Totally Booked with Zibby
Episode: "How Do You Jew? Suzy Ultman Paints a Picture"
Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: Suzy Ultman, illustrator and author
Date: February 12, 2026
Episode Overview
In this uplifting episode, Zibby Owens chats with Suzy Ultman—renowned illustrator, product designer, and author—about her celebrated board book series for young children that celebrates Jewish culture. Their conversation goes beyond the books, delving into the importance of joyful representation, the nuances of Jewish identity, the creative process, and the power of community in both art and life.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Introducing Suzy Ultman & Her Work
[03:45]
- Zibby highlights the four board books Suzy authored and illustrated:
- How Do You Jew? A Celebration of Jews Around the World
- Shabbat Shalom
- I Like Your Chutzpah
- It’s a Mitzvah: Small Deeds with Big Heart
- These books are described as “tiny little board books with fabulous illustrations” and are Zibby’s go-to baby gifts for Jewish (and non-Jewish) families.
The Genesis and Special Qualities of the Board Book Series
[05:57] - [10:40]
- Suzy describes her background in graphic design and how 17 years of illustration led her to blend storytelling, personal experience, and visual arts.
- The inspiration to create a board book series focused on Jewish culture stemmed from her desire to represent her own story and support other Jewish families in confidently sharing their heritage.
- Suzy’s catalyst: after receiving a bland Rosh Hashanah card, she realized the need for more vibrant, contemporary Jewish visuals:
“We can do so much better...the contemporary Jewish community deserves so much better than this.” (Suzy, [07:46])
- Her agent and Penguin’s Rise imprint (which champions diverse author voices) helped her realize the vision as a series.
- Suzy and her editor chose to focus on culture, not just holidays:
“We’re not going to do Hanukkah. We’re not going to do Passover. We really want to make this a Jewish culture series. And this is actually the first series for this age group…that’s culturally Jewish for the 0 to 5…” (Suzy, [09:26])
- The books encourage shared learning: both children and adults get representation, and non-Jewish families can discover something new together.
Reception, Representation & Navigating Challenges as a Jewish Author
[10:51] - [16:29]
- The series has found support among Jewish institutions, libraries, and wider children’s book communities. Chutzpah in particular bridged communities:
“So many people...the intention of the book was...to kind of remind people that Yiddish is still around and used...so chutzpah really bridged a lot of different communities.” (Suzy, [11:15])
- Zibby asks about resistance or gatekeeping, which other Jewish authors have reported.
- Suzy reflects on the personal and community challenges (including family Holocaust history), how she sought therapy to address inherited fears, and how she braced herself emotionally for visibility:
“I was going to be up against [these issues] within myself. So I needed to deal with myself first. So then when I went out into the world, I could do what I wanted to do.” (Suzy, [13:11])
- She recognizes that, compared to others, she was fortunate to have a supportive editor and publisher at Penguin. She’s seen some changes in her community and on social media, but her preparation helped her navigate backlash or lost connections.
Finding Purpose and Reclaiming Joy
[20:00]
- Zibby asks Suzy about managing fear. Suzy shares her “three reasons” for making these books (written as affirmations to stay focused and grounded):
- For her younger self (“little Susie”): to take pride and experience joy in being Jewish.
- For Jewish kids and families: to provide joyful, everyday representation beyond holidays or stories about trauma.
- To bridge communities and start conversations—especially for non-Jews learning about Jewish life and values:
“It was very important to me, I’m also a middle child, so I’m very much like a bridge person. It’s very much in my DNA to bring people together...If there’s anything I can do to help connect one person to an idea of what being Jewish is...then I feel like I’ve done my job.” (Suzy, [21:15])
- She credits returning to this “why” as a way to quiet negativity and stay positive.
Suzy’s Upbringing: A Playful, Diverse Jewish Childhood
[24:02]
- Suzy describes growing up in a small but international university town, with a hippie rabbi, Reconstructionist synagogue, and parents who practiced more traditional rituals at home.
- The diverse and experiential approach to Judaism informs her books’ joyful tones.
Teasing Future Projects
[26:02]
- Suzy reveals her next board book is about pickles:
“It’s inspired by both sets of my grandparents… My mom’s parents had a deli...my other grandparents...would take us to a place called the Pickle Barrel...So we have the pickle book.” (Suzy, [26:16])
- Another forthcoming project is The Art of Jewish Joy, a craft and activity book.
Practical Tips and Takeaways
[27:32]
- Zibby highlights the effectiveness of Suzy’s “three reasons” for powering through challenges, calling it an easy, “doable and effective” tip.
- Suzy also emphasizes the need for reliable cheerleaders and community support:
“I have some great cheerleaders...and those are the people I really try to listen to.” (Suzy, [28:07])
- Zibby declares herself a cheerleader for Suzy and her work.
Where to Find the Books
[28:50–29:31]
- The complete board book set is available at Barnes & Noble, local independent bookstores, and (soon) Zibby’s own shop.
- Suzy suggests that a boxed gift set may be produced in the future.
Notable Quotes
-
On Creative Motivation:
“The contemporary Jewish community deserves so much better than this.”
— Suzy Ultman ([07:46]) -
On Cultural Representation:
“This is actually the first series for this age group...that’s culturally Jewish for the 0 to 5.”
— Suzy Ultman ([09:26]) -
On Bridging Communities:
“It’s very much in my DNA to bring people together...if there’s anything I can do to help connect one person to an idea of what being Jewish is...then I feel like I’ve done my job.”
— Suzy Ultman ([21:15]) -
On Facing Fear:
“Every time I get nervous or afraid...I just come back to...that’s theirs, that’s something that they are working through. You know why you’re doing this.”
— Suzy Ultman ([21:48]) -
On the Importance of Support:
“Having great cheerleaders in your corner...those are the people I really try to listen to.”
— Suzy Ultman ([28:07])
Memorable Moments & Timestamps
-
The Rosh Hashanah Card Inspiration:
Suzy received a generic holiday card from her mom, sparking the realization that Jewish families deserved more contemporary and engaging design. ([07:41–07:46]) -
Discussing the Jewish Community’s Response to Her Books, Especially Chutzpah:
“Chutzpah really bridged a lot of different communities and families and been really exciting to watch that happen.” ([11:15]) -
Strategies for Overcoming Internalized Fear as a Jewish Creator:
Describes working with a therapist, writing down her purpose, and preparing emotionally for engagement and possible backlash. ([12:30–16:29]) -
Announcement of ‘The Pickle Book’:
Suzy delights Zibby with the news of her upcoming pickle-themed children’s book, celebrating her family deli legacy. ([26:02–27:24])
Episode Flow & Tone
- The conversation is warm, deeply personal, and full of mutual admiration. Zibby’s enthusiasm as host sets an upbeat and affirming tone, while Suzy’s honesty about both creative joy and the challenges of Jewish representation gives the episode substance and heart.
- The episode encourages curiosity, inclusivity, and inter-community dialogue.
Summary for New Listeners
This episode offers a heartfelt and insightful look at how Suzy Ultman’s board books are reshaping Jewish children’s literature for the youngest audiences. Listeners will learn not only about the creative and logistical process of producing these joyful books, but also about the powerful, personal reasons behind their creation, the importance of representation, and the ongoing work of bridging communities through art and story. Suzy’s practical advice (like articulating your “three reasons why” to keep moving forward) makes this an inspiring listen for all creatives and parents.