30 Apr Inbal Alon and MADDY’S TOWERS plus a GIVEAWAY!

EL: I’m excited to end my very busy April by introducing you to Inbal Alon and her new book, MADDY’S TOWERS. Beautifully illustrated by Mandira Biswas, MADDY’S TOWERS is a lovely Social Emotional Learning story designed to help children explore the foundations of friendship. Using the building of towers as a metaphor for building friendship, the reader learns how to build trust and understands that even if that trust is broken, it can always be repaired. This is a perfect book for all classrooms and school counselors’ offices. And on top of all this, it’s a wonderful, child-friendly story.

My first connection with Inbal was on Facebook, where she very generously highlighted other people’s books. I decided then and there that I needed to know this person. And so do you!

Welcome, Inbal! Will you please tell us a little about yourself? 

IA: I’m on sabbatical in Paris right now, but I live in Watertown, MA. I have been a first grade teacher for many years. When I am not writing, I love exploring new neighborhoods, visiting bookstores, and spending time with my family. I also read a lot of picture books and keep a notebook of ideas that come from the questions children ask and the moments we share in classrooms. Teaching and writing are closely connected for me, so even when I am not at my desk, I am usually noticing something that might become a story later

EL:  You’ve mentioned already how teaching and writing are connected. As a retired long-time educator, I completely agree. Will you explain a little more from your point of view?

IA: My teaching career shapes almost everything about the way I write. Spending so many years with young children has taught me how they think, what they notice, and what kinds of moments stay with them. I’ve seen up close how big their feelings are and how much they want language for things like friendship, frustration, and repair.

When I write, I’m always imagining a real child on the carpet during read‑aloud, or a class gathered around a picture book. That helps me choose words that feel honest and accessible, and it keeps me focused on the emotional heart of the story.

Teaching has also made me a better reviser. Kids are very clear about what lands and what doesn’t. Their questions, their laughter, even their silence—those reactions have shaped the way I craft pacing, dialogue, and the rhythm of a page turn.

In many ways, writing picture books feels like an extension of the work I’ve been doing in classrooms for years: helping children name their experiences, feel seen, and understand themselves a little more deeply.

EL:It sounds like your students inspire you. 

IA: My students inspire me all the time. Many of my stories begin in our classroom, growing out of the questions children ask, the conflicts they navigate, and the small moments that matter to them. I often write short stories specifically for my students, based on experiences we’ve shared together.

We use those stories as mentor texts when we write as a class. They help us look closely at things like structure, dialogue, pacing, and how writers show feelings. Because the stories come from our own community, the children see themselves in the characters and understand the choices I made as a writer. It makes the writing process feel real and accessible to them.

In that way, my students don’t just inspire my writing — they actively shape it. Their reactions, their honesty, and their curiosity help me understand what resonates with young readers and what needs more clarity or heart. They are my first audience and often my best teachers.

EL: How did you get the idea of the towers as a metaphor for trust? 

IA: I got the idea after watching a Brené Brown video about trust. Her explanation made sense for adults, but I wanted a way to show the idea to children. I kept thinking about how kids understand things best when they can see them. The image of building something slowly, piece by piece, felt right. That is how the towers became a way to show trust growing, changing, and being rebuilt.

EL: It really works! Do you have anything else in the pipeline you can talk about? 

IA: Yes, I do. I have two other picture books on the way. The Whys Get in Trouble is almost finished, and the illustrations are incredible. I also have a book called My Aunt’s Swing, which is being illustrated in colored pencil by hand. Both stories explore feelings and relationships in different ways, and I am excited to share them when they are ready.

EL: Let’s talk about writing groups. Do you have a writing group or groups? How important do you think they are? 

IA: I am part of a few writing communities, and they have been very important to my growth as a writer. I am in groups like Journey to KidLit, At Home Author, and the 12 by 12 Writing Challenge. These groups give me feedback, encouragement, and a sense of community, which matters a lot in a process that can feel lonely at times.

I also share my work with smaller critique partners. Hearing how other writers respond to a draft helps me see what is working and what needs more clarity. It also keeps me accountable and moving forward.

Writing groups remind me that everyone is learning, revising, and figuring things out together. They make the whole journey feel more possible and a lot more fun.

EL: I totally agree! Thank you so much for joining us today. I love your book and wish you loads of luck!

Find out more about Inbal or buy her book at http://inbalalon.com

Another option to buy the book is: Here

And don’t forget to visit her at https://www.instagram.com/authorinbalalon

and https://www.facebook.com/AuthorInbalAlon 

And now it’s time for a …

Inbal is happy to give away a copy of her Maddy’s Towers to one lucky winner. To get in the running, please comment on this post and let me know if you’re a subscriber or if you have shared this post to get an extra chance to win.  

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On a personal note, I’m currently scheduling school author visits for the 2026-2027 school year. I’d love to visit YOU or a school near you! Please check out  https://EllenLeventhal.com.   

Here’s a review (in case you are interested 🙂 ) 

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