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Published by The Collective Book Studio
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
Celebrate Jewish joy, family love, and playful rhymes in this charming board book for babies and toddlers.
"This heartwarming story shows love for a baby through rhymes peppered with Yiddish words and playful jokes. . ." —Booklist
"This sweet book is a perfect gift for a baby shower, new baby, or for any Jewish toddler in your life. With simple rhyming text and strongly colored illustrations, this board book depicts a variety of families showing love for their babies. " —American Jewish Libraries
With sweet gestures for every part of the body—like a kiss on the keppie and a boop on the nose—Mazel Toes! is a heartfelt love letter from parent to child. Author Audrey Barbakoff, a Jewish mother and educator, infuses each verse with cultural warmth and connection, while Annita Soble’s cozy illustrations honor the strength and diversity of Jewish families, from historic shtetls to modern-day homes.
Why Families Are Falling in Love with Mazel Toes!:
• Jewish Family Celebration: A joyful way to introduce babies to Jewish culture, love, and tradition.
• Interactive and Playful: Encourages bonding through gestures like smooches, tickles, and cuddles.
• Yiddish with Love: Sprinkles in gentle Yiddish words, with a helpful glossary for learning and sharing.
• Perfect for Gifting: Ideal for baby showers, brises, namings, or welcoming any Jewish newborn.
Whether for bedtime snuggles or daytime play, Mazel Toes! is a warm embrace in book form—a celebration of tradition, language, and the boundless love between parent and child.
"This heartwarming story shows love for a baby through rhymes peppered with Yiddish words and playful jokes. . ." —Booklist
"This sweet book is a perfect gift for a baby shower, new baby, or for any Jewish toddler in your life. With simple rhyming text and strongly colored illustrations, this board book depicts a variety of families showing love for their babies. " —American Jewish Libraries
With sweet gestures for every part of the body—like a kiss on the keppie and a boop on the nose—Mazel Toes! is a heartfelt love letter from parent to child. Author Audrey Barbakoff, a Jewish mother and educator, infuses each verse with cultural warmth and connection, while Annita Soble’s cozy illustrations honor the strength and diversity of Jewish families, from historic shtetls to modern-day homes.
Why Families Are Falling in Love with Mazel Toes!:
• Jewish Family Celebration: A joyful way to introduce babies to Jewish culture, love, and tradition.
• Interactive and Playful: Encourages bonding through gestures like smooches, tickles, and cuddles.
• Yiddish with Love: Sprinkles in gentle Yiddish words, with a helpful glossary for learning and sharing.
• Perfect for Gifting: Ideal for baby showers, brises, namings, or welcoming any Jewish newborn.
Whether for bedtime snuggles or daytime play, Mazel Toes! is a warm embrace in book form—a celebration of tradition, language, and the boundless love between parent and child.
About The Author
Dr. Audrey Barbakoff is a librarian, educator, and entrepreneur. She is the author of two picture books, The Schlemiel Kids Save the Moon and Mazel Toes!, as well as several professional development books for librarians. She holds a doctorate in education and a master's degree in library and information science. As a Jewish mother, she is passionate about passing down the vibrancy of Jewish humor, language, and stories to the next generation. Audrey lives with her husband, children, and chickens on an island in Washington.
About The Illustrator
Annita Soble is a multidisciplinary artist with over fifteen years of experience in illustration, animation, and art direction. She believes that inspiration can come from anywhere which is why she likes to dabble in many things including ceramics, fiber arts, computer programming, and bread baking. She lives in Brooklyn NY with her husband and five kids.
Product Details
- Publisher: The Collective Book Studio (December 16, 2025)
- Length: 22 pages
- ISBN13: 9781685555627
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Raves and Reviews
"Mazel Toes is a love letter from a parent to their baby."
– The Jewish Standard
"It's as if the reader is invited into the homes of a series of different families, from different generations and walks of life. "
– The Sydney Taylor Schmooze
"This heartwarming story shows love for a baby through rhymes peppered with Yiddish words and playful jokes. . ."
– Booklist
"...introduce readers to the rich vocabulary of the Yiddish language."
– San Diego Jewish World
"Colorful illustrations with an eye for thoughtful details depict a legacy of love. . ."
– Foreword Reviews
". . . the colorful, warm illustrations highlight love and diversity within many generations and celebrate inclusivity, a hallmark of Jewish values."
– School Library Journal
Adorable! A rhyming board book homage to babies, replete with Yiddish words. Totally adorable, totally inclusive, as delicious as a newborn!
– Leslie Kimmelman, author of Everybody Says Shalom (a Sydney Taylor Honor Book), and How to Be a Mensch by A. Monster
"Mazel Toes! is as irresistible as the babies it celebrates! With a generous sprinkling of Yiddish, charming rhymes, and beautiful illustrations, this sweet multi-generation-spanning book is a satisfying read-aloud and the perfect gift for any new parent or grandparent."
– Constance Lombardo, author of Itty Bitty Betty Blob Makes a Splash
"Clever, inclusive, and full of love. Mazel Tov for Mazel Toes!"
– Lee Wind, author of Banana Menorah and Red and Green and Blue and White
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): Mazel Toes!
Board Book 9781685555627
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Author Photo (jpg): Audrey Barbakoff
(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
