Ann Diament Koffsky is the author of the new children's book The Peddler and the President. It focuses on the relationship between Harry Truman and his lifelong friend Eddie Jacobson. Koffsky's many other books include Ping-Pong Shabbat. She lives in West Hempstead, New York.
Q: What inspired you to write The Peddler and the President?
A: I was reading the (grown-up!) book First Friends by Gary Ginsberg, just for fun. In it he tells the stories of different friendships various presidents had. Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Speed; Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Daisy Suckley. Then I read about Harry and Eddie, and was like: kids MUST know this story!
Q: How did you research the book, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?
A: I researched this by reading EVERYTHING I could find that talked about their friendship, like the book Truman by David McCullough. I watched lots of YouTube videos like this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx_-n1TQc88
too.
And the Truman Library was a wonderful resource.
The best thing I found was Eddie Jacobson’s own blow-by-blow account of his impactful meeting with President Truman in the Oval Office. It’s amazing and you can read it here: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/eddie-jacobson-recounts-his-role-in-influencing-truman-to-support-jewish-state
When I found that document I felt like I had hit a gold mine! It had so many great details that I could include in my final book.
Q: How would you describe the relationship between Eddie Jacobson and Harry Truman, and why do you think they remained lifelong friends?
A: Ooh, tough question! It’s like you’re asking: what is the nature of friendship? That’s deep! I guess they just had so much in common: Missouri backgrounds. They both had to grow up fast, leave school and support their families. They served in World War I together, had a business together…they shared so much. Maybe that’s why?
Q: What do you think Pedro Rodríguez’s illustrations add to the book?
A: As an illustrator myself, I was a little nervous waiting to see what another artist would do with the story. I was particularly nervous that they might see the story as hold and historical, and perhaps make it all in sepia and ancient.
He did the exact opposite—and I couldn’t be more pleased with it! His images are bright, cheerful AND he captured Harry and Eddie’s likenesses beautifully too. I think they really bring the story to life.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Thanks for asking! I’m putting the finishing touches on The Fairy Godbubbie’s Shabbat, which will be coming out from Intergalactic Afikoman in September. https://www.amazon.com/Fairy-GodBubbies-Shabbat-Ann-Koffsky/dp/1951365313
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: You can share with your readers that they can enter to win a free copy of the book over here, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJVGk-YOtWm/
—it will be drawn May 20.
Also, folks can sign up on my Substack, Coloring Jewish, to receive my free Jewish coloring pages that I share before Jewish holidays. Over here: https://annkoffsky.com/coloring-pages/
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me about my book! It’s so appreciated.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Ann Diament Koffsky.
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