New Books Network Hannah Shafiroff, "My Little Book of Big Jewish Holidays" (Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2025)
Sep 19, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Hannah Shafiroff, a talented writer-illustrator known for her upcoming picture book about Jewish holidays, shares her journey from childhood art lover to published author. She discusses her imaginative approach to her book, the inspiration drawn from her own holiday experiences, and the creative process behind her vibrant illustrations. Hannah also offers valuable tips for aspiring writers, including a unique musical method for handling rejections, as she reflects on the importance of persistence and celebrating small victories.
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Joyful Intro To Jewish Holidays
- The book is a concise, joyful treasury explaining meanings behind Jewish rituals for beginners and interfaith families.
- Hannah designed it as a warm, fully illustrated portal with pronunciations and dates to spark deeper learning.
Proposal Sparked By Holiday Illustrations
- Hannah's agent asked her to propose a treasury after editors liked holiday illustrations she made during a mentorship.
- She completed the book proposal in six weeks and signed the contract the following year.
Homeschooling Fueled Her Art
- Hannah was homeschooled most of her childhood which gave her time to make art and create homemade books.
- Her parents supported drawing as productive, letting her develop an early passion for illustration.
