A Christopher Award!

CONGRATULATIONS, Nancy!!!!!

A Teddy Bear for Emily-and President Roosevelt, Too
by Nancy Churnin (Author) and Bethany Stancliffe (Illustrator)
@ Amazon | Bookshop

Booktalk: Discover the true story of Jewish immigrants who played a key role in the creation of the beloved teddy bear, connecting their humble Brooklyn candy shop to the President of the United States.

Rose Katz and Morris Michtom grew up in Russia during a period of persecution against Jewish people. Hoping to find kindness and opportunity in another country, they emigrated to the United States, where they got married and opened a candy shop. In 1902, they read a newspaper article about President Theodore Roosevelt sparing a bear on a hunting trip. To the delight of their daughter, Emily, the Michtoms created a small, stuffed version of the animal and named it Teddy’s Bear. Before long, this cuddly symbol of one man’s act of compassion became a beloved toy that continues to delight children all over the world.

Snippet:

The author, Nancy Churnin, is one of my former students.
Copyright © 2026 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)

How a Bear Became a Book

How a Bear Became a Book: The Collaboration That Created Winnie-the-Pooh
by Annette Bay Pimentel (Author) and Faith Pray (Illustrator)
@ Amazon | Bookshop

Booktalk: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh with this picture book about the creation of the World’s Most Famous Bear! As it tells the story of how writer, illustrator, and editor came together to craft Pooh’s first adventure, the book introduces young readers to how stories begin and where they can go. As Pooh’s voice enters the text, he slowly comes to life in the art.

Snippet:

The author, Annette Bay Pimentel, is one of my former students.
Copyright © 2026 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)