Today I have the pleasure of sharing my interview with Audrey Barbakoff, the author of a fabulous new board book, MAZEL TOES!, illustrated by Anitta Soble. Audrey and I met earlier this year over zoom as critique partners when she told me about this book with an adorable title. Life has been busy since then. Yes, that is an understatement! but I had written Audrey and MAZEL TOES! on my calendar for late October. MAZEL TOES! released last week on October 28, and here we are celebrating today! I love this book and you can read my review here.
Audrey is generously offering one lucky winner a Winner’s Choice Giveaway! Please comment on this blogpost to enter and let us know what prize you would like! Also, sharing on your social media is always helpful and feel free to tag us because we’d love that too!
* A picture book critique (fiction, rhyming or non-rhyming, up to 1000 words) Friends, Audrey gave me great feedback on a manuscript in the spring and I have been working on it again recently. It is almost ready to submit!! – LR
* 30 minute Ask me Anything Zoom call
* 1 virtual classroom visit
What were you like at age of your target audience?
The target age for board books is 0-3, so I asked my mom for three words to describe me at that age. She said enthusiastic, sunny, and curious. And then she sent me a picture of me with a book. I guess some things never change!
What inspires you?
The sound of the ocean. I live on an island, and I spend as much time as I can near the water. It helps me feel calm, present, and centered. That internal peace lets me hear my own creative voice and access the inspiration I might have missed in the day-to-day bustle.
What’s one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
To draw on the words of Rabbi Rami Shapiro, you are loved by an unending love. I hope children will get a chance to feel – and their grown-ups get a chance to express – the generations upon generations of fierce love that endures through everything.
What do we have to look forward to next? Can you share anything?
I do have more books in the pipeline! Pumpkin Shabbat will be published by Familius in 2028, and I have a few others out on submission. So cross your fingers for me – and sign up for my email list to find out first!
Readers, to find out more about Audrey’s books:
Website: http://www.BarbakoffBooks.com
Instagram: @BarbakoffBooks
Twitter / X: @BarbakoffBooks
Bluesky: @BarbakoffBooks.bsky.social
Facebook page: Audrey Barbakoff, Author
Laura Roettiger Books 
Following you on Instagram – what a cute and baby-appropriate board book!
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Hi Robin, thanks for reading. This book is so lovely and just perfect in its rhythm and rhyme for little ones. Thanks for commenting and good luck in the giveaway!
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