Tami Lehman-Wilzig
Tami Lehman-Wilzig is an award-winning author of sixteen Jewish content picture books, including On the Wings of Eagles, SOOSIE, The Horse That Saved Shabbat; Keeping The Promise; Nathan Blows Out the Hanukkah Candles; Passover Around the World; and Hanukkah Around the World. PJ Library has selected five of her titles for its English language markets, two for its Spanish speaking markets, and one for its Russian speaking market. Living in Israel for forty-eight years with her husband Sam, Tami is a busy grandmother of a tween and teen. For more on Tami and her books: https://www.tlwkidsbooks.com/
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
Several: All time favorite: Madeline. As a beginner reader, I loved The Cat in the Hat and I gobbled up the entire Nancy Drew series.
What’s your favorite line from a book?
In two straight lines they broke their bread
and brushed their teeth
and went to bed.
They smiled at the good
and frowned at the bad
and sometimes they were very sad.Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Maurice Sendak; Richard Scarry; Judy Blume
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I am exceedingly proud of the rich Jewish heritage that I have inherited, and I love to write. I know that picture books for older readers are the books that make a lifelong impact. So I set a goal for myself: create engaging stories around our incredible history and traditions. There is no end to the subject ideas I can come up with.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Find your voice and continue to write, write, and write. Writing is more than an art. It’s a skill that has to be honed. The more you write, the better your writing will be. A writer also has to know his/her market and understand the trends. Finally, Never Give Up! You will get far more rejections than acceptances. That’s part of being an author.
