Ann Diament Koffsky is the author and illustrator of the new children's picture book Fairy GodBubbie's Shabbat. Her many other books include Ping-Pong Shabbat. She lives in West Hempstead, New York.
Q: What inspired you to create Fairy GodBubbie’s Shabbat?
A: Two major inspirations: one was my daughter who was very addicted at one time to her phone, and to screens. Fortunately we are Sabbath observant so we got to have complete conversations with her on Friday nights! But otherwise, her head was firmly focused on the screen.
Second, the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, and adult books that were promoting a Digital Shabbat, like 24/6 by Tiffany Shlain, all got me thinking about how Shabbat was a unique lens to look at screen use.
Q: How would you describe the dynamic between Fairy GodBubbie and the Mazel family?
A: Loving! And just a little bit bossy. ;)
Q: How did you create the illustrations for this book?
A: For these illustrations, I used Procreate and some really great Procreate brushes that I purchased from MaxPacks. It’s the first time I’ve ever purchased imaginary/digital brushes for real-life money—but it made such a difference!
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the story?
A: The idea of moderation, and that moderating one thing in life can open up space for other great things.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Lots of things! I have two biographies coming out next year, one about Mel Brooks with Intergalactic Afikoman, and one about Emma Lazarus for Apples and Honey Press.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Folks can sign up on my Substack, Coloring Jewish, to receive my free Jewish Coloring pages, which 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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