Children's Book Author
April 9, 2025
Sydney Taylor Shmooze reviews The Secret of the Scent Map
"This heartwarming story explores family dynamics, misunderstandings... It’s a book that anyone, Jewish or not, can appreciate..."
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March 24, 2025
School Library Journal features The Secret of the Scent Map on Passover List
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December 1, 2024
The Secret of the Scent Map (coming March 2025) receives starred review from School Library Journal
"A valuable addition to early chapter book collections that combines a magical adventure with rich depictions of Jewish culture."
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November 20, 2024
Saralee Siegel Series is now out in paperback!
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November 19, 2023
The Royal Recipe Named a 'BEST BOOK of 2023' by School Library Journal!
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March 5, 2023
Sydney Taylor Shmooze Reviews The Royal Recipe
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January 20, 2023
The Royal Recipe chosen as PJ Library Purim selection for age 8
"Sprinkled with generous amounts of humor and fun, The Royal Recipe seamlessly weaves in numerous details from the historic Purim story, allowing readers to gain new insights into this festive holiday. The story cleverly addresses the themes of standing up to bullies, building strong friendships, and reconceptualizing the role family conflict can play in one's growth and development."
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January 2023
The Royal Recipe part of Association of Jewish Libraries "Holiday Highlights" for Spring 2023!
December 24, 2022
Kirkus reviews The Royal Recipe
"Baking, celebrating, storytelling: The high points of the Purim holiday are here in this amusing series addition."
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December 2022
School Library Journal reviews The Royal Recipe
"...the unique theme of Purim will enhance multicultural literature collections of early reader chapter books and should be considered as a worthwhile purchase."
December 15, 2022
Jewish Journal highlights A Donut in Time: Eight new Hanukkah books to brighten the holiday
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December 8, 2022
Sydney Taylor Schmooze reviews A Donut in Time
"This is an entertaining tale, and readers will enjoy reading to see how the Maccabee story can have modern day connections."
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November 30, 2022
Jewish Book Council reviews A Donut in Time
"A fun, delicious romp through the past and the present, A Donut in Time is a charming read, instilling in a sweet holiday tale the message that some challenges are worth pursuing."
November 19, 2022
Elana interviewed by Deborah Kalb Books about A Donut in Time
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November 2022
A Story Prefaced by Hadassah (Elana featured in Hadassah magazine)
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October 31, 2022
Jewish Books for Kids interview about A Donut in Time
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October 24, 2022
Donut in Time featured on SLJ's article: 6 Hanukkah Books for Young Readers
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September 1, 2022
School Library Journal Reviews A Donut in Time
"A sweet story celebrating Jewish culture and sprinkled with a little bit of magic."
September 20, 2021
Jewish Book Council Reviews Starlight Soup
"An amusing middle grade chapter book with likeable characters and an accessible format, Starlight Soup delivers a clear message about friendship, trust, Jewish tradition, and sensitivity to those who share one’s world. In short, Starlight Soup sparkles."
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September 9, 2021
Sydney Taylor Shmooze Reviews Starlight Soup
"A girl with a super-sniffer nose, her loving Jewish family who own a restaurant, and her friend whose family own a rival restaurant -- this magical Sukkot tale is pure delight!"
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September 1, 2021
Elana Featured in Baltimore Jewish Times
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August 31, 2021
Jewish Telegraph Agency Reviews Starlight Soup
"Just in time for Sukkot, Saralee Siegel is back in a chapter-book series about the endearing, spunky school-age girl whose magical sense of smell saves the day."
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August 29, 2021
The Conscious Kid Highlights Apple Cake as Part of Rosh Hashanah Book Collection
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June 16, 2021
"A touch of creative magic tempered by love and kindness. Welcome back, Saralee."
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April 27, 2021
Elana on PJ Library Panel-Breaking Through to the Other Side: Becoming a Published Author
February 10, 2021
Starlight Soup Receives PJ Library Award
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February 7, 2020
Apple Cake Named National Jewish Book Award Finalist
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January 14, 2020
"Fast paced, easy to read, over-the-top, and tasty."
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October 2, 2019
Jewish Journal Review of Once Upon an Apple Cake
"This funny and well-plotted story with delightful characters and amusing line-drawn illustrations is a perfect holiday tale for early chapter book readers."
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September 17, 2019
Jewish Book Council Reviews Once Upon an Apple Cake
"The busy Siegels each have a consistent and well-drawn personality, as well as having some silly traits, and showing a grandmother with dementia. They share joy, laughter, and love, along with an appreciation of Jewish foods and holiday celebrations all around the dining table."
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September 4, 2019
Jewish Telegraph Agency Highlights Once Upon an Apple Cake
June 12, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Once Upon an Apple Cake
"A bit of magic and a happy ending make for a sweet New Year story. Delightful."
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