for about 12 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool and enjoy this delicious writing snack!
CHLOE’S SUPER SECRET Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Preheat the oven to 350 Mix wet ingredients first 2 eggs 1 cup Crisco oil 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla Then blend in 2 cups of flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup oatmeal 6 oz chocolate chips Bake for approximately 7-12 minutes depending on cookie size and enjoy!
DAVID’S Dream Cookies Ingredients 1 cup butter 3/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons vanilla 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 cups flour Preparation Melt butter until golden Cool Mix all ingredients Make little balls and press down with two fingers Bake at 250 for 30 minutes
Yummy!!! Summertime and the kids are home and baking delicious cookies is such a fun activity.
And here are the giveaways: Kerisa: PB Critique (Manuscript or Dummy) Jamie: Picture book critique David: A fiction picture book critique, or a 30 minute ask me anything zoom call. Joelle: PB manuscript critique (fiction, non rhyming)
How special is that, dear friends!!! Please make sure you comment below and tell us which prize you would prefer if you are one of the lucky winners – and perhaps 2nd choice. Also, please share this post widely…that’s how we can thank authors and illustrators for all the hard work they do. Of course, buying a copy of their books, reviewing them, and asking your local library to purchase copies are all fabulous things we can do, as well as placing them on our Goodreads Want to Read Shelf. By the way, I hope you’ll all be back tomorrow, bright and early…we’ll be posting the results of the #50PreciousWords content….tick…tick…tick.
FOR WRITERS, ILLUSTRATORS, PARENTS, TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS, AND BOOK LOVERS EVERYWHERE
TODAY’S GUEST
BENSON SHUM
Hurray! I love when our favorite blog guests return! And I’m especially thrilled to welcome back Benson and have a chance to spread the word about his latest book, IMAGINE YOU AND ME, that just launched. (Dial, January 23, 2024).
Benson Shum is an award winning children’s book author and illustrator. He uses watercolor, ink and digital tools to create his illustrations. His books, Anzu the Great Listener and Anzu the Great Kaiju were selected as Kid’s Indie Next List Recommended by American Booksellers Association (ABA) and was also awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Social Emotional Literature by the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California (CLCSC).Aside from writing and illustrating, Benson is also an Animator at the Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he was a part of such films as Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, Frozen 2, Encanto and Wish. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Benson now lives in sunny southern California.
ME: Welcome, Benson! It’s lovely to see you! I’m so happy about your newest book that launched last week…and the other 2024 book, that comes out July. I know everyone is excited to find out more about you, so let’s get started.
BENSON: It’s always fun to visit Picture Books Help Kids Soar, Vivian. Thanks for having me.
ME: Who were your favorite authors/illustrators when you were a child?
BENSON: My favorite authors and illustrators were Judy Blume, Quentin Blake, Roald Dahl, Mary Blair and Alice and Martin Provensen. I was drawn to their whimsical drawings and paintings. The storytelling they put into their words and art is incredible.
ME: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started writing?
BENSON: I believe everyone has a story to tell. It can be scary, as I know I was always scared of writing. I was never confident in my English growing up. I spoke a lot of chinese with my grandparents. And when I started elementary school, I struggled. But language is something we can learn, but the stories through our struggle will make us unique.
ME: Where do you like to write – inside, outside, special room, laptop, pen and paper?
BENSON: I like to change up the places where I write. Usually I’m at my desk, but when I’m out and about, I’ll bring my laptop (or paper pad) to the park, library, coffee shop, anywhere that has a bit of noise. I like to be able to look up and see things happening. It may spark an idea or inspiration. Of course if the noise is too distracting, then I’ll find another place. Ha!
ME: When do you write – early morning, late in the day, middle of the night, on schedule, as the muse strikes?
BENSON: I don’t have a specific time. I do it sporadically during the day. But it’ll be little pieces/ideas that I’ll jot down. When I have more time, usually at night, then I’ll flesh out those ideas.
ME: Why do you write for children?
BENSON: I feel like picture books are for both adults and children, so I like to write for both because we were all children at one time. And we sometimes forget the little things that kids find joy in. So I want to share stories that will take us away from the hard daily adult life. I also want to share that no matter our age, we go through the same feelings on the inside. And I try to bring those in my stories.
ME: Also, if you have any thoughts or advice for aspiring writers, please share. As well as anything else you want to talk about that parents, educators, writers, librarians might want to hear.
BENSON: I hope you’ll find the courage to write your stories. It’s a long and hard journey, but to share your stories is a wonderful thing. Read in the genre you want to write in. It was how I got the bravery to do it. I also have activities and teacher’s guides to go along with my books on my website. You can find them here. https://bensonshum.com/activities/. Aside from IMAGINE YOU AND ME, I also have another book in 2024 called MOONCAKE MEANS FAMILY, which celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival with this sweet story of food and family. And here’s a cool recipe for Mooncakes: https://www.cooking-therapy.com/mooncake-recipe/
Thank you so much for sharing all of this, Benson…and for the sneak peeks inside IMAGINE YOU AND ME. And also for the giveaway…a SIGNED COPY OF IMAGINE YOU AND ME, plus stickers!
Dear friends…we know the best way to help authors and illustrators is to buy their books…and you’ll find links to the best places to purchase Benson’s beautiful books in this post. But there are other ways we can help – and those ways don’t even cost any money. Review the book Put the book on your Goodreads WANT TO READ shelf Tell friends about the book (by sharing thjs post on your social media Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.
Thank you for spending your precious time here with us. And don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway from our lovely featured guest. You might be the lucky winner of a SIGNED COPY OF IMAGINE YOU AND ME, plus stickers.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 