Purim is almost here, and I’ve the perfect way to start preparing for the holiday fun! Watch my interview to discover three brand new Purim themed stories that bring the holiday to life for young readers.In this special episode, I'm interviewing three wonderful children’s book authors: Nancy Churnin, Barbara Kimmel, and Varda Livney. Their stories beautifully capture Jewish holidays and traditions, bringing them to life for young readers. In this conversation, we spotlight their new board books, which help kick off PJ Library’s brand new Toddler Book Launch, a meaningful initiative that shares stories written especially for toddlers and distributed for families to enjoy in homes across the country and around the world by PJ Library. Watch and Enjoy! Purim begins the evening of Mon, Mar 2, 2026 – Tue, Mar 3, 2026Subscribe to my Channel to be kept in the know! BOOKS FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:PURIM BASKETSWritten by Nancy Churnin ‪@nancychurninbooks‬ Illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford Publication Date: February 1, 2026Publisher: PJ Publishing ‪@PJLibraryOfficial‬ Publication Date: February 1, 2026Board Book: Ages 6 Months to 2 YearsPurim Baskets will be distributed to 20,000 one-year olds this February.Find out more at: www.nancychurnin.comPURIM POSSIBILITIESWritten by Barbara Kimmel @barbarakimmelIllustrated by Irina AvgustinovichPublisher: PJ Publishing ‪@PJLibraryOfficial‬ Publication Date: February 1, 2026Board Book: Ages 3 years and upFind out more at: https://barbarakimmelwrites.com/Purim Possibilities will be distributed to 39,000 three-year old subscribers this February.TODAY I AM A HAMANTASCH: A POEM FOR PURIMWritten by Varda LivneyIllustrated by Varda LivneyPublisher: PJ Publishing ‪@PJLibraryOfficial‬ Publication Date: February 1, 2026Board Book: Ages 6 Months to 2 YearsFind out more at: https://vardaart.com/Today I Am a Hamantasch will be distributed to 9,000 zero-year old subscribers in February.

I’m excited to be hosting a special children's author panel conversation celebrating Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees, a eco-friendly holiday that invites us to reflect on growth, roots, and our connection to the natural world.🌳📚I’m honored to be interviewing three children’s book creators whose special Tu B’Shvat themed stories engage toddlers, young readers and families alike. Sitting across from me virtually are multi–award-winning picture book author Karen Rostoker-Gruber; yoga teacher and picture book author Lisa Schreiber; and award-winning picture book and middle-grade author Pamela Ehrenberg! If you love the Tu B'Shvat holiday as much as I do, or if you're interested in learning more about this wonderful holiday, I invite you to click play and help me celebrate the Birthday of the Trees!In this special "E Train Talks Earth" Jewish Holiday episode, I'm highlighting three special toddler/preschool Tu B'Shvat stories:"Lessons From A Tree: Yoga Poses for Happy Kids" by author Lisa Schreiber "Happy Birthday, Trees" by Karen Rostoker-Gruber @karenrostoker-gruber6493 "Planting Parsley" by Pamela Ehrenberg A 2026 E Train Talks "Earth" special episodePowered by E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book.

In this interview I speak with one of my favorite storytellers, award-winning author Torrey Maldonado! Torrey is a light in the darkness, and in the words of the great Maya Angelou, he's a "rainbow" in the world's cloud, spreading joy and positivity everywhere he goes, including in his books! I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to shine a light on his first picture book JUST RIGHT through this inspirational talk!Born and raised in Brooklyn, Torrey Maldonado is an acclaimed author and educator whose work impacts middle grade, young adult, and elementary school literature. He approaches thirty years teaching in NYC and has been celebrated by two Chancellors as a top culturally responsive educator. Named Best Books of the Year by NPR, The Washington Post, Oprah, and The NY Times, HANDS, WHAT LANE?, TIGHT, and SECRET SATURDAYS are inspired by his and his students’ lives. They're praised for their authenticity about friendship, family, and choices. As someone who reads and loves Torrey Maldonado's books, I invite you to watch my newest interview with Torrey and click play my reviews of Torrey's outstanding books.