Ann Koffsky – författare

​“Kids will love the adorable dog Kugel” –Jacqueline Jules, award winning author of The Hardest WordKayla’s dog Kugel is a big help as Kayla sets the table for Shabbat . . . despite a few paw prints on the tablecloth, a missing Kiddush cup, and other mishaps. When they’re done, even Kugel knows that a beautiful Shabbat needs one more thing—family!

“Sweet, endearing, colorful illustrations bring out the humor in the actions of the puppy, who is clearly loved as an equal member of his young family.” – Kirkus ReviewsKayla loves having Passover seder with her family and her dog, Kugel—even though he almost spills the grape juice, makes a mess of the matzah, and takes off with the afikoman! This story touches on the highlights of the Passover seder with warmth and humor.An author note at the end explores how Passover songs can lift our spirits and help us imagine how our great-, great-, great-, great-, great- (lots of greats) grandparents felt when they became free. Discussion prompts help children relate the ideas to their own lives.

A young boy finds that by overcoming his fear of swimming for the camp swim-a-thon, he can help other kids enjoy summer camp, too. Noah loves summer camp, including kickball, arts and crafts, and singing Shabbat songs. But he does NOT love the pool . . . until he learns about the camp swim-a-thon, and how he can help other kids enjoy camp, too.

Being the best and the bravest wasn't only an outside, shiny-shield thing. It was an on-the-inside thing too. And that's what he had to show Hannah.“It was wise, creative, empathetic.” – Interview with Blima Marcus for AJL NewsMore than anything, Judah wants to be a good big brother to his baby sister, Hannah. He even uses his new Maccabee shield to protect her from danger!On the last day of Hanukkah, during a visit to the doctor, Judah refuses to have his shot. Surely, his shield can protect him from germs, too!

“It's rare that a children's book with this level of craftsmanship comes along today…” – Jennifer MacLeodIn the beginning, there was nothing. No colors at all. Day by day by day, God poured and planted and created the colors of the world. God said, "This is very good." And it was.This lyrical story pairs each day of Creation with a color. On the first day, God separated the crisp, strong blacks from the wintry, pale whites. On day two, God poured bubbling blues across the skies and into the watery oceans and seas…. The story continues until the sixth day, which celebrates the diversity of animals and people, and ends with the seventh day when God rested.A note to readers invites children to spot the colors around them, and to notice details in the world with fresh eyes and with wonder.

Celebrate the story of Hanukkah with Kayla and her mischievous dog, Kugel. And don't forget to light the menorah and play dreidel!“Koffsky’s color-rich, lively illustrations, including many of the mischievous Kugel, are sure to spark smiles.” --Penny SchwartzAs Kayla gets ready for Hanukkah, she has to deal with some mischief from her dog Kugel. He puts on a Purim costume, plays with candlesticks, and even spins around like a dreidel. What a mess he makes! But Kayla knows that Hanukkah is about having fun and reflecting on our freedom as Jews. Together, she and Kugel make the holiday miraculous for the whole family—as only a girl and her dog can.

"A fun addition to any library." —School Library Journal"Unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, and community library board book collections."—Midwest Book Review"Useful for home and collections serving Jewish populations." —Association of Jewish LibrariesA puppy for Hanukkah!Babies will love following along as a puppy tries to spin a dreidel in this Hanukkah board book about trying again and again. Includes the basic concepts of Round and Round (spinning) and Falling Down. A rotating layout brings babies right into the action.