Jan Schwaid is the author of the new children's picture book The Shabbat Flood: A Texas-Sized Tall Tale. She lives in California.
Q: In your new book’s Author’s Note, you write that the book was based on a true story. Can you say more about that?
A: I came upon the story while writing a podcast called Have I Got A Story for You! for PJ Library.
Meredith Lewis, who worked there at the time, had a family story that was begging to be retold: after an enormous flood in Dallas in the 1930s, the only Jewish baker in town took to canoe to deliver challah to his neighbors in time for Shabbat.
The podcast was so much fun to write. I figured it would be the perfect thing to adapt into a picture book. I got to interview some of Meredith’s family members to delve into the story further and learn more details.
Q: What do you think Evelline Andrya’s illustrations add to the book?
A: I love her illustrations; I think they add depth and warmth to the story, and it’s so fun to see how she managed to switch between the 1930s and present day while keeping the overall look cohesive.
The expressions on the characters’ faces really help readers empathize with them. I also love the humor she added – the animals floating through the flooded streets are adorable and add lots of kid appeal! I hope young readers have fun picking out all the cute details.
Q: How did you research the story, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?
A: Initially, I chatted with Meredith’s family members to get some background on the story.
They directed me to an extremely helpful book called They Came to Stay: The Story of the Jews of Dallas 1870-1997 by Rose G. Biderman. The book contains the photo of the bakery found at the end of The Shabbat Flood! Evelline used photos from the book as reference for how people dressed in that time, as well as the style of architecture.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the book?
A: I think at its core, this book is about kindness and community. Even though challah is a big part of Shabbat, being together is even more important. Sometimes, the most meaningful things in life aren’t things at all.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’m hard at work on lots of new picture book manuscripts and a really fun middle grade graphic novel, too!
I also write for PJ Library’s storytelling podcast Beyond the Bookcase, and our newest season, in partnership with Jewtina, features a colorful alebrije who leads our young characters on adventures in a brand-new, mystical realm. You can check it out at pjlibrary.org/podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I have some really exciting projects coming up! Please follow my writing journey at janschwaid.com or on Instagram at @jan_schwaid_writing.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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