Q&A with Janie Emaus

  

 

 

Janie Emaus is the author of the new children's picture book Mrs. Claus's Noodle Kugel. Her other books include Latkes for Santa Claus. She lives in Southern California.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Mrs. Claus’s Noodle Kugel?

 

A: The first book in the series, Latkes for Santa Claus, came out in 2020, followed by Easter Eggs and Matzo Balls in 2023. They were fun books to write and appealed to such a wide audience that I always knew I wanted to write another book with the same characters.

 

The Latkes story ends with Mrs. Claus loving the latkes recipe. One day while walking, I imagined Mrs. Claus making noodle kugel, with the noodles flying everywhere. The title popped into my mind. And then I needed a story!

 

Q: What do you think Bryan Langdo’s illustrations add to the book?

 

A: Bryan’s illustrations are fantastic. He balances the holidays on each page and makes the characters come to life. At every book signing, I get numerous compliments on his illustrations.

 

Q: The author Barbara Bietz said of the book, “Mrs. Claus’s Noodle Kugel is a fun and engaging story, perfect for blended families who celebrate holidays with joy.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I love what Barbara said. That is exactly the perfect description of my story. And I love all her books, so it was an honor for her to review mine.

 

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

 

A: First off, I want readers to see themselves in the story. When I was raising my daughter, celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas, there were no books to represent our family. That’s why I wrote the first book, Latkes for Santa Claus. 

 

Secondly, I want readers to realize how important it is to share, whether while cooking, playing, or ducking from noodles.

 

And lastly, I hope my readers laugh and want to read my books over and over.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I’m always writing new stories, whether actually on paper or in my head. At this time, I hope to have a new book out in 2028.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I would love my readers to know that I love them! I love meeting readers at book signings and talking to young aspiring writers and illustrators. And I wish everyone a very happy and noodley holiday season.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Janie Emaus.