The Picture Book Buzz - Interview with Chana Stiefel
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
Chana Stiefel is an award-winning author of humorous and heartfelt books for children.
She earned a Master’s degree in Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting from New York University. Chana loves to visit schools and libraries to share her passion for reading and writing with children. To hear Chana pronounce her name, click here.
Chana’s the author of over 30 books, including Let’s Fly: Barrington Irving’s Record-Breaking Flight Around the World, illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice (2025), Bravo, Avocado!, illustrated by Anna Suessbauer (2023), The Tower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs, illustrated by Susan Gal (2022), Mendel’s Hanukkah Mess Up, illustrated by Daphna Awadish (2022), Let Liberty Rise: How America’s Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty, illustrated by Chuck Groenink (2021), My Name Is Wakawakaloch, illustrated by Mary Sullivan (2019), Animal Zombies & Other Real-Life Monsters (2018), Daddy Depot, illustrated by Andy Snair (2017), and Fingerprints: Dead People Do Tell Tales (2012).
Her newest picture book, Awe!, was released on March 3rd.
Welcome back Chana!
Thank you so much, Maria! It’s awe-some to be here!
What is one of the most fun or unusual places where you’ve written a manuscript?
Two years ago, I went on a writing retreat with my friends Liza Wiemer and Deborah Lakritz at Write On, Door County in Wisconsin. It’s a beautiful, idyllic setting surrounded by woods. We had the whole place to ourselves. We jumped right in our writing and critiquing. And then, on our second night, there was a sudden snowstorm. The power went out, the water pump stopped working, and we had no snow gear. We had to abandon ship, while avoiding downed power lines. It was certainly memorable, and I’d love to go back…but maybe in the summer.
Wow, that certainly sounds like an unforgettable adventure. What inspired you to write Awe!?
Growing up in South Florida, my parents instilled in me and my siblings a deep appreciation for nature. We loved going on “swamp tromps” in the Everglades, investigating tiny bugs and big alligators. We also traveled out west to national parks and experienced incredible vistas of the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, and the Rocky Mountains. I loved these experiences and shared them with my own children. But I could never express exactly why I was so drawn to the natural world…until 2023, when I listened to a podcast with Dr. Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at Berkeley who described the “One Emotion That Might Be the Key to Happiness.” And that’s awe!
Experiencing awe can calm anxiety, draw people together, and inspire us to be more creative, generous, and kind. After diving into this Awesome Wondrous Emotion, I knew I had to write a picture book about awe.
Something that creates Awe, does tend to slow us down and unite everyone experiencing it. How many revisions did it take from the first draft to publication for Awe!?
I have 11 drafts on my computer, but there are also dozens of tweaks that happen during the editorial process.
That's not too bad. What was the toughest or most challenging aspect of writing Awe!? What was the most fun or fascinating part?
The earlier drafts of the manuscript read more like a list—awe is here, there, everywhere. But my agent, Miranda Paul, recommended reigning it in to create more an arc, which isn’t easy when you are writing about an emotion. I started to write down the contrasting aspects of awe—big/small, light/dark, silent/loud—and a lyrical poem took shape. I’m still amazed by the endless examples of awe in our world.
Having been lucky enough to see this transition to the poem format, as a critique partner, I was (and still am) so impressed by the work you put into arriving at what feels like an effortless and almost ethereal poem. Did anything surprise or amaze you when you first got to see Susan Gal’s illustrations? What is your favorite spread?
Text © Chana Steifel, 2026. Image © Susan Gal, 2026.
Susan and I bonded over our collaboration on The Tower of Life, and I’m feeling very blessed to work together again. I’m not exaggerating when I say that every spread in this book is a “work of awe.” Susan poured her heart and soul onto every page. The result is my favorite kind of picture book, where young readers can find new, surprising details every time they read it. I’m truly in awe of Susan and her artistic talent.
She is such a phenomenal illustrator and this book is simply stunning! Is there something you want your readers to know about, or take away from, Awe!?
The last spread reads, “In your backyard or as far as the stars, may you find awe wherever you are.” You don’t have to travel far to find awe. It’s everywhere—even inside us!
Perfect ending. Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?
I am working on a follow up book to AWE!, and I’ve been toiling away on my first middle grade novel, historical fiction based on a period of my childhood. I’d also love readers to know that they can download free educational guides to AWE! on my website to encourage kids to search for everyday wonder.
Best of luck in working on this MG project. Last question, what animal or natural feature (place) do you want to learn more about? Why?
© Chana Steifel
My husband and I just returned from an awe-inspiring trip to Thailand. We found awe every day—in stunning sunsets, the bluest water, the kindest people, silent temples, and incredible wildlife. I was kissed by a baby elephant at an elephant sanctuary, watched monkeys playing in the mangroves, encountered a poisonous green viper, and swam by a baby reef shark. I’d love to return to that part of world again soon.
That trip sounds amazing & AWEsome! Thank you Chana for sharing with us a bit about yourself and your newest picture book.
Be sure to come back on Friday for Perfect Picture Book #PPBF review of Awe!
To find out more about Chana Stiefel, or contact her:
Website: https://chanastiefel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chana.stiefel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanastiefel/
Order AWE! here or wherever books are sold.
This sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing.
What a needed book - there is so much to marvel at in the world!