Martha Simpson

Author, Librarian
PAL Member

About

Martha Kidlit Author – that’s me! My first picture book, What Not to Give Your Mom on Mother’s Day, was published by Two Lions in 2013. Wisdom Tales published The Dreidel That Wouldn’t Spin: A Toyshop Tale of Hanukkah in 2014 and Esther’s Gragger: A Toyshop Tale of Purim in 2019. Both of my Toyshop Tales books have won awards. I am represented by Lynnette Novak at the Seymour Agency. She managed my newest picture book deal with Wisdom Tales for A Ring for a King - publication date TBA! I recently retired after 28 years as Head of Children’s Services at the Stratford Library in Stratford, CT. The best part about my job was seeing all the new books and sharing them with kids. In addition to writing and reading books, I love to promote Jewish literature for children and teens. I am the immediate past Chair of the Sydney Taylor Book Award committee, sponsored by the Association of Jewish Libraries. Before my children's books, I wrote five professional resource books for librarians and teachers, all published by McFarland & Company. I reviewed children’s and young adult books for School Library Journal and have served as a judge for the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards. I am also member of the American Library Association and served on many committees, including the Newbery Award. I enjoy talking about my books at conferences, libraries, schools and community centers. You can contact me on my website to arrange a visit, www.Martha-Seif-Simpson.com. That's also where you can read my monthly newsletter, The Simpsonian Muse: News, Views & Stuff to Amuse. Please subscribe! I'm on Twitter @MarthaSimpMLS and on Facebook at Martha Kidlit Author. Send me a message saying you saw me on the SCBWI website!  

Books

Esther's Gragger: A Toyshop Tale of Purim

The Dreidel That Wouldn't Spin: A Toyshop Tale of Hanukkah

Summer Reading Clubs: Complete Plans for 50 Theme-Based Library Programs

Reading Programs for Young Adults Complete Plans for 50 Theme-Related Units for Public, Middle School and High School Libraries

Bringing Classes into the Public Library: A Handbook for Librarians

StoryCraft

What NOT to Give Your Mom on Mother's Day

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