Author’s name: Dara Henry
Illustrator’s name: Varda Livney
What is your upcoming book title? Mazel Tov, Baby!
Other book titles: Hanukkah Pajamakkahs
Date of release: 9/16/25
Preorder or Order link: Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mazel-tov-baby-dara-henry/1146675349
Amazon: https://bit.ly/4pTIJbQ
Publisher: Sourcebooks Kids
Agent: Rena Rossner
Agency: The Deborah Harris Agency
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Social links:
Instagram: dara_henry_henry
X: @dshenry1
1. What is the premise /pitch for your book?
MAZEL TOV, BABY! is a sweet, rhyming picture book that is a must-have for any baby. Parents, grandparents, and any caregiver will love to share this with the little one in their lives.
Baby’s here! Look at you.!
Mazel tov! So brand new.
Close your eyes. Peek-a-boo.
Mazel tov! I found you.
In this novelty format perfect for tiny hands, readers will have fun celebrating all of the wonderful―and sometimes hidden―things that make each baby special and unique. With seven full-sized flaps that lift up, down, and sideways, and surprise mirror at the end, this sweet book is an ideal gift for baby showers!
2. What are 5 things you want people to know about your book?
-Mazel Tov, Baby! is an interactive, lift-the-flap board book.
-It’s a book about celebrating the small wins for little ones . . . because every baby step counts.
-There are seven flaps that lift up, down, or sideways.
-The illustrator, Varda Livney, did a wonderful job creating adorable diverse babies.
-Mazel Tov, Baby! is made to be enjoyed by the whole family, and is perfect for little hands.
3. What helpful hints or tips can you offer fellow writers about writing, publishing, and promoting a book?
You have to start somewhere–start writing and connecting with others in the industry. Join writing groups such as SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and/ or the 12×12 Challenge. Connecting with others doing what you aspire to do makes writing, publishing, and promoting even more meaningful.
4. What are 5 fun/quirky facts about yourself as an adult or child?
-Growing up, I had a wild mustang as a pet.
-I was on a jump rope team that went to Nationals.
-I grew up in Dallas, Texas, wearing cowboy boots with both jeans and dresses.
-I like to start my day with some sort of exercise, even if it’s just a few minutes of stretching.
-I am an animal person. Currently, my family has three cats.
5. What did you learn about yourself while on the journey to publishing this book?
The publishing journey for Mazel Tov, Baby! taught me how important it is to pause and reflect on the small joys of little ones. I remembered so many special moments that I shared with my little ones. I was also reminded that growth happens step-by-step and that each achievement is worth celebrating.
