BONUS Interview: It's Season's Readings with Barbara Kimmel!

Hi, parents, librarians, book fanatics, writers, and readers of all sorts! We're closing out our December event with an extra BONUS interview. We're thrilled to feature Hanukkah Hippity-Hop written by the extremely talented Barbara Kimmel. Barbara's fun and lively book invites readers to stomp, shake, and spin as they learn all about Hanukkah—a message that will undoubtedly be treasured for generations. Want to know more about Barbara, her lively new book, PLUS want a chance to win your own copy? Read on...

Q: Hi, Barbara! Thanks SO much for joining #SeasonsOfKidLit. We're thrilled to have you here with us and hear all about your new book, Hanukkah Hippity-hop. It seriously looks like so much fun!

Can you share more about your path to publication and the inspiration behind the story?

A: I had written several short, interactive rhyming stories for contests, and they had been well received. Encouraged by these successes, I decided to focus on creating short, interactive board books. I wrote Hanukkah Hippity-Hop, connecting each element of Hanukkah to a movement—like spinning like a dreidel or marching like a Maccabee. I submitted it directly to three Jewish publishers, as I was unagented at the time. Moments after submitting it to Kar-Ben, Joni Sussman emailed me to say she thought it would be a good fit! I’m forever grateful to Joni and Kar-Ben for believing in my work and for bringing this book to life so beautifully. 

Q: Thanks for sharing - what a great behind-the-scenes look at how your book stsrted! What are some of your favorite spreads from your book? Why are they your favorite?

A: Ana Zurita’s illustrations are so joyful! I adore her addition of a mischievous cat who marches, spins, and jumps along with the characters in the book. One of my favorite pages is the one with the dizzy cat who clearly spun like a dreidel for too long! 

Q: What is something you hope all readers can take away from your book (no matter what holiday they celebrate this season)? 

A: I hope readers take away a sense of Jewish Joy! My goal is for little ones to learn about Hanukkah symbols and traditions in a fun, engaging way that also conveys the warmth and joy of the holiday. I also hope that the illustrations help readers recognize and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the Jewish community. 

Q: Can you share your journey to becoming a kidlit author? What advice do you have for new authors looking to break into the wonderful world of children's publishing?

A: I began writing when my children were toddlers — 30 years ago! After my third child was born, I set my manuscripts aside. During the pandemic, I revisited these old manuscripts and decided to give writing another try. The first thing I did was join my local SCBWI Southern Breeze chapter where I met wonderful writers who critiqued my work and shared opportunities with me. From there, I entered contests, joined critique groups, and took countless classes. I discovered a niche in writing Jewish holiday stories. In addition to Hanukkah Hippity-Hop, my holiday-themed work includes a Hanukkah story in High Five magazine, a Sukkot story in an upcoming Highlights magazine, and Purim Possibilities, a Purim board book that includes Colorforms reusable stickers, set to be released from PJ Publishing in the spring of 2026. 

My advice to new authors is to find a supportive community. This could be a small group of two or three writers or a larger organization like your local SCBWI chapter. Publishing is a complex and often challenging industry but having a group to learn from and lean on makes all the difference. My critique partners have become like family to me—I celebrate their successes and offer support during their setbacks as if they were my own.  

Q: What’s one fun fact about you that may surprise us?

A: One thing people may not know about me is that I am also a playwright. It’s been fascinating to see the similarities between writing plays and writing children’s books. In both, you create the words and trust the vision to others—actors, directors, or, in the case of books, editors and illustrators. (Another fun fact: I was my college mascot, “The Brown Bear,” for three years! I loved spreading joy to kids at football games while staying completely incognito. Similar to being a writer, perhaps?)

Thanks again for joining us, Barbara. It was such a treat having you with us!

Q: Would you like to leave a holiday treat for our readers?

A: Yes - I'd love to give away one copy of my book to one lucky reader.

WOW - thanks for an amazing treat!

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter to win Barbara's amazing giveaway, 1) share this post on social media and 2) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by! Holiday and dance-filled pictures and GIFs are always welcomed and appreciated.

BONUS: Those who leave a comment on and share all posts on social media, tagging Heather Macht and Lynne Marie, will be eligible to win their choice of either (1) of (3) SpeedPasses from RYS or critiques from Heather or Lynne Marie.

Heather Macht Tags: X: @AuthorHMacht, IG/Threads: @heatherauthormacht, Bluesky: @authorhmacht.bsky.social

Lynne Marie Tags: X: @Literally_Lynne, IG/Threads: @literally.lynne.marie, Bluesky: @

@literallylynne.bsky.social

Giveaway winners will be drawn on or about 12/15!

Books will be shipped in the US only.

About Barbara Kimmel:

Barbara Kimmel is a children’s book author and playwright who writes playful, interactive board books and picture books designed to spark a love of reading from the earliest age. 

For More about Barbara, check out the below links:

X/Twitter: @BKimmelWrites

IG: @barbarakimmelwrites

Website: Barbara Kimmel, Children's Book Author (barbarakimmelwrites.com)

To purchase Barbara's book, or to leave a review for it on Amazon, click here.

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