Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Not This Turkey!

When DD was little we used to go to story-time in the library every week. I, along with the other mothers, would take my turn choosing and reading stories to the group of about 20 regulars and their mothers. As our children grew too old for picture books, we moved on and a new generation took over.

Two days ago the word went round that Jessica, one of the story-time mums from our story-time heyday, would be reading her first published children's book. Of course all the old crowd dragged our seven and eight year olds back to story-time for a glorious reunion and, very timely for the time of year if you're American, Not This Turkey!

Jessica Steinberg reading Not This Turkey! at story-time.
It's a Thanksgiving story from post-war New York. The story could have been from any time but I was able to work out the rough time in which the story is set because of the baby. The family are new immigrants from Europe who have been in the US for four years. They have a number of children including one little American-born baby called David.

The thing is, I know this David. David is now a grandfather living in Jerusalem. I taught his, now grown up, children in school.

Jessica told us that she was at David's house and he told the story of how his father ..... well I won't give it away. Jessica wrote the story, changed a couple of details so as not to give children nightmares, and got it published as a delightful children's picture book.

And me... I obviously spent all evening trying to remember old family stories that could possibly become children's picture books.


9 comments:

  1. Or even novels for grown ups? Either would be a fantastic achievement xx

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    1. Well yes, but an adult novel would have to be a bit longer.

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  2. Lol, I look forward to reading all your family tales to my grand-kids in years to come..... Mich x

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  3. Sounds like a delightful book!

    Just reading about the terrible fires that Israel is dealing with at the moment - hope that the two of you have not been affected and that they are brought under control very soon!

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    1. Good friends of ours have lost their house to the fires. So far they are still raging but not inside Jerusalem where I am. Various countries have sent fire-fighting aircraft and crews to help. This is not the end of it. :(

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    2. Very sad and must be truly frightening. Just this past year the whole of Fort McMurray, Alberta (and over 80,000) people had to evacuated because of a huge wildfire and just seeing the videos of how close the flames were to those trying to get out was just terrifying.

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  4. I was glad to read that you and yours are not in danger from the fires. However, it was sad to read about your friends losing their house. I hope that you continue to stay safe.
    Myra, from Winnipeg, Canada

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