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About Abby
Thank you for visiting my website. I write children's stories that reflect my life experiences and feature characters that connect with my readers.
Growing up
I grew up in a Jewish family that lived in blue-collar, close-knit city neighborhoods. My grandmother stayed with us, which is how I came to understand Yiddish and the culture she brought from Russia. I entered kindergarten with a physical disability, which was corrected later in childhood. I was a sensitive kid who worried a great deal. Despite these obstacles, I was a competent, optimistic child who learned to overcome issues that arose.
From the classroom
As an elementary school teacher, then a reading and writing specialist and Language Arts program coordinator, I especially enjoyed collaborating with teachers to create materials that met the needs of every student in their class. Often, I wrote stories when I couldn't find a book that supported an individual student.
How the writing bug bit
After moving out of state, I organized the rescue of a Muscovy duck that had been shot with an arrow. That experience led to my first picture book, Archie the Lucky Duck. I marketed it by visiting schools, libraries, book fairs and bookstores, created a curriculum guide for teachers, sold almost 1,000 copies, and donated the proceeds to the animal hospital that cared for Archie.
Since then I have taken every class, workshop, webinar and conference I can, through Highlights, The Writing Barn, SCBWI and 12x12, and I continue to work with critique groups and professional writers. In 2022, PJ Library chose me to attend a summer retreat at the Highlights Foundation in the Poconos.
It is my hope that children will become friends with the characters in my books and will revisit them again and again.
A little bit about me
Philly Born
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA.
Twelve moves
With my super-supportive husband Bob: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Florida.
Four grandsons
Two grown children, four adorable grandsons, and Gus the cat.
Off the page
Traveling, reading, knitting, and time with family and friends.
My Little Free Library
Six years ago, I put up a Little Free Library next to a community food bank so adults and children could take home books when they pick up food. Today it is self-sustaining. The community keeps it full, but I still bring some of my favorites to share.
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