The Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/Rachelle Burk, Chiara Fedele,and Review of A Mitzvah for George Washington
Rachelle Burk (pronounced "ruh-SHELL") writes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children.
Rachelle is also a children’s entertainer (“Mother Goof Storyteller” and “Tickles the Clown”). She is a retired social worker who enjoys adventure travel, hiking, scuba diving… and LOVES visiting schools around the country with her fun author visit program.
Rachelle’s the author of 21 fiction and nonfiction books for children books, including: Space Torah: Astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman's Cosmic Mitzvah illustrated Craig Orback (2024), The Story of Taylor Swift, illustrated by Marta Dorado (2024), A Gift Of Life: A Story of Organ Donation and Transplant, illustrated by Benjamin Hummel (2024), The Story of Simone Biles (2020, updated 2024), She's a Mensch!: Jewish Women Who Rocked the World with co-author Alana Barouch Arielle Trenk (2023), Women Who Changed The World (2022), Let’s Play An Instrument, illustrated by Junissa Bianda (2022), Stomp, Wiggle, Clap, and Tap: My First Book of Dance, illustrated by Alyssa de Asis (2021), and The Best Four Questions, illustrated by Melanie Florian (2019) and the illustrator of the award-winning middle grade science-adventure novel The Walking Fish by Kopel Burk.
Chiara Fedele was born in Milan in 1973. She lives in a little village 50 km far from Milan called Tromello where she lives with her family and her pets. Chiara attended Art School in Milan and took a degree in Illustration at La Scuola del Fumetto in Milan. She has also attended several workshops with illustrators such as Gianni DeConno, Arcadio Lobato, Svjetlan Junakovic and a course with the publisher Paolo Canton (Topipittori) called Projecting Books.
Chiara loves bright colors and contrast. She uses a combination of mixed traditional media and digital. Her artwork is varied, and she feels her style is always evolving. Expressionism is her favorite art period and she has a particular love for the works of J.S. Sargent, Touluse Lautrec, and Egon Schiele. She teaches Illustration and Painting techniques in International School of Comics in Brescia and Padova.
Chiara is the illustrator of 15 books, including The Blue Glass Heart by Yona Zeldis McDonough (2023), Rewilding: Bringing Wildlife Back Where It Belongs by David A. Steen and Neon Squid (2022), The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re, Mi by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton (2022), Rosalind Looked Closer: An Unsung Hero of Molecular Science by Lisa Gerin (2022), The Stars Will Be My Nightlight: A Sukkot Story by Jen Halpern (2022), The Rabbi and the Reverend: Joachim Prinz, Martin Luther King Jr., and Their Fight against Silence by Audrey Ades (2021), The Brave Cyclist: The True Story of a Holocaust Hero by Amalia Hoffman (2019), A Fall Ball for All by Jamie A. Swenson (2018), Yaffa and Fatima: Shalom, Salaam by Fawzia Gilani-Williams (2017).
Their newest picture book, A Mitzvah for George Washington, released on October 1st.
Welcome Rachelle and Chiara,
Tell us a little about yourselves. (Where/when do you write or illustrate? How long have you been writing or illustrating? What is your favorite type of book to write or illustrate?
RACHELLE - My first career (30+ years) was social work where I mostly specialized in crisis intervention and short-term psychiatric care. I started writing stories for fun when my kids were young. After years of rejection by publishers I was about to give up. But then I had some stories and articles published in Highlights for Kids, Scholastic Science World, Scholastic Super Science, and other magazines, which renewed my confidence to stick with it. My first book publications were fiction titles (Tree House in a Storm in 2009, Don’t Turn the Page in 2014, The Tooth Fairy Trap in 2015). I eventually became more and more open to writing about fascinating nonfiction subjects. Now I write a mix of fiction and nonfiction, with books that range from picture books for toddlers, to chapter books, to a middle grade science adventure novel.
CHIARA – I have been working as an illustrator for twenty-five years. I started with school books. Then I moved on to fiction pictures books for a publisher in Italy and Europe. I have been working for publishers in the United States since 2014, when I joined Astound.us, my agency. I started illustrating non-fiction books and I discovered that I really like it.
It is nice to get to know you both. What is one of the most fun or unusual places where you’ve written or illustrated a manuscript?
RACHELLE - I do my best writing in the passenger seat of a truck during RV trips since there are no other tasks or activities during the long drives to distract me! I once wrote an entire book driving from New Jersey to Alaska and back.
CHIARA - Most of the time, using digital tools to illustrate I can do it in different places. But I need a comfortable place and concentration, so sometimes I move in my hillside house. Where there is peace and quiet.
That would be a long drive! And, Chiara, a hillside house sounds delightful. Rachelle, what was your inspiration or spark of interest for A Mitzvah for George Washington?
RACHELLE - I had planned to write a story using a funny title that stuck in my head: George Washington Schlepped Here. I didn’t yet know what it would be about, but I imagined something with humor. As a backdrop to the story, I started researching any connection between George Washington and the Jewish people, or any place Washington had visited that involved a Jewish community. That’s when I discovered an important part of our nation’s history that I hadn’t known about. The first time George Washington spoke about religious freedom in America occurred during a visit to Newport, R.I. in 1790, just after the ratification of the Constitution. It involved an exchange between him and the leader of Newport’s Jewish community. That’s when I knew I had found my story. But there was a big problem. I discovered that the Jews of Newport were Sephardic, having originated in Spain and Portugal, from where they had been expelled during a time of severe religious persecution. They wouldn’t use the term “shlepped,” a Yiddish word used by Jews from Eastern Europe. And so, the title—the very thing that motivated the story—had to be changed! (I might use it for a humor chapter book).
It is a funny title! I love that you found a piece of "forgotten" history. Chaira, what about the A Mitzvah for George Washington manuscript appealed to you as an illustrator?
CHIARA - I love history, history fashion, and way to live in the past. So when I have the occasion to illustrate something about it I am always enthusiastic.
This was definitely "right up your alley." What is the hardest or most challenging thing for each of you about writing or illustrating A Mitzvah for George Washington?
RACHELLE - Every detail relating to the event, time, and place in the story had to be 100% historically accurate, which took an incredible amount of research. I had to dive deep to learn what kind of boat Washington came in on, who traveled with him, what was the weather like that day, how he was received by the towns people, what was the route taken during the parade down Main Street, and the details of the canon salute when he departed. All these details made their way into the story. Touro Synagogue Foundation in Newport was able to provide me with a map of Newport from the 1790s, and a drawing of the synagogue as it looked back then (it remains the oldest synagogue in the US). I also needed to find historical paintings of the town square and other buildings for illustration references.
I was thrilled to discover on genealogy sites (trial memberships) that Moses Seixas, the leader of the Jewish congregation, had two daughters who were 7 and 9 years old at the time of the president’s visit. Therefore, I was able to make them the main characters in the story rather than inventing fictional children.
But my biggest problem was a detail we almost missed. In the final scene, the children light their homemade candles when they sing a tribute during Washington’s departure. I simply wrote that they “lit” the candles, until one night, about to drift off to sleep, something occurred to me; were matches even invented yet?? Turns out they had been, but very recently, in England, and certainly the children wouldn’t have had access to any. How could I have missed that? Now I had a BIG problem. How would the children, who had raced to the harbor, light their candles? It was August, so no one would have had fires going on the beach for warmth. Rushing into a tavern or private home near the pier to request help would be awkward. I was stuck. More research. Captain Brown would have been waiting at the packet boat Hancock at the time. These small boats did not have cooking fires like larger ships, so that wasn’t helpful. Didn’t ship captains traditionally smoke pipes? More research…Yes, it was a common practice. So that’s how the children lit the candles—the captain let them light his pipe. I can only imagine how the real Captain Brown would feel if he knew that 234 years later his pipe would save a fictional children’s story!
CHIARA - The very crowded scene! In a spread.
Rachelle, that is so funny. Thank you for the mini deep dive into some of the facets necessary to explore in writing nonfiction or historical fiction books. How many revisions did A Mitzvah for George Washington take for the text or illustrations - from first draft to publication?
RACHELLE - Let’s disregard the fact that I revise at least a dozen times before even submitting to any publishers. I’ll just talk about how many revisions AFTER I started the submission process. [😊]
It was my dream for the story to be published by Creston Books. They have so many gorgeous, award-winning books and had published my book Don’t Turn the Page! years before. I sent A Mitzvah for George Washington to Creston as an exclusive submission. It was rejected, but with detailed comments, which is code for “fix this and we’ll take another look.” I made changes, ran it through my critique group, revised again, and resubmitted. Rejected again, with more comments/questions about the characters’ motivations, the ending, etc. I couldn’t quite see how to fix it, so put it aside for a while, brought it out again a few months later, made more changes, submitted again. Creston rejected it two more times. I wasn’t even sure I agreed with the comments. Maybe it was time to submit to another publisher or two? I tried, which resulted in more rejections…so maybe my Creston editor was right? But I could no longer see the story clearly and needed some distance, so I filed it away and wrote Space Torah: Astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman’s Cosmic Mitzvah (Intergalactic Afikoman, 2024). When I took George Washington out after a FULL YEAR, I could see the issues with new clarity. The fixes weren’t even that difficult, but they were crucial. With fingers crossed, I sent it to Creston for one final try. The reply: “This has really come together beautifully!” and I finally received an offer for publication.
CHIARA - Usually are a couple of revisions in roughs and one in colors.
Wow Rachelle, that is quite the journey for this book. I'm glad you didn't circular file it instead. So, Rachelle, when you first saw Chiara’s illustrations in A Mitzvah for George Washington, did anything surprise, amaze, or delight you? Which is your favorite spread?
Text © Rachelle Burk, 2024. Image © Chiara Fedele, 2024.
RACHELLE - I am familiar with Chiara’s work and particularly love her colonial style. Consequently, I had high expectations, and she far exceeded them! Her attention to historical details is impeccable. One of my favorite spreads is the one where the children are holding up welcome signs in Hebrew and English, but the children are so small that Washington can’t see them in the crowd. Although it’s not mentioned in the text, the red building next to them is the Touro synagogue as it looked in 1790. The Touro Foundation was extremely helpful with research materials, and they are thrilled to have the historical building depicted so accurately in the book.
I agree that Chiara has an amazing ability to capture the period setting and people! Chiara, is there a spread that you were especially excited about or proud of? Or perhaps one which is your favorite spread?
Text © Rachelle Burk, 2024. Image © Chiara Fedele, 2024.
CHIARA - I am very proud of the port scene, with the ships when Washington is arriving. I had a lot of fun doing research of the old paintings with this subject.
It is a stunning illustration, and I love all the tiny details you've included. Rachelle, how did the experience of writing A Mitzvah for George Washington differ from your other nonfiction picture books, like Space Torah: Astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman's Cosmic Mitzvah?
RACHELLE - Space Torah, as well as my books The Story of Taylor Swift, The Story of Simone Biles, Passover on Everest, and She’s a Mensch! are biographies. But A Mitzvah for George Washington was my first historical fiction book. It was a completely new experience. The people in the story are real, the time, place, and historical details are real. The story, however, is a fictional account of how the children of Newport might have thanked George Washington for being the guiding light for religious freedom in America. I found it more difficult than writing either biography or regular fiction, since I had to make up a story that fit into the tight parameters of the historical facts in which it takes place.
Interesting. Some might have thought it would be easier, because you just create the story. Chiara, many illustrators leave treasures or weave an element throughout the illustrations. Did you do this in A Mitzvah for George Washington? If so, could you share one or more with us?
CHIARA - Sometimes I add an element through the spreads but not in this case. The group of kids were enough and I didn’t want to add more.
I can definitely understand that! What's something each of you want your readers to know about A Mitzvah for George Washington?
RACHELLE - I’ve never been much of a history buff, but what I learned during the research and writing of this book changed my understanding of the many difficulties faced by our Founding Fathers when writing the Constitution. I also learned that despite the passing of the U.S. Bill of Rights that guaranteed religious freedom, discrimination persisted; the First Amendment applied only to the federal government. Some state and local governments continued to ban Jews and other religious minorities from holding public office well into the 1800s.
CHIARA - It was quite difficult to find how the Island was in that time. With very few references, I had to ask for help from the publisher and Rachelle. They have all been brilliant.
Interesting. Good thing Rachelle did as much research as she did. Are there any upcoming books or new projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?
RACHELLE - Passover on Everest is being released in March 2025. It’s the true story of a mother-daughter mountaineering team who climbed the Seven Summits together and had a Passover seder at Everest Base Camp before completing the climb. The Australian pair has written the afterword for the book. It is the second in what I call my “extreme Jewish celebrations” books (after Space Torah about Jeff Hoffman, the astronaut who read from the Torah in space in 1986). I’m now working on the third in the series—Repair the Sea: A Scuba Diving Rabbi and an Ocean of Hope (working title), about Ed Rosenthal who has spread his ocean conservation ideals by organizing beach and ocean cleanup activities around the world.
CHIARA - I am finishing a nonfiction book about snow. For Bloomsbury publishing.
Those sound really interesting Rachelle. I wish you both luck on your projects. We'll have to keep our eyes open for these books. Last question, what is your favorite National Park or Forest, regional park, or city park? Or the one you’re longing to visit. Why?
RACHELLE - My husband and I are huge hikers/RVers and have visited nearly all of the major (and a multitude of minor) National and State parks around the country. Some of my favorites: Denali and other parks in Alaska; Glacier (Montana); Zion, Bryce, and Canyonlands (Utah); Yellowstone (Wyoming). A real hidden gem that no one seems to know about is Jean Lafitte National Park Barataria Preserve just outside of New Orleans (my hometown). You won’t see anything like it anywhere else in the county. Skip Bourbon Street and head there to see the flora and fauna of the beautiful swamplands on a 4-mile boardwalk trail under the cypress trees (avoid paid tours from the city—just take an Uber to the visitor center!).
© Lana Bragina and Stefan Spiegel, Marmota Maps.
CHIARA - I can say in my country I love to go in the parks on the Alps mountains. I love nature. I hope this love is clear in all my illustrations.
Thank you Rachelle & Chiara for sharing with us a bit about yourselves and your new picture book.
To find out more about Rachelle Burk, or to contact her:
Website: https://rachelleburk.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelleburk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rachelleburk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelleburk/
To find out more about Chiara Fedele, or to contact her:
Website: https://chiarafedeleillustrator.it/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiaraillu/?hl=en
Review of A Mitzvah for George Washington
It's always so fascinating to come across unknown moments in history. Such as President George Washington's visit to Newport, Rhode Island in 1790 to exchange letters of commitment to the idea that "while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.” This historical fiction, based on real events and people, is a fun look at a moment in George Washington's presidency and the fight for religious freedom and inclusion.
A Mitzvah for George Washington
Author: Rachelle Burk
Illustrator: Chiara Fedele
Publisher: Creston Books (2024)
Ages: 8-9
Historical Fiction
Themes:
History, religious freedom, gratitude, and Colonial America.
Synopsis:
Bella's father has an important role to play when President George Washington comes to visit the Jewish community of Newport, Rhode Island.
But Bella has her own job to do—coming up with a way for the Jewish children of Newport to show the president how much they appreciate the support he's given them. Young voices count in this story based on true events.
Opening Lines:
Newport, Rhode Island buzzed with
excitement. In a few days, the town
would welcome a special visitor:
President George Washington!
Bella paced impatiently. “Papa, we
need to prepare!"
What I LOVED about this book:
With so many little details, like the town crier, period clothing, and buildings, Chiara Fedele's illustrations are a pure joy to pour over. In the opening, she accentuates the text and captures the activity and the enthusiasm generated by President George Washington's impending arrival in Newport, Rhode Island.
Text © Rachelle Burk, 2024. Image © Chiara Fedele, 2024.
Watching her father prepare a letter for the President - thanking him for fighting for religious freedom - Belle decideded she and her friends should find a way to thank him, too. In this historical fiction, Belle, and her sister Abigail, are based off Moses Seixas' (the leader of the Hebrew Congregation) actual two youngest daughters. Gathering their friends, the kids make "welcome" and "thank you" signs for George Washington. But when his ship sailed ashore, the crowd was too big and tall for Washington to see their signs.
Text © Rachelle Burk, 2024. Image © Chiara Fedele, 2024.
Disappointed but not deterred, the kids thought about Belle's father calling the President a - "a guiding light to religious freedom." And decided to make Mr. Washington a box of candles. But the next morning, once again the crowd of adults was so large "they could barely see the door." And even when Belle jostled though the crowd with their precious gift, she could not get inside to give it to the President.
Text © Rachelle Burk, 2024. Image © Chiara Fedele, 2024.
I love the change of perspectives Chiara Fedele employs. Moving from the child's point of view, to looking across the top of the crowd (in order to see the kid's signs), to looking down on Belle from behind the soldier. Showing how small she is and wonderfully highlighting how precious her cradled box of candles is. Even though many of the colors are softened, there is a richness and wonderful sense of texture to the illustrations. Throughout, Rachelle Burk beautifully captures the kids' determination to be part of the celebration of President Washington and their growing frustration, which culminates poignantly in Abigail's comment, "“We are fellow citizens, too...Will we ever have a chance to thank Mr. Washington ourselves?”
Refusing to give up, the kids, joined by a few more friends, race to the harbor. And beginning with a particularly touching and sweet spread, prepare their newest plan to thank the President. And it . . . is a really good reason for you to check out this book. I adored the final spread, with it's gorgeous use of light, movement, and detail. And its touching sentiment that all of us, and especially kids, can make an important difference. An author's note explains a bit of the history and the actual letters exchanged between Moses Seixas and President George Washington. This is a fascinating look at an interesting moment in history, beautifully and ingeniously done through a child's point of view.
Resources:
the children wrote "Welcome" signs for President Washington in English and Hebrew. In how many languages can you say 'Welcome'? Check out this site and learn some news ways.
how many languages are spoken in your community? With some friends, make a welcome sign in all the languages of your community. Then take it to your City Hall and see if they will post it.
check out the free curriculum guide for A Mitzvah for George Washington.
