Q&A with Elyse Durham

 

 

 

Elyse Durham is the author of the new novel Maya & Natasha. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Cincinnati Review. She lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Maya & Natasha?

 

A: I fell in love with ballet as an adult after one of my favorite musicians, Sufjan Stevens, collaborated with New York City Ballet. Seeing his music transformed into movement fascinated me, and I soon became obsessed with ballet—attending performances, taking dance classes myself, reading everything I could about dance.

 

Learning about Soviet dancers who defected to the West really piqued my interest. I wanted to know what it would look like to sacrifice everything you knew, everything you loved, for your art. 

 

Q: How did you create your twin protagonists, and how would you describe their relationship?

 

A: Maya and Natasha are inseparable: they're all the family each other has. I like to think of them as one person split into two bodies—Maya is anxious and compassionate, and Natasha has all the grit and ambition.

 

Each of them has something the other can't live without—but as the novel opens, they learn they're going to have to choose between everything they've worked for and staying loyal to each other. Who could make a choice like that?

 

Q: How did you research the novel, and did you learn anything that especially surprised you?

 

A: I studied ballet extensively, both at the barre and in the theater, and I read countless biographies, memoirs, histories, and other books about the psychology of dance, dance injuries, et cetera. I interviewed academics, dancers, accompanists, doctors, and even got fitted for pointe shoes.

 

One of the most astonishing parts of my research was visiting the Jerome Robbins Dance Collection at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. I got to leaf through a dozen boxes of Soviet dance ephemera—programs, photographs—and watch home movies from Mikhail Baryshnikov's personal archive.

 

In one of the videos, a Soviet dance student slipped and fell—and she started laughing. That's when it hit me: for all the strained circumstances this student was facing, at heart, she was still just a girl. 

 

Q: The writer David Haynes said that the book “[e]xplores the impossible choices at the intersection where love and obligation collide with a gifted artist’s hunger to reach the heights of success...” What do you think of that description, and what do you hope readers take away from the story?

A: One of the things that inspired this novel was George Balanchine's haunting ballet La Valse, which features a young woman being seduced by the figure of death. In the ballet, Death wins the woman over by appealing to her vanity—and it's hard to separate ambition from vanity.

 

I wanted to explore what it would look like for someone to be completely seduced by their own ambition, and then live with the aftermath. 

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I'm one of those people who always has multiple projects swirling around. I'm not sure who's going to reach the finish line first, but I know that whatever I'm working on, it has to stretch me to the limits of my ability. That's what makes it worth doing. 

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: This book is about a lot of things—art, ambition, sisterhood—but it's also about navigating impossible choices under an authoritarian government. Maya and Natasha's story is about the moral ambiguity of trying to forge a good life in the midst of circumstances totally out of your control. I hope it's a story that gives people courage.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

Q&A with Varda Livney

 

 

 

 

 

 

Varda Livney is the author and illustrator of the children's board book Jewish Cats All Year Round. Her other books include Challah!. She lives in Israel.

 

Q: What inspired you to create Jewish Cats All Year Round?

 

A: I drew the answer to this one.   

 

 

Q: How did you create the illustrations for each holiday?

 

A: I drew hundreds of cats celebrating, and for each page chose the illustration that was the most fun AND captured a central element or two of that holiday (and then, of course, there’s the surprise at the end).

 

Q: What do you hope kids take away from the book?

 

A: I hope that the book will make babies smile and giggle, will introduce them to visual hallmarks of Jewish holidays, and will send them off with warm & fuzzy vibes about all things Jewish.

 

Being as it’s a board book for new-ish babies, the aim is not to explain the holidays, just to be exposed to the Jewish Joy of them.  

 

Q: Are you a fan of cats? If you have cats, do you celebrate holidays with them?

 

A: I AM a cat fan. I grew up in a house with four cats. Unfortunately, I now live in a household with two people who are allergic to them. So, no, I don’t celebrate holidays with them. (If anyone reads this book to their cat, please let me know if the they enjoyed it.)

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I just last week sent off the files to PJ Library for my next book, which is a board book for Purim. 

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Just that these are hard times, I’m hoping for peace for everybody everywhere. 

 

My mood often clashes with the silly things I am writing and drawing, 

but it does cheer me up to try and create smiles for the newest citizens of the world.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Varda Livney.

Q&A with Gabriel Meyer

 

 

 

Gabriel Meyer is the author of the new book On the Verge of the Verb. He is based in New York City.

 

Q: What inspired you to write On the Verge of the Verb?

 

A: I wrote my book inspired by my peace activism, my love of poetry and life, and the desire to empty myself of old stories to have room for new ones.

 

Q: How was the book’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?

 

A: The title is connected theologically to the highest expression of the Divine for my people. It is the four-letter ineffable name, the Tetragrammaton: YHVH, which in Hebrew is the verb to be.

 

ISWASWILLBE - As I mentioned in my book, "nouns are the cemetery of verbs." The continuous and present vitality of verbs ends when a concept or an explanation or idea takes over (a noun) and becomes the inert endpoint of any life action.

 

Q: The book’s subtitle is “an autobiographical fiction of prophetic sorts.” Can you say more about that?

 

A: The book is a fusion of my real-life stories and a fictional adventure. This adventure is prophetic because it is rooted in Hebrew prophecy and also because it might truly happen in the future.

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?

 

A: An openness to bridge worlds beyond enemy lines, intergenerationally through humor, creativity, friendship, and art, inspiring collective awe and the re-kindling of purpose for human beings in harmony with our elders, the trees, the animals, the rivers, and the mountains, to name but a few.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: Working on touring with my live music and selected readings of my book, in interactive events which include song and story and create spontaneous community in 90 minutes. The tour includes East and West Coast events in the USA and Canada.

 

I'm also currently in the process of editing my book into Spanish, to come out in August by the Argentinian independent publisher Milena Cacerola.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I will be touring South America with my Spanish version of the book.

--Interview with Deborah Kalb 

April 4

 

 

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

April 4, 1928: Maya Angelou born.

Q&A with Laurie Schneider

 

 

Laurie Schneider is the author of the new middle grade novel Gittel. She lives in Norman, Oklahoma.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Gittel, and how much was the novel based on your family history?

 

A: My great-grandfather Alvin Garber lived in a Jewish agricultural colony near the Village of Arpin in Central Wisconsin in the early 1920s and that was really the initial spark. He is Zayde in the story and my fictional version of Arpin is called Mill Creek.

 

In the mid-1990s I was doing research on Jewish agricultural colonies for my master’s thesis at Washington State University and my husband and I visited Arpin on a trip to Wisconsin to see family. I’d been hoping to see what remained of the colony’s old synagogue, which I’d been told had been incorporated into a local farmer’s home.

 

Someone at the local bar—this is Wisconsin after all—directed us to the house and I stopped to snap a picture of my great-grandfather’s synagogue-turned-farmhouse: just a nicely kept white farmhouse indistinguishable from other houses in the area.

 

It was a beautiful summer day. No one was out and about and no trace of the 80-some Jews who once lived, worked, and worshipped there.

 

I can’t say that was the moment I vowed to write my novel, but I did write several poems about the colony that made their way into my master’s thesis and those poems were the seeds for the novel that came years later.

 

As for how much is based on my family, the timeline of the story doesn’t match my family’s time in Arpin, but many of the central characters are based on family members.

 

My great-grandfather Alvin Garber lived and farmed in “Mill Creek” for five years, but he wasn’t part of the original group of settlers. He was however, as portrayed in Gittel, the community’s shochet and de facto rabbi.

 

Other characters, including Bubbe, Mama, Papa, and Gittel are also based on family members and conjured from a soup of magic, memory, and the many stories I’d been told by my mother growing up.

 

The novel gets its name from my mom, Gloria, whose name was Gittel when she came to the United States from Romania at age 2. She was a spitfire, a state champion debater, and social-justice activist late into her life. 

Q: How did you research the story, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?

 

A: I was lucky to have two brief oral histories on cassette tape, one a story-corps style conversation my brother recorded with our great-grandfather in 1968 and another more recent tape that my mom recorded focused on her memories of my great-grandmother. Those are family treasures.

 

I also spent a lot of time pouring over old newspapers and, of course, I had all of my graduate school research on Jewish agricultural colonies. And, thanks to a professor I had in grad school who was a fabulous cultural historian, I have a solid grasp on the people and movements of the Progressive era. (Shout-out to LeRoy Ashby!)

 

There was so much that surprised me and things that I had forgotten while doing my research. I hadn’t listened to the tape my brother made since I was a child. In fact, I thought it had been lost and I was so relieved to find it in a filing cabinet with my mother’s papers.

 

It was touching to hear both my brother’s and my great-grandfather’s voices again as both have passed away. At the end of the tape my brother asks our then 89-year-old great-grandfather if he would like to sing something and grandpa launches into an old Russian folk song! I hadn’t remembered that at all and listened with a real lump in my throat.

 

Q: The writer Kirby Larson said of Gittel, “Impulsive, brash, and full of heart, she endures loss and prejudice without losing sight of her remarkable self.” What do you think of that description, and what do you hope readers take away from the story?

 

A: I think it’s spot on, and I teared up when I first read it. Kirby’s Hattie Big Sky is a favorite book of mine – I have a signed copy from an SCBWI conference I went to years ago —and I felt honored that she read my book, let alone loved it. 

 

As for the takeaway, I didn’t start the story with anything in mind other than to preserve a piece of little-known Jewish American history, but as a writer, I suppose my biggest hope is that readers are able to make an emotional connection with Gittel’s story. That’s the only way I know how to write and I hope that my connection creates a pathway for readers to connect, too.

 

Beyond that—Gittel’s story is even more relevant now than when I began writing it. It’s no longer a quaint immigrant story, but a reflection not just of our past, but our present.

 

So maybe there is a takeaway. I think Gittel asks today’s reader that we be open to others who are different, that we be interested in learning and listening with our hearts. That we have compassion for one another and understand that we all endure loss and experience joy; we all carry our family histories with us— for generations.

 

Q: Emily Dickinson plays a big role in the story—why did you choose to include her poetry?

 

A: I’m a pantser not a plotter, and Emily popped into the story and refused to go away. Gittel is prone to flights of fancy and I think Emily Dickinson keeps Gittel grounded and appreciative of the here and now, helping her to see the divine in the humdrum farm life she often complains about.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I have a fun middle-grade dramedy set in the summer of 1969 that I’d love to find a home for and a folder full of story starts I’m excited to dive into.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I’m so grateful to everyone who has read or chooses to read Gittel. It means so much to me. If anyone is interested in using Gittel in the classroom, there are downloadable lesson plans for grades 6-9 on my website, along with a digital scrapbook of vintage photos and an audio clip of my great grandfather singing that Russian folksong. www.laurieschneider.com

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

Q&A with Christina Matula

 

 

 

Christina Matula is the author of the new children's picture book The Beat of the Dragon Boat. Her other books include Mixed-Up Mooncakes. She lives in Helsinki, Finland.

 

Q: What inspired you to write The Beat of the Dragon Boat?

 

A: I was inspired to write The Beat of the Dragon Boat while living in Hong Kong and immersing myself in Chinese culture. Growing up in Canada, my Taiwanese mother would make zongzi, the traditional bamboo-leaf-wrapped rice dumplings, but it wasn’t until I moved to Hong Kong that I realized these dumplings had a deep connection to the Dragon Boat Festival.

 

The festival takes place on the fifth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar, which falls at the cusp of summer. It’s such a vibrant and exciting event that brings the whole city to life. I loved taking my family to Stanley Beach to cheer on the dragon boats racing in the South China Sea.

 

What I find most amazing is how the races have grown in popularity and are now celebrated internationally, with communities around the world hosting their own dragon boat festivals.

Q: How did you research the book, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?

 

A: Most of the stories I had heard about the origin of the Dragon Boat Festival centered on Qu Yuan, the ancient Chinese poet. His story tells of how he threw himself into the river and how villagers raced out in boats to save him—tragically, they failed. While it’s a fascinating legend, I didn’t think it lent itself well to a joyful picture book.

 

Then I came across historical note about villagers long ago who beat drums and raced boats to encourage the Dragon King to bring rain for their crops. It’s such a universal theme and found in many societies—asking spirits for help with the harvest.

 

Unlike the fiery, destructive dragons of European folklore, Chinese dragons are benevolent creatures that help people by bringing wind and rain. I decided to create a story that weaves together these two origin tales.

 

Q: What do you think Nicole Wong’s illustrations add to the story?

 

A: Nicole’s illustrations are absolutely stunning—I had goosebumps the first time I saw them. Her dragons leap off the page, drawing readers into both the mythical world of ancient dragons and the modern-day dragon boat races at the harbour.

 

Without needing to say it explicitly in the text, her artwork beautifully conveys the deep love shared between the grandparents and their grandson, as well as their pride in their Chinese heritage.

 

Q: You’ve written for different age groups--do you have a preference?

 

A: I’ve written picture books and middle-grade novels, and I truly love writing for children of all ages. There’s such a sense of wonder and excitement that children bring to books, which makes writing for them incredibly rewarding.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I now live in Finland (my husband is Finnish), and I’m diving into the fascinating aspects of Finnish culture that I love. I’m hoping to share some of these stories with young readers in the near future.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I love hearing from educators and readers! You can find more information about me and my books at www.christinamatula.com. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share The Beat of the Dragon Boat with your readers.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

Q&A with Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay

 

 

 

Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay are the authors of the new children's picture book The Tales of Charlie Wags: London. They also have written the book The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City. They are sisters.

 

Q: Why did you choose London for your new Charlie Wags story?

 

A: London is one of the most iconic cities in the world—and also one of our absolute favorites. We’ve had the pleasure of visiting many times, and Ali studied abroad there during college.

 

When we first mapped out this series, the first three locations were no-brainers. With so many incredible cities to choose from, London stood out as a must—its history, charm, and timeless appeal made it the perfect place for Charlie Wags to explore

 

Q: What do you think Sanna Sjöström's illustrations add to this new book?

 

A: Beyond the obvious—charm, whimsy, dreamy watercolor, and incredible attention to detail—Sanna has a gift for capturing landmarks in a way that feels both realistic and fantastical.

 

That’s exactly what we envisioned for this series. It’s a balance between education and enchantment—helping kids recognize these famous landmarks while immersing them in the wonder of Charlie’s world. He’s a magical traveling pup, after all! His world can be a bit more indulgent than ours.

 

This book also marked a shift in our creative process. With The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City, we meticulously storyboarded every page.

 

By the time London rolled around four months later, we trusted Sanna completely. We basically turned over the story text and a few inspiration photos on a document and said, “Have at it!” The only notes we gave were things like, “Make Big Ben and the London Eye feel Peter Pan-y.”

 

And she absolutely nailed it. Watching her take full creative control in this book was a turning point—it solidified the trust and partnership we now have, which we deeply value.

Q: Did you learn anything new or surprising about London while working on the story?

 

A: Even with cities we’re fairly familiar with, we always discover new things while researching for the Paws and Learn: Landmarks Unleashed! section. For those unfamiliar, each Charlie Wags book ends with a fun, engaging breakdown of the landmarks Charlie visits—along with a conversation starter for kids and their caretakers.

 

One fact that surprised us is that Borough Market dates back to the 12th century. We admittedly had no idea it had such a long and rich history. We’ve been there before and thought of it as a fun spot for incredible food and photo ops, but learning about its historical roots gave us a whole new appreciation for it.

 

Q: What do you hope kids take away from the book?

 

A: One of the things we love most about these stories is how they can meet families wherever they are. If you’re planning a trip to London, this book can help little ones recognize landmarks and build excitement before they even step off the plane.

 

If a visit isn’t in the cards due to cranky toddlers on strict nap schedules, that’s okay, too—Charlie’s adventures are a way to bring the educational value of travel right into your home.

 

But at its core, we wrote these books for families who may not have the opportunity to visit these places at all. Travel has shaped our lives in immeasurable ways—whether it’s connecting with people from different backgrounds or simply feeling more at home in the world.

 

Our goal is to offer children a fun, accessible introduction to some of the world’s most iconic cities, planting little seeds of curiosity along the way.

 

Maybe it sparks a love for travel, a fascination with history, or even just a recognition of a famous landmark. But if a child finishes this book knowing Big Ben is in London and feels a little more connected to (and intrigued about) the world around them, we consider that a win.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: While the first two books in the series, New York City and London, were completed in 2023, they’ve only just been released in the past few months. Right now, we’re focused on getting them into the hands of readers while also preparing for the next two books in the series, both set to launch later this year.

 

Looking ahead, books 5 and 6 are fully written and edited and are now in the illustration phase. Books 7 and 8 are in the research and writing phases. And the best part? We’re doing it all while juggling life with newborns!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay. This post was created in partnership with Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay. Enter this giveaway for a chance to win a signed hardcover copy of The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City, a collection of adorable Charlie Wags greeting cards, AND a $50 Amazon gift card to fuel your next reading spree!