Book Reviews
This important online magazine reprinted Chapter 8 of the Secret Buttons, “All Who Are Hungry,” in its entirety.
“A delightful cast of characters brightens this portrait of a dark period of history.”
Reviewer Norm Cohen keeps a focus on the importance of illustration, then leads his readers to a Q&A with Ellen.
“Caterina Baldi’s art does more than decorate pages; it captures the frantic energy of the train station, the breathless tension of border checks, and the delicate crocheting of buttons.”
“By placing young girls at the center of the story and allowing them to confront fear with intelligence and creativity, Shapiro delivers a moving and empowering narrative.”
“At its heart, this is a story about the threads that hold us together when everything else falls apart.”
“Beautifully designed, with richly detailed illustrations by Caterina Baldi, The Secret Buttons reads like the diary of an astute observer, capturing the destructive nature of fascism and the transformative power of survival.”
“As danger grows, Anni and Rosie discover that their small talents—knitting, courage, and quick thinking—can change lives.”
Media
Yom Ha’Shoah
Ms. Raskin interviews experts, celebrities and authors in the areas of self-help, wellness, spirituality and inspiration.
Dan expertly guides Ellen through the plot points in her novel and how they were developed and illustrated.
Ellen was honored to be one of the inspirational women to speak with Kate about her motivation and inspiration to illuminate a dark time in history and make it exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking for young readers. (Audio only.)
This hourlong conversation between Sixties activist and former New Hampshire State Senator Burt Cohen and Ellen touches on topics ranging from how small things that were smuggled helped win wars; the parallels between the Nazi era and today’s crackdown on immigrants; and how book illustrations are created.
Ms. Boyer and Ellen focus on the life story, talents, and accomplishments of Ellen's mother Elizabeth Nussbaum Shapiro (1915–2007), who left Nazi-occupied Austria (and her medical education) to become a domestic servant in England. And who became a PTA president and owner of a needlework shop in Inglewood, California.
Events
Tuesday, April 7
7:00 – 8:00 pm
Scarsdale Public Library
54 Olmsted Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Discussion of The Secret Buttons with families with children grades 4 to 8
Saturday, March 28
2:00 pm
Irvington Public Library
12 South Astor Street, Irvington
NY 10533
Thursday, March 26
7:00 – 8:00 pm
Free and open to the public at
The Warner Library
121 N. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY
Monday and Tuesday, March 1 & 2
All Day
CUNY Graduate Center
365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016
I will exhibit and sell my books and meet with teachers, tutors and educational therapists to learn more about how reading, writing and spelling are taught today in order to develop new products to meet their needs.
Tuesday, February 24
4:00 – 4:30 pm
Private event
Congregation Sons of Israel, Briarcliff Manor, NY