In today’s world, adults and children alike face grave and terrible crises. My heroine Shmaltzi introduces young readers to serious issues with warmth, charm, and humor. 
 

 Shmaltzi is “pleasantly plump” in a cozy, snuggly way. She is a resourceful, spirited girl who lives happily on a farm with her mother and her neighbor Pretzel. Sometimes she leaves the farm looking for adventure, and the whirlwind journeys she takes turn her world topsy-turvy. Through her unique wisdom and steadfast determination, Shmaltzi overcomes unforeseen challenges in surprising and wonderful ways. 

 Shmaltzi’s adventures also bring her into contact with timely world issues: the weather in “Shmaltzi and the Flood” and facing health issues in “Shmaltzi and the Hookwarm”.  In “Shmaltzi and the Whale” or “Shmaltzi and the Turtle”  Shmaltzi protect animal from abuse. Through my stories, I hope to raise awareness of these issues among children. Shmaltzi’s stories are my own gentle way of planting ‘seeds in the soil.’ 

 “In the seed and the soil, we find the answers to every one of the crises we face. The crises of violence and war. The crises of hunger and disease. The crisis of the destruction of democracy.” – Vandana Shiva.