06 Oct Ilana Wieder, SHIRA THE SINGING PUPPY, and a GIVEAWAY!

EL: Another adorable picture book is out in the world! I’m happy to introduce you to Ilana Wieder and her cute book, Shira, the Singing Puppy, beautifully illustrated by Alexandra Colombo. Shira loves to sing, but the humans are not so keen on it…until a special time when her singing is exactly what they need.

Welcome, Ilana. Before we get into the book too deeply, will you tell us a little about yourself?

IW: Currently, I live in Southern California, where I homeschool my son, write and direct original stage plays, and teach private yoga lessons. When I’m not writing or directing, you can find me playing board games or traveling with my family. Sometimes we do both at the same time! I love relaxing with a cup of coffee and a book by the pool. I also love to draw, paint and make jewelry.

EL: How does your background in theater complement your writing?

IW: What a great question. I think actors and writers are both storytellers. The difference is that an actor tells the story of the character they are playing, while a writer tells the entire story. Characters and plot!

An example of a common thread in film/theatre acting, as well as in writing books, is the Three-Act Structure. This has been ingrained in me throughout the many years of studying, performing, and directing stage plays. When I began writing books, I was able to draw upon the three-act structure that was familiar to me.

In addition, I think there are three main similarities between picture books and plays/movies:

1. Picture books are meant to be read out loud. (Ever heard of “Readers’ Theatre”?)
2. Most of the time, you have at least one listener (your audience)
3. Picture books are meant to be performed. Whether you’re aware of it or not, you are essentially performing the story you’re reading:

EL: Ah, so interesting! Not many books mention Havdalah ( A special time ending Shabbat and beginning the new week). Why did you choose that time to “allow” Shira to sing?

IW: It’s funny because my dog, Mitzi, LOVES to join us whenever we perform the Havdalah ritual in our house. She loves to cuddle close, gaze at the Havdalah candle and sniff the spices. She sees us all getting together as a family, and she wants to be a part of this sacred space.

In my book, SHIRA THE SINGING PUPPY, Shira gets to sing at Havdalah time to give readers a sense that there’s a time and place for everything, and we need to cultivate patience to do the things we love.

EL: Do you have a writing group or groups? How important do you think they are?

IW: Yes! I began leading Shalom Writers Critique group during the Pandemic years. I wanted to create a safe space for Jewish writers, and I wanted to create an environment where we continue to learn and grow as creative people. In addition to critiquing each other’s works, we invite industry professionals, such as yourself, to speak with our group and share their wisdom with us. I am so grateful to all our presenters and to everyone in our Shalom Writers Group. We have formed a caring community where we know we have each other’s backs and can reach out to one another for support, whether writing-related or otherwise. I think it is extremely important to find a group of writers you can trust and bounce ideas off of. You get a better sense of what is and isn’t working in your story before sending it out on submissions.

EL: I enjoyed speaking to your group, and I’m thrilled that so many of you have books that have come out or are soon to be released. What inspires you?

IW: I get my inspiration from observing and listening to the people around me. My son inspires me with the most imaginative worlds and ideas, my husband inspires me with his insightful ways of thinking, and my dog inspires me with her playfulness and unconditional love. But I can also draw inspiration from a news article or observing the flight of a butterfly.

EL: Do you have any words of advice for aspiring kidlit writers?

IW: My advice would be to find a writing friend or group they can bounce ideas off of. To keep learning and honing their skills. Always. Whether through workshops or craft books. To have patience and know what their writing goal is, and to never give up.

Another piece of advice I’d like to share is to take the word “aspiring” out of their vocabulary. Writers just starting out are still writers. Regardless of whether they’ve been published or not. You have to call yourself a writer first before anyone else will. Own it and have fun with the process. Best of luck.

EL: So true! If you write, you are a writer. Thank you for that. Do you have anything else you’d like our readers to know?

IW: I want readers to know that they can download a free educator resource pdf from my website. Parents and teachers can use the activities in the pdf to enhance learning about Havdalah which the book introduces them to. I also want readers to know they can sign up for my newsletter for insightful inspirations and resources. Lastly, I’d like to thank Joni Sussman at Kar-Ben for believing in my story and having a vision for the book it is today.

EL: Here is where all the goodies are!

https://www.ilanarwieder.com/shira-the-singing-puppy/   

And now a ….

Ilana is happy to give away a book to one lucky winner. Just comment on this post and let me know if you share it or if you are a subscriber to get an extra chance to win. AND, if you sign up for Ilana’s newsletter (see her website), you’ll have an even BETTER chance. Let me know!

On a personal note, I’m currently scheduling school author visits for the 2025-2026 school year. I’d love to visit YOU or a school near you! Please check out  https://EllenLeventhal.com.   

Here’s a review! Ellen Leventhal is an amazing presenter who tailors her presentations to meet the needs of all students and age levels.  I am amazed at how she can talk about her love of writing, how to become a writer, encouraging students to do what they love and how we can all be kind into a 45 minute presentation. A school visit from Ellen Leventhal is a treat for everyone!  Suzanne Ritchey:  Carroll T Welch Elementary School Clint, TX

Until next time,

Ellen