Ann Koffsky grew up loving two things that would eventually shape her life’s work: drawing and Jewish stories. As a child, she was rarely without a pencil, sketching characters in the margins of notebooks and imagining worlds where humor, warmth, and tradition lived side by side. Those early passions blended into a career as both an illustrator and a writer of Jewish children’s books and other historical works.

Koffsky became especially known for her ability to make Jewish rituals feel accessible, joyful, and alive for young readers. Rather than presenting traditions as distant or formal, she filled her books with playful characters, bright expressions, and gentle humor—inviting children to see themselves inside the story.

That spirit shines clearly in Fairy God Bubbie’s Shabbat. In the book, Koffsky introduces a delightful twist on a familiar fairy-tale idea: a fairy godmother who is also a Jewish grandmother—a “bubbie.” With a wave of her wand (and a whole lot of love), Fairy God Bubbie helps a busy family prepare for Shabbat. But instead of magic doing all the work, the story emphasizes something deeper: Shabbat is created through intention, kindness, and family togetherness.

Through warm illustrations and rhythmic, engaging text, Koffsky shows children that Shabbat isn’t about perfection. The candles don’t have to be lit by magic, the table doesn’t have to be fancy, and everything doesn’t have to go exactly as planned. What matters is the feeling—slowing down, welcoming peace, and sharing sacred time with people you love.

As both author and illustrator, Koffsky carefully balances visual storytelling with meaning. Her artwork in Fairy God Bubbie’s Shabbat is colorful and expressive, capturing the coziness of Friday night and the joy of multigenerational family life. Her words reinforce a message that resonates with parents and children alike: Jewish traditions are not just inherited—they’re lovingly made, week by week.

Fairy God Bubbie’s Shabbat is available for purchase online. You can buy it here: Buy Fairy God Bubbie’s Shabbat by Ann Koffsky (Hardcover) on Target, or also find it at Barnes & Noble’s listing for Fairy GodBubbie’s Shabbat. 

Ann Koffsky’s work, including Fairy God Bubbie’s Shabbat, has become a favorite in many Jewish homes and classrooms because it reflects real family life while celebrating tradition. By blending imagination with ritual, she helps children see Judaism not as something old or intimidating, but as something magical, meaningful, and very much their own. 

Below are photos from the Books of Wonder event featuring art from The Fairy Godbubbie’s Shabbat. The event sponsored by Temple Emanuel in New York City was titled “Fairy Dust Hanukkah” and took place on the second day of Hanukkah. During the event, the children listened as Ann read the book aloud, the Rabbis lit the candles, and the kids then colored Hanukkah coloring pages and made cell phone sleeping bags for their parents to encourage putting phones away (the book's theme).

Happy Hanukkah to all who partake. May the light from the candles of the Menorah shine brightly and spread warmth and healing energy to all.

Top Photo: Author Illustrator Ann Koffsky

Ann Koffsky is represented by Illustration Online LLC.