Picture Books

“Young read­ers who can per­son­al­ly relate to Jil­lian will feel val­i­dat­ed and seen, and all read­ers will dis­cov­er that ‘fam­i­ly is more than blood’ and ‘there is no one right way to blend a fam­i­ly.'” —Jewish Book Council

“A winning reminder that though family might evolve, it’s always anchored by love.” —Kirkus

“…Unsurprisingly, delicious, with plenty of family warmth!” —Horn Book

“Brand New Bubbe, written by Sarah Aronson and illustrated by Ariel Landy, hosts a story that is both real and charming. The illustrations are full of color and are packed full of great details. Young readers 4-8 years of age will also love the tasty back material where the recipe for each soup is available including Bubbe’s World-Famous Matzo Ball Soup, Noni’s Not-Just- for- Weddings Italian Wedding Soup and Gram’s Easy-Peasy As- Spicy- As- You -Like-It Gazpacho.” —The Children’s Bookshelf, WCMU Public Radio

Starred Review!

Author Sarah Aronson (Just Like Rube Goldberg) offers an empathetic emotional arc for readers who might relate to changes in their family structure. Her presentation of a growing, global and interfaith family speaks to a broad audience, but her story is also culturally specific, highlighting Judaism and introducing the concept of machatunim, a Yiddish word for the relationship between in-laws. There is no English equivalent for the word, but the feelings connected are certainly universal. Illustrator Ariel Landy (Gitty and Kvetch) contributes cheerful characters with lively expressions through cartoonish artwork with soft lines and vibrant colors. The parallel relationship between Jillian’s cat and Bubbe’s dog adds a particularly humorous substory. Backmatter includes family resources and recipes for three soups. An adorably charismatic and accepting story honoring problem-solving and found families. –Shelf Awareness

Landy accompanies Aronson’s playful prose with a clever subplot-in-pictures: Jillian’s cat initially gives Bubbe’s dog serious side-eye, but as Jillian warms to Bubbe, their pets bond too. It all culminates in a gathering of family, food and love. Three detailed soup recipes and a collection of resources for interfaith families end Brand-New Bubbe with a chef’s kiss. Mazel tov and bon appetit! –Book Page

“…told with great charm and gentle humor, and accompanied by engaging illustrations. The book is highly recommended for children struggling to adjust to a new interfaith family, or any blended family.”

Read the whole review by Susan Katz Miller!

“Aronson’s narrative hovers between thoughtful biography and an inspirational tribute to Goldberg’s work, which will leave readers wanting more information, especially about the cultural legacy of his ubiquitous cartoons. VERDICT Playful illustrations drive this loving biography for elementary-school-age inventors and dreamers.” — School Library Journal, Emilia Packard, Austin, TX 

“Aronson has created an eminently readable book that will engage and surprise readers young and old….Particularly appropriate to use for Invention Conventions, STEAM units, or Odyssey of the Mind, this engaging read-aloud will make an enjoyable introduction to inquiry and problem solving in creative ways.” —School Library Connection, March/April 2019

“Aronson notes that Goldberg ‘drew comics to make us look closer’; fittingly, this thoughtful, playful picture-book biography does just that, with whimsical pencil, ink, and digital illustrations capturing the machines’ intricacies.” —Horn Book

“Budding inventors, doodlers, and cartoonists will find much to love in this fun, inspiring book.” —Marissa Moss in the NY Journal of Books

“It’s fun to read about the life of someone so quirky, who ignores well-worn paths and just heads off in an entirely new direction. … It shows how it’s possible to find a balance between dreams and practicality. and, maybe, with patience, practice, and ingenuity, succeed at your passion.” —Richie’s Picks