Sydney Taylor Award Blog Tour: SHABBAT SHALOM by Suzy Ultman

It’s the first day of the 2026 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour (click here for the full schedule) and I’m honored to talk with Suzy Ultman, author and illustrator of Shabbat Shalom: Let’s Rest and Reset, a Sydney Taylor Picture Book Honor winner.

Travis: Congratulations, Suzy! Shabbat Shalom is a wonderful book. Thanks for taking part on the blog tour. How did you find out about winning a Sydney Taylor Picture Book Medal for Shabbat Shalom: Let’s Rest and Reset? What was your reaction?

Suzy Ultman: I found-out about winning the Sydney Taylor Medal during an emergency zoom session 

It was a few days from the winter holidays when I received an email from my editor. She wrote that she had good news, but needed to tell me “in person”, zoom style, along with her co-worker. While waiting for the meet date, I dreamed-up a bunch of possible reasons for the zoom, but an award never crossed my mind!

So, when I entered the zoom call, greeted by a group of smiling Sydney Taylor committee members, I was VERY surprised even gobsmacked. Through my shocked haze, I was still able to absorb the moment, but honestly, I’m still processing receiving this meaningful honor.

Travis: What was your inspiration for the book?

Suzy: SHABBAT SHALOM is directly inspired by my childhood. From an early age, my family kicked-off every Shabbat with a Friday night dinner at my grandparents’ home. The weekly tradition invited our whole family to pause their “doing”, and be present for togetherness and sharing.

I have cherished memories of my sisters and me running to my Grandmother’s door, noses sniffing, taking guesses as to what was cooking. When my dad arrived from work, and joyfully proclaimed “Shabbat Shalom”, I could see the week melt away from his shoulders. There were hugs and smiles and stories from everyone at the table.

This childhood experience inspired me to continue Shabbat throughout my life. Over time, I added my own twist on the Friday evening traditions, but one thing remained constant – the intention of creating a connective pause at the end of the week.

Travis: What were the most fun parts of making Shabbat Shalom? What were the most challenging parts?

Suzy: Because SHABBAT SHALOM was the second book in my series, my editor and I had already established a collaborative foundation built on ease and joy and trust and passion. We had heartfelt conversations about everything from our big picture goals to the manuscript direction. This partnership made the entire process fun!

I do like to challenge myself on each project. For SHABBAT SHALOM, I tried to push myself with the writing. I was telling a story that reflected my childhood experience, but I also wanted it to feel universal.

Travis: Last Question: What snack puts you in peak creativity mode?

Suzy: I always have a stash of animal crackers. They’re not just a snack — they’re fun to play with!

Travis: Thank you, Suzy! The Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour is going on all week – click here for info.

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