Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Suzy Ultman!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Suzy Ultman
Suzy Ultman has been creating toys and books for family and friends since childhood. A born storyteller, Suzy is an illustrator, product designer, toy creator, and bookmaker of sophisticated and simple objects that inspire and delight. Suzy’s signature products center connection, community, and finding your place within our global family. When she isn’t in her studio folding paper, designing textiles, or creating toys, she can be found strolling through antique shops, finding treasures at flea markets, and communing with nature. She’s nested with her husband and three sons in their cozy home in Ohio.
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About the Book: I Like Your Chutzpah
The first in a stylish, current, and multifaceted series of Jewish-themed board books for curious young readers.
This modern and whimsical Jewish-themed board book series is the first of its kind incorporating both Jewish traditions and Jewish culture, offering a unique depiction of Judaism. Author and artist Suzy Ultman melds her own Jewish upbringing with her current trend-setting aesthetic to create a much-needed series of gorgeous, appealing, and perfectly simple books that will stand out on any table or shelf amidst the sea of blue-and-gold painterly Jewish-themed books that precede these.
I Like Your Chutzpah is a casebound board book that showcases and defines popular Yiddish words through a playful lens that will validate Jewish readers, and inform and entertain Jews and non-Jews alike!
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
The idea for this book began in earnest about 7 years ago. I started looking at how the Jewish part of me might play with the artist/communicator part of me. I started small. First, I posted a Hanukkah greeting on IG. Then, I presented a few card concepts to a stationery client. Next, I personally produced a pennant with the word “Shalom”.
I continued on this path, playing, uncovering, and discovering. Eventually, I felt the need to put some focused effort into realizing a contemporary approach to Jewish kids and family content. To step forward, I needed to get clear with my intentions. I sat down and wrote my reasons for pursuing this endeavor…
(1) I was doing this for kid-Suzy: Since childhood, I’d been carrying the duality of feeling love and pride towards my Jewish Identity while also feeling anxiety and worry due to the spectrum of antisemitism I experienced and internalized. I knew these feelings weren’t unique to me. Unpacking kid-Suzy was an opportunity to look at my past, and open-up conversations about the Jewish experience of holding beauty & joy with anxiety & antisemitism.
(2) I was doing this for today’s Jewish kids and families: Judaism isn’t typically reflected in everyday life. During Hanukkah, holiday products pop-up at stores, but year-round, there’s very little representation of Jewish life. I had a strong desire to create modern, colorful, playful Jewish content for homes, schools, community centers, and more — everyday spaces for Jewish kids and families to feel seen.
(3) I was doing this to build bridges: Within the world of Judaism, there’s a rich tapestry of people and practice and experience. I wanted to explore this and do what I could to support conversations and connections within the Jewish community and between all communities.
YABC: Who is your favorite word in the book?
I adore SCHPILKES! For me, some Yiddish words have a special way of describing something beyond their definition. The sound of the word along with my family history using the word adds extra layers of feeling & meaning. The “schpilkes” character was born from those personal associations.
YABC: How do you know when a book is finished?
I know a book is finished when the underlying message is clear, and all of the illustrations create a playful, cohesive world.
YABC: What research did you do to write this book?
When I began the project, I started with a list of Yiddish words that were close to my heart. To round-out the manuscript, I researched the language and other folk’s experience with Yiddish in their lives.
YABC: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Since I was very young, I loved storytelling. For me, it came-out in the form of drawing. While the visual aspect of storytelling came very naturally to me, the writing was much more challenging due to my dyslexia.
YABC: How do you keep your ‘voice’ true to the age category you are writing within?
As a kid, I was drawn to books with strong visuals and very accessible writing. I related strongly with Shel Silverstein’s work. I read and re-read “Where The Sidewalk Ends”. I memorized the poems, and can still recite some today! It’s been a huge influence on my writing voice.
YABC: What is your favorite writing space?
I like to sit outside and write.
YABC: What hobbies do you enjoy?
I love bird watching, walking in the woods, traveling, exploring, flea marketing, yoga-ing, reading, hanging with my family and friends, smiling, doodling, cutting paper, playing cards, finding the perfect brownie recipe.
YABC: What do you do when you procrastinate?
I can get deep into organizing things around the house.
YABC: What is your favorite holiday or tradition and why?
Every Friday eve, we celebrate Shabbat. We put down our phones & screens, make dinner together, and then, sit around the table and talk.
YABC: What other age group would you consider writing for?
I’d love to do a graphic novel for young readers.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m honored and excited to be writing and illustrating books 2, 3, and 4 in this Jewish board book series!
Title: I LIKE YOUR CHUTZPAH
Author: Suzy Ultman
Release Date: 9/17/24
Publisher: Rise x Penguin Workshop
ISBN-10: 0593751914
ISBN-13: 9780593751916
Genre: Board Book
Age Range: 0-3
~ Giveaway Details ~
Five (5) winners will receive a copy of I like Your Chutzpah (Suzy Ultman) ~US Only!
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*
