Laura Gehl Interview
Becca & Bubbe’s Bucket List

Laura Gehl has had over 50 titles published in just 12 years. I am pleased to share this interview with Laura about her newest book, Becca and Bubbe’s Bucket List. I had a chance to interview both Laura and the book’s talented debut illustrator, Sarah Lynn Baker, so check back tomorrow for her interview.

About the Author

Interview with Laura Gehl

Q. Laura, I love your new book, Becca and Bubbe’s Bucket List.

A. Thank you so much!

Q. What was the spark for this story?

A. I have always been fascinated by the concept of a bucket list, and I wanted to write a book about grandmothers (I already wrote one—Grandpa’s Window—about a grandfather). Also, my books often start with titles. In this case, I think the alliteration of Becca and Bubbe’s Bucket List appealed to me, and that was the spark that really got the story started.

Q. Are the characters of Becca and Bubbe based on real people? Bubbe is shown as a content woman with a lot of happy memories, including raising a family, having three exciting jobs and traveling the world. You are too young to be a grandmother, but your website bio page list three previous jobs and mentions living on three continents. Is Bubbe modeled after you?

A. No, the characters are not based on real people, but I think Bubbe is the grandmother I hope to be one day!

Q. Becca has a lot of activities on her list. Were these based on things that you did with your own kids?

A. When my kids were younger, we did make a summer bucket list for several summers in a row. And yes, the activities on Becca’s list were based on some of the bucket list items my kids checked off.  

Q. I adore the way the story shows the love between Becca and her Bubbe, but it also shows other lessons as well. The beach scene shows that you don’t need to be afraid to try something new. You can rely on an adult to support you if you are scared. The surprise for Bubbe shows that Becca really listened to her grandmother and lets kids know the value of a project that takes time and hard work. Becca gets lots of help which demonstrates the value of teamwork and cooperation. Even the ending shows kids that dreams can come true at any age and also sends a body positive message with both young and old fashion forward females. Did it take several drafts to weave together so many great themes into a seemingly simple story.

A. Absolutely! I wrote many drafts, and my critique partners were—as always—extremely helpful in getting me from the first draft to the final draft.

Q. You have written both mainstream and Jewish children’s books. This story is sprinkled with Hebrew and Yiddish words, but is otherwise universal. Was it that way from the beginning? Or did the book start out with more Jewish content that was then removed? Or a secular story that had the Yiddish added later?

A. This story was Jewish from the beginning, and the Hebrew and Yiddish words were there all along.

Q. The warm and inviting pictures were created by debut picture book illustrator Sarah Lynn Baker. Did you have any input into her selection? Did you provide any art notes for her?

A. Our editor, Lauri Hornik, chose Sarah to illustrate the book. I didn’t have any input, but I could not have been more thrilled with Lauri’s choice. I did provide a few art notes, and Sarah sent some questions my way as she worked. I absolutely love how Sarah brought the story to life!

Q. You have been very busy with over 50 titles published in just 12 years. You have already published 5 books this year: Attack Bunnies, Bunnies Know & Grow, Puppies Know & Grow, Odd Bugs, as well as Becca and Bubbe’s Bucket List. Do you have any more books in the pipeline?

A. Yes, I have lots more books in the pipeline! There are two more titles coming soon in the Know & Grow series—Kittens Know & Grow and Chicks Know & Grow (Barefoot Books). There’s also a companion book to Snow Is called Rain Is (Simon & Schuster) coming soon, and a sequel to Attack Bunnies (Beaming Books), as well as the inspiring story of an all-female sailing team racing around the world called Women of the Wind (Familius). My next early reader will be Agent Alpaca (Simon & Schuster), and my next Jewish book will be Boker Tov, Puppy (Penguin Random House). I can’t wait to introduce all of these books to readers soon!

About The Book

Becca helps her grandmother fulfill a lifelong dream during a vacation packed with "bucket list" fun in this endearing and lively summertime picture book.

After Becca learns the term “bucket list” from her grandmother, she decides to make her own summer bucket list, packed with everything from swimming in the ocean for the first time to baking turtle-shaped challah. But in between a water-balloon fight and a rooftop sleepover, she also has a plan to help Bubbe check an item off her bucket list.

Peppered with Yiddish and Hebrew words and full of affection, this is a joyful and inspiring story that's perfect for family sharing.

Storybook Lady
Review

Becca & Bubbe’s Bucket List

Becca & Bubbe’s Bucket List is a sweet story that reflects the love between a youngster and a grandparent. When Bubbe teaches Becca about bucket lists, instead of making a list of things that she would like to do sometime, she makes one for things that she wants to do this summer. But this youngster also asks her grandmother what is on her bucket list. The story shows their love in lots of little ways. When Becca is scared, Bubbe holds her hand and encourages her. They spend the summer doing things on Becca’s list, but the reader also sees Becca working with her friends on a surprise for Bubbe. The beautiful pastel pictures by debut illustrator, Sarah Lynn Baker, show scenes of Becca and Bubbe working through the list throughout the summer. Gehl uses a few Hebrew and Yiddish words which will delight Jewish readers. However she includes the glossary at the beginning of the story, making it accessible to everyone. Baker’s illustrations include a multicultural group of friends making this cute book about the love between generations perfect for any child.

Learn More about Laura Gehl

Find out more about Author and her books at lauragehl.com
-You can learn about her books and buy them direct or at major retail cites through the links on her book page.

Want to read more of my reviews?

Read all my reviews of Laura Gehl’s books on my Goodreads Children’s Books shelf. Check out my reviews of many other Jewish Children’s books on my Goodreads Bubbe’s Bookshelf.