Q&A with Barbara Bietz

 

 

Barbara Bietz is the author, with June Sobel, of the new children's picture book Challah, Challah, for You and Me. Her other books include Apples, Apples, All Year Round. She lives in Southern California.

 

Q: This book is a sequel to Apples, Apples, All Year Round--why did you choose challah as the focus this time?

 

A: My co-author June Sobel and I were so delighted by the enthusiastic response we received for Apples, Apples, All Year Round. We wanted to create a companion book that would be equally engaging and celebrate Jewish life in an accessible way for young readers and their families.

 

Everyone loves challah and there are so many kinds, from traditional braided Shabbat challah to chocolate chip and rainbow challah and more! It seemed like a perfect fit for our next book. 

 

Q: What do you think Ruth Waters’ illustrations add to the story?

 

A: ​Ruth's work is wonderful. I am a big fan! Her collage-style art is a perfect fit for the text of both books. The colors and textures pop. I love her whimsical animal characters and all the charming details she adds.

 

My favorite illustration in Challah, Challah is the animals dancing with a round challah. It's so cute! Each page invites readers to interact with the story. Every time I read the book, I see something new.

 

Most of all, the illustrations invoke a sense of playfulness - exactly what June and I had hoped for. 

Q: How did you and June Sobel collaborate on the books? What is your writing process like?

 

A: June and I met in a writer's group many years ago and have been friends since. Our writing process is both fun and serious. We typically brainstorm ideas together, work separately on the text, and then regroup to polish the rhythm and rhyme.

 

We trust each other in our creative process, and it feels organic. We each have distinct styles, but together, we have created a new style. Our co-writing experience has been a gift, and we are so proud of our books. 

 

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

 

A: ​The goal of creating Apples, Apples and Challah, Challah was to introduce young children and their families to Jewish values, holidays, and celebrations. I hope the books spark curiosity and Jewish joy in simple but meaningful ways. Maybe some readers will be inspired to bake a challah or celebrate Shabbat. 

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: ​June and I are always thinking about​ future book​s, and we each have projects we work on individually.​ I am working on a few things right now, and new ideas are always percolating. 

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: ​Along with writing, I spend lots of time reading and interviewing authors, illustrators, editors, and others in the children's book world at Jewish Books for Kids and More.  I love being part of a supportive, creative community. 

 

Thanks so much for inviting me to chat, Deborah. It's always lovely to connect with you!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Barbara Bietz.