KEY SELLING POINTS: Shtetl is a Yiddish term meaning small town or village Jewish people gave to their communities in Eastern Europe. Possibly the only children's book about Shtetl life written from a child's point of view. Inspired by the stories co-author Sheila Baslaw's parents told her of Russian shtetl life in the 1900s. Co-author Karen Levine is the author of Hana's Suitcase, one of the most-award winning children's books in North America. Karen is the only Canadian to have won two Peabody Awards for her radio documentary work at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), including one for the Hana's Suitcase documentary. 2022 was the 20th anniversary of Hana's Suitcase. The incredible journey full of mystery, memories, and lessons has touched the hearts of millions, been translated into multiple languages, and been adapted for the stage and screen. In her 90s, this is Sheila Baslaw's debut picture book.

She had a long, multifaceted career in social work, and her articles have been published in the Globe & Mail, National Post, and more.