Some Occasional Essays

I have written many lectures, which I don’t generally post, as I tend to reword and rewrite as I deliver them; but occasionally I am asked to contribute an essay to a publication. Here is a small sampling.

Remembering Norton Juster
March 10th, 2021
The SCBWI is saddened by the news that one of the greats of children’s literature, the renowned and beloved author, Norton Juster, has died at 91.

Why PJ Library Brought 20 Children’s Book Authors to Israel
April 26, 2018
Twenty Jewish-American children’s book authors walk into an Israeli bar.


In Memoriam: Remembering Julius Lester
June 20, 2018
Let us all stand and applaud the life that he led.


Maurice Sendak’s Yiddish Heart
May 12, 2012
From Celebrating Sendak, a special edition of Hunger Mountain


Jews and Blacks: Getting Out the Vote
JBooks; October 31, 2008
Written in response to the New York Times article that Jews in the swing state of Florida would never vote for a black man


Stompin’ at the Savoy: A Picture Book Writer Learns the Identity-Politics Dance
Tablet Magazine; April 26, 2006
What are the benefits and pitfalls of writing outside of your racial and cultural experience?


From Cold Feet to Happy Feet
Publishers Weekly; November 20, 2006
What to do when the comedian Robin Williams steals your book title!


Man Gives Birth! Three Times!
Author’s Guild; April 2009

About watching my books grow up and leave home


Marlo and Me at Book Expo America
Publishers Weekly BEA Show Daily; June 2007
OK. It’s really about my crush on Marlo Thomas


Leonard, Ted (and Me)
This essay about poetry, art, Leonard Baskin and Ted Hughes was commissioned by the South Carolina Review