Jennifer Stempel is the author of the new children's picture book With a Needle & Thread: A Jewish Folktale from Cuba. She also teaches cooking classes, and she's based in St. Louis.
Q: What inspired you to write With a Needle & Thread?
A: I come from a long line of skilled and animated storytellers, and this particular story is a mishmosh of personal experiences from my own family, as well as observations I’ve made during past visits to Cuba.
Like so much of my previous work, this story draws upon the intersection between my Cuban and Jewish heritages, and highlights the resourcefulness and resilience that is deeply rooted in both communities.
To this day, one of my most prized possessions is my family’s holiday tablecloth, which was lovingly crafted by a close family member, originally used as the chuppah for my wedding.
Q: The book is published in both English and Spanish editions--how did that come about?
A: Lilian Rosenstreich, from Kalaniot Books, is the extraordinary steward behind this decision. She, and the rest of the team at Kalaniot, understand the value in elevating diverse voices within the Jewish community, and that includes those whose native language is Spanish.
Lawrence Schimel did a remarkable job translating the book for the Spanish edition, choosing the precise words and phrases that would make the story shine. As this story is set in Santiago de Cuba, it made perfect sense to have editions offered in both English and Spanish, alike.
On a personal note, I was particularly delighted by this decision, as one of my aims was for each of my readers to see themselves reflected on the pages. Publishing a Spanish edition makes reaching this goal more attainable.
Q: What do you think Libi Axelrod’s illustrations add to the story?
A: Libi Axelrod is an incredibly talented artist in her own right, and her exceptional illustrations breathed life and light into the words on the page. With each draft, I was increasingly blown away by the imaginative and unexpected ways Libi illustrated this tale.
I am forever grateful to be connected to her in this way, and I can’t wait to see what else she works on in the future!
Q: For those who are unfamiliar with the Jewish community in Cuba, what are some of the most important things to know?
A: For starters, I think most people think of Havana when they think of Cuba. It’s important to know that there are other vibrant cities on the island, each with a personality of their own. Most of my Cuban family is from the other side of the island, in Santiago de Cuba, which is why I chose to set my story there.
Secondly, as a significant part of the population in Cuba lives in economic poverty, this allows qualities like resourcefulness and inventiveness to flourish. Such is true in the Jewish communities sprinkled throughout the island.
In Santiago de Cuba, for example, I notice that where the Jewish community lacks, they find a way to make do with what they’ve got. No clergy? No worries! A lay-leader will take charge of the services and upholding traditions.
Lastly, I love seeing the diverse and rich heritages displayed within the Cuban Jewish community. Many are surprised to learn that these include Ashkenazi, Sephardic, American, and even Jews by choice! This means that I end up hearing a mix between Spanish, Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, and even English, at times.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I always have lots of creative irons in the fire between my new recipes, cooking classes, and storytelling adventures. I’m also working on a couple new picture book ideas, and look forward to having more information to share about them, soon.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: While this is my first children’s picture book, I have been writing for the bulk of my career and life. I hope that this storytelling spirit shines on the pages, and that this book offers my audience insight into a community they may not have known much about beforehand. Most of all, I hope it makes the Cuban Jewish community proud.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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