When I spoke at the the National Jewish Early Childhood Network conference in November, I asked rhetorically, “How do we inspire our staff to develop Jewish literacy so that the children and families we teach, not only receive the best education, but the best Jewish education? How can a teacher…
Read MoreAwards
When I write that I am an award winning author and educator, some people have asked “What awards?” So, with modesty and humility, I have been recognized by these organizations for my writing and teaching. Moonbeam children’s book award, 2010 and the Sydney Taylor Notable Book for Older Readers, 2011 …
Read MoreSammy Spider in Israel
A relative just returned from Israel, and sent me these photos of Sammy Spider books on sale at Ben Gurion Airport. How exciting is that! Sammy Spider books have been translated into French and Dutch – someday, I hope to read about my favorite spider in Hebrew, Spanish and Russian.
Read MoreHanukkah Origins of Sammy Spider
One December morning over twenty years ago, several of the children in my preschool class were discussing the Christmas displays at the local mall and the beautiful lights adorning the homes of their non Jewish neighbors. There was such excitement in their voices and some even said they wished they…
Read MoreMitzvah the Mutt wins Moonbeam Bronze Medal!
Mitzvah the Mutt by Sylvia Rouss has just been named the Bronze Medalist in the 2010 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards in the Juvenile Fiction – Early Reader/1st Chapter books category! From the Moonbeam Awards site: “The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books…
Read MoreTeaching Children and Literature
In early November, I have the privilege of speaking to the National Jewish Early Childhood Network on “The Many Possibilities of Thinking, Teaching and Experiencing Communication with Children, Co-workers and Parents”. I was asked to talk about the creative opportunities of children’s literature. As I considered how I could address…
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