Chana Stiefel is a prolific children’s author, who has had over 30 books published! Her recent picture book, Awe!, is a stunning exploration of the feeling of awe when we experience amazing things.
Interview with Chana Stiefel
Chana, thank you for taking time for this interview. I loved your book and I am excited to learn more about how this work came about.
Q. What was your inspiration for AWE?
A. Thank you for inviting me, Julie. I grew up in Miami with a love of nature—swimming in the ocean, canoeing in the canal next to our house, and biking in the Everglades. My parents instilled in me an appreciation for all creatures, from tiny tadpoles to massive manatees. But I never had a word to describe why I love those experiences so much.
The late great Jane Yolen said, “Be prepared for serendipity.” In 2023, a friend shared a fantastic podcast called 10% Happier, in which Dan Harris interviewed Dr. Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at Berkeley, who spoke about the “one emotion that may be the key to happiness.” And that’s awe! Dr. Keltner defines awe as “experiencing something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world.” The next day, I went on a hike in a snowy forest next to Mount Hermon in Israel. There was awe everywhere! Once I delved into the research on awe, I knew I had to share this powerful emotion with children.
Q. Usually, the publisher assigns an illustrator and the artist works independently. I learned that you and Susan Gal actually collaborated from the beginning. Tell me about that.
A. Susan and I bonded after the release of our first book, THE TOWER OF LIFE. We discovered that we share many interests, including travel and nature. When I wrote AWE, I definitely had Susan in mind. Fortunately, our publisher (Scholastic)–and Susan–agreed! Though it’s not typical, Susan and I met at Books of Wonder in NYC to review some sketches and brainstorm ideas. Interestingly, during the process, we independently traveled to Loch Awe in Scotland, Yosemite National Park, and the Edge, an observation deck 101 stories above New York City. All awe-inspiring experiences.
Q. Do you have any favorite illustrations?
A. Susan’s artwork is astounding. It’s so hard to choose a favorite spread. And each time I read the book, I find new, special details. I would love to hear from readers which spread is their favorite. Here are two!
from the picture book Awe by Chana Stiefel
from the book Awe! by Chana Steifel
Q. The book has a lot of beautiful vistas like Yosemite Park and the Aurora borealis, but you also point out the everyday small ways that we can experience awe. What do you hope readers take away from your book?
A. Awe has the power to change the way we think and feel. For example, when you see a stunning sunset, you may feel less anxious. Watching an awe-inspiring performance might encourage you to explore a new talent—sing, play an instrument, or dance. When you encounter someone being generous or kind, you may be inspired to be extra charitable, as well. It would be wonderful for readers to search for awe every day. It’s truly everywhere, even your own backyard.
Q. The topic of awe is a universal one and this book can be shared with any child. However, even though this book is aimed at everyone at any time, it also happens to be perfect for the Days of Awe, the period or contemplation between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Was that in your mind when you wrote the story?
A. Absolutely. My editor Dianne Hess is also Jewish, and it was important to both of us to include spiritual awe in the book (“Awe can be mystical, lyrical, spiritual,…a miracle!”) I’ve been thinking about “awe” during Days of Awe, how it expresses wonder and reverence, but also combines an element of fear and trepidation. In fact, in the Torah and Jewish liturgy, the Hebrew word for awe is “norah,” which has the same root as fear (ie, “Yaim Noraim” are Days of Awe). On the connection between yirah (fear) and awe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi said, “Fear of G-d should not be confused with fear of punishment, but fear of disconnection from the One who formed you with love. It’s about valuing that connection so deeply that losing it feels unthinkable.” So Days of Awe are all about connection. Other resources are available in my Jewish educational guide, below.
Q. Where can teachers, parents, and caregivers learn more and extend the lessons about AWE!? I understand that you have two different versions of the teacher’s guide.
A. Yes, I collaborated with educator Sari Kopitnikoff on two teaching guides, which are free and available for download on my website:
AWE! A Learning Adventure About Finding Everyday Wonder
A Jewish Learning AWE-venture For Days of Awe and In Between
Q. You have written so many fantastic books. What treats do you have planned for us next?
A. Thank you so much! I’m collaborating with a friend on a Jewish picture book with an important universal message (we hope to share good news soon!), and I’m revising a final draft of my first middle grade novel, historical fiction based on my childhood in Miami.
I can’t wait to read them both.
About Awe!
Awe!by Chana Stiefel
Illustrator: Susan Gal
Published by Scholastic Inc. on March 3, 2026
Pages: 48
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Introducing A. W. E., an Awesome Wondrous Empowering emotion! When chills travel down your spine, and sudden tears surprise your eyes. When your heart exclaims, “Ooh! Ahh! Whoaaa!”, that’s when you know you’ve found AWE.
This breathtaking journey will take you to the Grand Canyon and the deepest reaches of the sea. It will invite you to share moments of giving and to feel the joy of family and community. It will lift you to the highest heights and make your spirit soar.
Experiencing awe has been scientifically proven to spark wonder, improve thinking, and open us up to new ideas. For children living through these turbulent times, Awe! is the perfect book to foster positivity, comfort, joy, and empowerment.
Storybook Lady
Review
AWESOME!
“A.W.E., an Awesome Wondrous Empowering emotion!” Chana Stiefel’s new book explores that feeling that makes you go oooh, Ahhh or Wow. Her simple text is complimented by literally awesome illustrations from illustrator Susan Gal who presents small miracles like a spider web and overpowering vistas like Yosemite Park and Aroura Borealis. Although the book encourages readers to find awe everywhere at any time, the book is especially appropriate during the Days of Awe between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
For more books for the Days of Awe check out these High Holiday posts.
About Chana Stiefel
About Chana Stiefel
Chana Stiefel is the award-winning author of more than 30 books for children. Her nonfiction picture books include AWE!, Let’s Fly!, Let Liberty Rise, and The Tower of Life, which received many honors, including the 2023 Sydney Taylor Book Award and a Robert F. Sibert Honor. Her funny fiction includes Bravo, Avocado, My Name is Wakawakaloch, and Daddy Depot. Chana’s most recent nonfiction middle grade is How Rude: Animals That Burp, Toot, Spit, and Screech to Survive. She loves to visit schools and libraries to share her passion for reading and writing with children. Chana is represented by Miranda Paul at Aevitas. Follow @chanastiefel on Instagram. Learn more at chanastiefel.com.
