Q&A with Tammar Stein

  

 

 

Tammar Stein is the author of the new children's board book Cats in Jerusalem. Her other books include The Treasure of Tel Maresha. She is a former school librarian. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write Cats in Jerusalem?

 

A: If you’ve ever been to Jerusalem, then you know…there are cats everywhere. I was on an incredible trip sponsored by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation for authors and illustrators to discover a deeper connection to Israel. 

 

The guide took us through some of the old neighborhoods and I saw bowls of cat food left out for visiting felines. I loved that casual hospitality. It’s like the residents were saying, “Hungry? Nu, eat already.”

 

And then I thought, these cats must know all the best spots in the city. Why don’t we see Jerusalem through a cat tour guide? 

 

Q: What do you think Menahem Halberstadt’s illustrations add to the book?

 

A: I love that there’s an Israeli author illustrating a book set in Israel. The bright, zany energy is perfect for the story. The art is confident because he’s a great illustrator, but also because he’s drawing something he’s really familiar with.

 

Q: How did you choose the locations for the story?

 

A: I wanted to write a guidebook for tiny kids. I thought it would be fun to hit major sights in an accessible, tot-centered way. I would love hearing from a reader that they brought the book with them on their visit to Israel to help their young child connect with the landmarks. 

 

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

 

A: I hope the book makes them giggle. I hope they search for the fun details scattered through the story and that this joyful exposure to Jerusalem helps lay the foundations for a sense of connection.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I’m thrilled to say that we are working on more books in this series! Dogs of Tel Aviv will be up next and more cities with furry guides are in the pipeline. 

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Joyful Jewish children’s books can’t fix everything, but they help inoculate our kids (and adults!) from a lot of the doom and gloom that floats around us. There is so much to celebrate and be proud of as Jewish families, and I’m really glad to be a small part of that. Thanks so much!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Tammar Stein.