Book Nook - Mazel Toes!

 Parents looking to celebrate their little one home with Jewish joy and celebration in a delightful new rhyming board book, Mazel Toes! a heartwarming new book written by librarian and educator Dr. Audrey Barbakoff and beautifully illustrated to reflect the evolving diversity of Jewish families.

 

With illustrations by Annita Soble that celebrate the generational strength of Jewish families, Mazel Toes! is a heartfelt love letter from a parent to their baby. Filled with love, gentle rhymes, playful gestures, and lovingly integrated Yiddish vocabulary, Mazel Toes! offers a unique way to bond with baby while introducing them to Jewish culture. Parents are invited to smooch a tum, boop a nose, and tickle tiny feet, all while soaking in generations of Jewish joy and resilience.

 

A glossary of Yiddish terms at the back adds an educational layer to the fun, making this an engaging read-aloud for families who want to pass down language and tradition from one generation to the next.

 

“Mazel Toes! is a heartfelt celebration of Jewish identity,” says Audrey, who was named one of the "10 Coolest Librarians Alive" by Flavorwire. “It’s a love letter not only to our babies, but to our ancestors, our language, and our future.”

 

Some of the key features of Mazel Toes! include:

• Fun Read-Aloud: Lyrical, rhyming text is ideal for quiet moments, especially bedtime.
• Language Learning: Yiddish words are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, with a glossary included.
• Body Awareness: Prompts for touch and movement help parents engage babies in learning their body parts.
• Cultural Representation: Gorgeous illustrations highlight Jewish families across history—from 19th-century Russia to today's beautifully diverse homes.

Perfect for bedtime, this board book is sure to bring joy to new families and inspire plenty of giggles.

 

This holiday season, share the joy of Mazel Toes! - a heartfelt gift that celebrates identity, love, and timeless Jewish traditions.

 

Dr. Audrey Barbakoff is a nationally recognized librarian, educator, and entrepreneur. She is the author of two picture books, The Schlemiel Kids Save the Moon and Mazel Toes!, as well as several professional development books for librarians. She holds a doctorate in education and a master's degree in library and information science. As a Jewish mother, she is passionate about passing down the vibrancy of Jewish humor, language, and stories to the next generation. Audrey lives with her husband, children, and chickens on an island in Washington State.

Annita Soble is a multidisciplinary artist with over fifteen years of experience in illustration, animation, and art direction. She believes that inspiration can come from anywhere which is why she likes to dabble in many things including ceramics, fiber arts, computer programming, and bread baking. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and five kids.

 

Audrey Barbakoff is available for interviews and review copies are available.

Contact Trina Kaye – TrinaKaye@tkopr.com / 310-963-3964.

 

The Collective Book Studio is a woman-owned, full-service publishing studio that works with authors, brands, and companies to create, develop, and publish high-quality books. With a focus on innovative content and striking design, The Collective Book Studio offers a unique approach to the publishing process, providing clients with expertise and collaborative support from concept to creation.

 

The Collective Book Studio, is an independent press based in Oakland, CA, publishes high-quality lifestyle, gift, and children’s books. Their books are distributed by Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages. For more information, visit www.simonandschuster.com