“All humans, in fact all living beings, are born with three universal constants: curiosity to learn, ability to care, and an innate desire to connect. It’s time to think radically differently about what we can build based on these three universal traits.”
-Jill Shinderman
“Hatikvah” brings HOPE
And we are an infinitely hopeful and book-buying people!
Hatikvah offers readers, authors, and artists a place for connection, representation, and community across the globe. Our books are inclusive, intersectional, heartwarming, funny, and welcoming. They offer a meaningful space filled with wonder and friendship, laughter and discovery for children, adults and the entire ecosystem that surrounds Jewish lives.
Our publishing list is an authentic and vibrant collection of stories and perspectives, a compilation of endearing narratives and visual storytelling that celebrates the Jewish people, from indigenous beginnings to the unique and engaging cultural tapestry of diverse modern Jewish life.
Hatikvah will be publishing a wide range of books for children, families, and young adults, with a focus on illustrated picture books, board books, nonfiction work, collectable works of artistry and giftables.
Publishing Goals and Vision
“What I envision for Hatikvah is to reflect the hope and spirit of a people, one that can and needs to be expressed with pride. We are currently seeing a thriving and inspiring movement for the Jewish people to reclaim and celebrate our identity . . . not just as a religion, but as a people.
Hatikvah will share all of these stories.” —Jill Shinderman, Publisher
We are building a team of award-winning authors, illustrators, editors, art directors, sales professionals, bookstore owners, libraries, non-profit organizations, schools, and synagogues to elevate a new and necessary vision for Jewish Publishing, our contemporary stories and diverse histories.
Our primary publishing goal is for children and families to see themselves and feel their unique voices reflected in our books.
We will offer an entry point for all young readers to explore universal human values and discover their own unique connections to the vibrancy of Jewish life and experiences.
Hatikvah will become a home for Jewish families, Jewish content creators, and their friends and allies – an imprint built on connection, inclusion, creativity, and compassion, filled with evergreen pride and laughter.
Jewish children deserve more than just stories about Hanukkah and the Holocaust. Hatikvah books will remain curious and wondrous about all aspects of vibrant and joyful Jewish life.
Titles will focus on universal themes and character driven narratives that bring the heart and humor of human values together, both representing the diversity of Jewish culture and exploring significant topics through a Jewish lens. Our hope is to create a list of accessible stories for all readers with strong sales potential.
Kid-friendly tales with social-emotional learning themes
Jewish pets and their curious adventures
What makes a home
Invention and innovation
Humorous and aspirational characters
The magic of inter-generational relationships
Creating Community
Community has long been a defining characteristic of the Jewish experience.
Welcoming others—and widening the circle of that community—is a mitzvah.
Hatikvah is . . .
A trusting space for Jewish authors, artists and allies to create amid growing antisemitism
When an author or illustrator has a project with Hatikvah, they will know and feel they are in confident publishing hands. Our talented staff will be a true partner in navigating the publication process, including thoughtful, intentional messaging and conversation that will surround each work to ensure a positive launch and publication experience.
A creative hub for new and emerging talent across the industry and larger world
The Jewish diaspora is vast yet connected. Hatikvah will shine a lantern on top illustration talent and visual storytellers from around the world, giving our publishing program strong roots and relevancy for international sales and foreign markets.
A connection point for children with a wide range of experiences
Institutional Jewish publishing tends to focus primarily on the traditional, conservative Jewish experience, leaving many readers and families with questions and barriers to connection. We are here for all readers to build bridges and create even the most surprising connections.
An education hub and model for collaboration
We can offer a model for best practices and thoughtful discourse and discussion. We will include a team of experts and thought leaders that can serve as a resource not only for our book buyers, but for libraries, schools, and communities that interact with every point in the broader children’s book community.
CEO/PUBLISHER– Jill Shinderman is an impact publisher, content creator and advocate with more than 25 years of expertise in combining early childhood education with relevant content that entertains kids and families. Jill helms the boutique publishing venture, Barclay Square Books, focusing on evidence-based children’s books designed to support school readiness, and overall health across the entire ecosystem of a child’s life. Shinderman’s work and research has been presented at the American Educational Research Association, American Evaluators Association and the Society for Research and Child Development. She also served as an executive producer on the award-winning PBS Kids series, Splash and Bubbles. Shinderman is often known for her remarks “Empower the parent. Inspire the Child.”
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. With prayers of peace for all humanity,
Jill