A Hanukkah Children’s Story – Celebrate the Holiday with Ellen Press

Ollie and Taavi celebrate the holidaysWe’re halfway through Hanukkah and what a perfect time for a Spotlight interview with Ellen Press, a Jewish educator, librarian, and author of the Hanukkah children’s story [amazon_link id=”1466287217″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Ollie & Taavi Celebrate the Holidays[/amazon_link]!

Ellen has been involved in The Discovery Center for Science and Technology, located in Thousand Oaks, California, for almost 20 years. She is also the director and co-writer of an award winning science and storytelling program called, RAYS (Reading Awakens Young Scientists).

Ellen lives in California with her family.

MCA: Welcome to the spotlight Ellen! Can you please tell us about what motivated you to create your Hanukkah children’s story?
Ellen: When growing up there were always wonderful stories and picture books for me to read but they were usually secular. Jewish picture books were few and far between. I always felt in my heart that I could contribute to a Jewish child’s love for reading and learning about the Jewish holidays.picture book for hannukah

MCA: Now that you have an award-winning book, what are your goals for the next year?
Ellen: It is important that my book be available throughout many resources in order to attract readers from different areas. I am going to focus on book readings and signings, as well as answering reader questions.

I have also been spending time on a second children’s book and have been working closely with an illustrator. We hope to have it ready for publishing by the end of 2013.

MCA: Congratulations on the new work in progress. How do you think your Mom’s Choice Awards® can help you as a writer and in marketing your books?
Ellen: First, the MCA allows me to establish credibility for my book. Second, when speaking within my circle of friends and extended family, I have been able to mention that the book is an award-winner recognized by MCA. Ultimately (and third) I am hoping that this will help promote the book with in class education among synagogues throughout the United States and beyond.

MCA: Can you share with us what you learned about yourself as an writer and entrepreneur in creating your award-winning book?
Ellen: Writing is a passion for me. Most authors write because they need to and I definitely fall into that category. Sometimes, I am just about to fall asleep and I think of something to write which is why I always keep a pad of paper and a pen in my nightstand.

Promoting my writing has been a learning experience as the world of publishing is ever changing and authors need to keep up. This is the business side which has been a learning experience.

MCA: Since launching Ollie and Taavi Celebrate the Holidays, what has been your most rewarding experience in promoting or sharing it with the public? Do you have a favorite memory?
Ellen: It is hard to pin point one favorite. When I am reading to a group of children it is wonderful to see them totally entranced by the book.

The children usually come up with the most interesting questions about Ollie and Taavi to ask me afterward. I have had a few moms email me with photos of their children reading the book on their own. This is a true thrill for me.

MCA: As a new honoree, do you have any questions you’d like some of the “old hands” to answer for you?
Ellen: I read PW and Publisher’s Daily. I am also a member of SCBWI. What other websites or online author resources would you suggest?

Thanks, Ellen! Have a great Hanukkah and a happy and productive 2013!

Mom’s Choice Awards® Honors

[amazon_link id=”1466287217″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Ollie and Taavi Celebrate the Holidays[/amazon_link] Ollie and Taavi celebrate the Holidays
written by Ellen Press
CreateSpace, 2012

Religion & Spirituality
Silver 2012 – Children’s Picture Book

Contact and Connect with Ellen

 

The Alumni Spotlight is a periodic feature on the official Mom’s Choice Awards® blog. It is part of our ongoing effort to “shine the spotlight” on you and your award-winning, family-friendly products, services, and media.