I was inspired to write Eight Candles and a Tree after I couldn’t find a picture book about a child who celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah to give to my granddaughter. Before writing a children’s book, I had an essay published in The Mother’s Book (Houghton Mifflin Company). Now retired, I had extensive professional experience as a writer, children’s television producer and national outreach consultant. I have a master’s degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a bachelor of science degree from Emerson College. I hope that Eight Candles and a Tree will validate the experiences of the many interfaith Jewish/Christian families who observe the traditions of two religious holidays.

I was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa and live in Reston, Virginia. I am a grandmother to eleven grandchildren. Please feel free to contact me by email at simonenathan@gmail.com.