If you missed the presentation that Antonia Lavine and I made for the Jewish Community Library of San Francisco on Dec. 22, 2021, here’s the link to the recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F3O876P5WQ
Children’s author Julie Hedlund, challenged participants of her 12 Days of Christmas for Writers series to post SUCCESSES (rather than resolutions) on our blogs this year. She believes the way New Year’s resolutions are traditionally made come from a place of negativity – what DIDN’T get done or achieved in the previous year. Instead, she suggests we set goals for the New Year that BUILD on our achievements from the previous one. I decided to participate in this Anti-Resolution Revolution! Here is my list for 2021.
My first long presentation, about 40 minutes to an adult audience on zoom attending a program sponsored by the Jewish Community Library of San Francisco and the National Council of Jewish Women-SF.
I shared information about how picture books are created and published, along with the characteristics of good picture books. The major part of the presentation was sharing most of the story about Hannah G. Solomon and the gorgeous illustrations by Sofia Moore. Dr. Antonia Lavine, the executive director of the NCJW-SF, followed me with an informative update of the types of projects the NCJW carries out, especially here in the SF Bay Area.
Very gratifying to receive many positive comments!
logo for the Assoc. of Jewish Libraries
The Association of Jewish Libraries hosted a fall showcase of 2021 children’s book authors on November 9, 2021. About 30 authors were featured, and I was one of two debut authors. Some of the presenters are well published, such as the Baby Loves Science board book series by Ruth Spiro.
The South Bay section of my professional association, Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) hosted a book launch presentation for new fall 2021 authors on Oct 24, 2021. For this presentation, each author had 8 minutes to talk about his/her book. I enjoyed hearing about other YA and MG books, particularly a chapter book by Kate Moore, “Elinormal.” In addition to getting experience making these presentations, I’m keeping a list of books I want to buy and read!
The JC is described as “the world’s oldest and most influential Jewish newspaper…”(UK). Here’s an excerpt from the review: “…Hannah G. Solomon, the founder of the National Council of Jewish Women, is unlikely to be familiar to UK readers, but her life story is simply and informatively told by Bonnie Lindauer in “Hannah G. Solomon Dared to Make a Difference.(Kar-Ben)… (8 October 2021 Jewish Chronicle, Children’s Books column)
The most in-depth review I’ve received is from a very thoughtful librarian, Beth L. Gallego, who reviews for a blog from the Association of Jewish Libraries.
Here’s the link to the full review and an extract: “…Lindauer packs many of Solomon’s achievements into clear, concise paragraphs infused with admiration and respect for her subject. While no citations are given for quotations within the text, they are presumably from Solomon’s autobiography, which Lindauer notes was a primary source in her research. The back matter includes an author’s note, photographs of Solomon and Hull House, and a timeline. Moore’s dynamic illustrations use bright color and line to create a layered effect…”
https://www.sydneytaylorshmooze.com/2021/10/review-hannah-g-solomon-dared-to-make.html
I remember reading Horn Book reviews as a librarian and along with Kirkus, these two reviewing periodicals were my favoities. Very happy to have a review in Horn Book.
Here’s the link and an extract: https://www.hornbookguide.com/site/?reviewList=book-bundles-walking-the-walk
“…This accessible picture-book biography introduces a lesser-known social reformer who founded the National Council of Jewish Women, which “worked to help people around the country.” Moore’s stylish illustrations evoke the era and reflect Solomon’s energy and purpose…”
I’m so excited by another review. Here’s an extract with the link to the full review:
Publisher’s Weekly, Oct 15, 2021 https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781728415734
“…As Lindauer clearly explains, this environment places Solomon on the path to involvement with the conference, where she gathers “America’s outstanding Jewish women” to discuss education and liberty, and forms the National Council of Jewish Women. Moore’s distinctive illustrations have a nostalgic, multilayered quality, overlaying patterns and textures with a fine-lined, majority light-skinned cast and watercolor-and-ink spreads…”