Fanny's Big Idea

How Jewish Book Week Was Born

Richard Michelson, Alyssa Russell

$39.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Rocky Pond Books
04 November 2025

Picture books, activity books & early learning material; Bibles & bible stories (Children's&YA)

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Jewish Book Week, this engaging biography introduces children to the influential librarian and immigrant who originated the event.

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Jewish Book Week, this engaging biography introduces children to the influential librarian and immigrant who originated the event.

Fanny Goldstein immigrated to America from Russia when she was six. She loved the fact that in her new country she could borrow books for free and take part in all kinds of activities at the Saturday Evening Girls Club. Right away, her curiosity attracted the notice of the club's founder, who was also the head of the Boston Public Library. It wasn't long before Fanny was hired as the librarian's assistant, and then at thirty-three, as the first Jewish director of a Boston branch library. And when Fanny noticed how rarely Jewish families checked out books about their own history, she had an idea that would influence libraries and readers for decades to come- She decided to host a week-long party to celebrate Jewish books and culture. It was such a success that it launched a national event which has continued for 100 years!

By: Richard Michelson
Illustrated by: Alyssa Russell
Imprint: Rocky Pond Books
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 289mm, Width: 227mm, Spine: 9mm
Weight: 403g
ISBN: 9798217003259
Pages: 40
Publication Date: 04 November 2025
Recommended Age: From 6 to 9 years
Audience: Children/juvenile , English as a second language
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Richard Michelson's many books for children and adults have been named among the ten Best of the Year by The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and The New Yorker. He has received a National Jewish Book Award (and twice been a finalist) and two Sydney Taylor Medals (and two honors) from the Association of Jewish Libraries. A native of Brooklyn, Michelson now lives in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he has served two terms as Poet Laureate, hosts Northampton Poetry Radio, and owns an art gallery. Alyssa Russell is a Ringling College of Art and Design graduate and children's book illustrator of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. Her maternal great-grandparents immigrated to the United States from Eastern Europe in the early 1900s due to rampant antisemitism. While her mother shared some Jewish traditions with Alyssa at a young age, Jewish heritage was not a big part of her upbringing and was lost in her teen years. Since her mother's death in 2018, Alyssa has been dedicated to rediscovering her Jewish identity. When she is not illustrating, she can be found weightlifting, working on her greeting card business, and filling her creative cup with movies and literature. She lives in Austin, Texas, and this is her debut picture book.

Reviews for Fanny's Big Idea: How Jewish Book Week Was Born

★""Russell's illustrations evoke the period and Jewish themes without being too literal and make Fanny a recognizable character. The book's text is cleverly and largely based on historical sources, showing that Fanny saw books as a way to develop knowledge and pride in one's own culture as well as a way to connect with others.”—Booklist, starred review ""Russell’s emotive art and Michelson’s earnestly expressed text reflect Fanny’s quiet, optimistic perseverance and deep appreciation for the people around her; Michelson’s insights on the importance of books as windows and mirrors feel especially relevant in light of the threats currently facing stories by and about marginalized creators. A timeless and timely tribute to the enduring power of literature and libraries to build bridges."" —Kirkus