11 Mar Ann Koffsky talks about THE PEDDLER AND THE PRESIDENT and a GIVEAWAY!
It’s always extra special to highlight a book I’ve seen in development. I am lucky enough to be in a critique group with the amazing Ann Koffsky, and I saw this book in its infancy. This story about the friendship between a Jewish peddler and the president of the United States is fascinating and beautifully written. A lot has changed in THE PEDDLER AND THE PRESIDENT written by Ann and perfectly illustrated by Pedro Rodriguiz since I first saw it, but I’ll let her tell you about that.
EL: Welcome, Ann! Let’s get this started. How did you get your idea for THE PEDDLER AND THE PRESIDENT?
AK: Sometimes book ideas come from other books! I read FIRST FRIENDS by Gary Ginsberg, which talks about the friendships of different presidents in history, including Lincoln’s friendship with Joshua Speed, FDR with Daisy Suckley, and of course, Truman and Jacobson. Once I read that chapter, I knew: that’s a perfect story to retell for kids, too. https://www.amazon.com/First-Friends-Powerful-Unelected-Presidents/dp/1538702924
EL: I love this book, but what I just read is NOT the book I saw months ago. How and why did you change the format?
AK: Ah, you are an insider! You know it started as a picture book manuscript because we are in a writing group together! It was suggested by my editor, Aviva Gutnick at Apples and Honey Press. She thought the subject matter was a little more sophisticated than your average picture book content and with just a little tinkering, would really work beautifully for a slightly older age level. She was right! Aging up the format allowed me to dig in just a little more on complicated ideas like antisemitism, war, politics, and more. These are tough to explain in a brief picture book format.
EL: It works beautifully. You are so prolific in different genres. PB, Board Book, now Chapter Book! Is it difficult to go from one to the other? And by the way, what a fun picture of you with “President Truman!”
AK: Why, thank you! And I’m working on a graphic novel now too! To me it’s all the same in that you are telling a story with words and pictures. But it’s also hugely different in that a board book has sooooo few words, and a chapter book has many more. When I write any of them, I also have to get into the right headspace and think about my target audience. So, if I’m working on a board book, I try to read 20 board books (by others) to get into the vibes and age level. Or, if I’m working on a book for second graders, I might try to visit my local school and do a presentation to that age level, just to remind myself of who they are and what kinds of things interest them.
EL: Since you do so much! Do you have a writing routine?
AK: Oh, I wish. Every time I’ve tried to have one, it hasn’t worked. I can’t be so organized with my writing. The muse has to strike, as it were. It’s annoying, actually! I like being structured in other parts of my business, so I really wish the muse would send me a memo of when she plans to show up.
EL: Funny! I can relate. Do you have anything else in the pipeline you can talk about?
AK: Yes! Watch out for THE FAIRY GODBUBBIE, ( Intergalactic Afikoman) and THE THREE LITTLE SHEEP: A SUKKOT STORY ( Greenbean) this September. They both are funny!
EL: Yay! I can’t wait! Here’s a little more about Ann and where you can buy her books. Ann, thank you so much for visiting with us!
- Ann Diament Koffsky is the award-winning author and illustrator of more than 50 books for children, including Ping Pong Shabbat (Little Bee) Different Kinds of Minds with Temple Grandin (Philomel), and the Kayla and Kugel series (Apples and Honey Press).
- You can see more about her work at annkoffsky.com/, and you can sign up to receive her free coloring pages on substack here: https://coloringjewish.substack.com/
Order links:
https://www.amazon.com/Peddler-President-Ann-D-Koffsky/dp/1681156377/ref=sr_1_1
My Social media links:
- https://www.facebook.com/annkoffsky
- https://www.instagram.com/annkoffsky/
- https://bsky.app/profile/artbyann.bsky.social
- https://coloringjewish.substack.com/
Now it’s time for a
Ann is happy to give a signed copy of The Peddler and the President to one lucky winner. Just comment on this post to get in the running. Let me know if you are a subscriber or if you’ve shared the post in order to get an extra chance to win.
Until next time,
Ellen
DEBBIE’S SONG: THE DEBBIE FRIEDMAN STORY
https://bookshop.org/p/books/debbie-s-song-ellen-leventhal/18680277?ean=9781728443027
A FLOOD OF KINDNESS
https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-flood-of-kindness-ellen-leventhal/15150623?ean=9781546034582
DON’T EAT THE BLUEBONNETS
https://www.clearforkpress.com/product-page/don-t-eat-the-bluebonnets
Kelly D. Roberts
Posted at 06:11h, 11 MarchThank you for sharing! Sounds very interesting- can’t wait to read it!
Christina Shawn
Posted at 06:38h, 11 MarchThank you for sharing how this story evolved! Congratulations!
Deborah Holt Willams
Posted at 06:55h, 11 MarchGreat interview, Vivian! Congrats, Ann! I love to see biographies getting published.
Deborah Holt Willams
Posted at 06:57h, 11 MarchGreat interview, Ellen! Congrats, Ann! I love to see biographies getting published.
Deborah Holt Willams
Posted at 06:58h, 11 MarchSorry, I meant great interview, Ellen! And congrats again to Ann!
Kim A. Larson
Posted at 10:37h, 11 MarchCongratulations, Ann! I loved hearing how your story evolved.
danielle hammelef
Posted at 14:07h, 11 MarchI love finding books that expand upon history like this one does. I’m excited to read this book and loved hearing how the author found her idea for it. I’m a subscriber and shared on tumblr.