BITTER AND SWEET
Critically acclaimed author of the popular Daisy series of children’s books, Sandra V. Feder chats with Big Blend Radio about her new children’s book ‘Bitter and Sweet’ that helps children face the changes in their lives. Illustrations are by award-winning illustrator Krysten Brooker.
When Hannah’s family has to move, her grandmother tells her how she felt leaving the old country — it was both bitter and sweet. As Hannah leaves her friends behind and tries to get used to a new house, she only feels bitterness. Was her grandmother wrong about the sweetness? Hannah starts to feel better about the move when she sees her new house in the soft light of the Shabbat candles. When a new friend reaches out with a special gift, Hannah realizes that sweetness can come from unexpected places and she finally feels ready to look for the sweet again.
Having moved many times herself and with her children when they were young, Bitter and Sweet is informed by author Sandra V. Feder’s own life experiences. She learned that making friends helps ease the transition for adults as well as children. She also came to understand that each time she moved, she had to invest something of herself in each new community before she really felt a part of it. That lesson was one she hopes she was able to convey in Bitter and Sweet.
Author of the acclaimed, The Moon Inside, and the popular Daisy series of children’s books, Sandra’s books address universal themes and help children feel empowered through stories that are specific, characters that are genuine, and deeper meanings that are revealed slowly and beautifully. Sandra has been a volunteer in her children’s schools, in a library, and is a founding team member of a new high school. Sandra, who has worked with children of all ages and their parents, has seen many children struggle with change and hopes her story will help young readers accept change, so that they are better able to cope with the bitter and embrace the sweet. More at www.SandraVFeder.com.