Comic books
“Potato Pancake” GN Selected As PJ Library Title
I’m happy to announce that my graphic novel The Day I Became a Potato Pancake has been selected as a PJ Library title, and it’s also the recipient of PJ Library’s Grinspoon Jewish Story Award (GJSA).
This means that this book has been selected for use in PJ Library’s fall 2026 lineup.
The Day I Became a Potato Pancake was written by yours truly and illustrated by the incredible Beilin Xu. It was originally published in the fall of 2024 by Behrman House, via their Apples & Honey Press imprint. The book is about two kids, Naomi and Ben, whose friendship is put to the test when Ben is transformed into a walking, talking potato pancake.
Here’s what critics have said about this book:
“This speculative, character-focused graphic novel highlights aspects of Jewish identity and culture through multiple lenses to craft a goofy yet nuanced read.”
“This is a really funny Hanukkah-themed sci-fi graphic novel for middle grade or early chapter book readers…It’s a silly read that kids will love.”
“I happily recommend this book to all readers.”
Anyway, I just want to thank Chris Barash, Tasha Flagg, and everyone else at PJ Library for this great honor. Know what? I had a wonderful time writing The Day I Became a Potato Pancake. The work is its own reward, right? But over the past two years since its initial release, it’s been really gratifying to see this graphic novel find an audience. To see critics and audiences respond to it in such a positive way. And now to have won this award, and to have had the book selected as a PJ Library title? That’s just the cherry on top. Except that I don’t like cherries. They really…I don’t know. I don’t like the way they taste. (No offense to people who like cherries.) Who started that whole deal, anyway? Putting a cherry on top of an otherwise delicious ice cream sundae. Was there a period of trial and error there? Did they first put a pickle on top of a sundae and that didn’t really gel with the taste of the ice cream? Then they tried a nectarine and they were like, “Closer, but we’re not quite there yet…” And THEN they tried a cherry? And why do we spell it “sundae,” while the day of the week is “Sunday”? I mean, it’s not like there’s a computer in my pocket which is shaped like a Pop-Tart, and which could answer that question for me in a matter of nanoseconds. Oh wait, there is! Never mind!
“Collectors Confessions” Interview!
Recently, I appeared on the Collectors Confessions YouTube channel, where hosts Chad Farley and Brian VanNostrand interviewed me about my writing career. And the interview just went live!
During the interview, I talked about some of the “licensed character” books I’ve written over the years, like the Marvel-themed Little Golden Books I’ve written for Penguin Random House, and the Lilo & Stitch books I’ve written for Scholastic.
I also discussed my work as a comic book writer, nonfiction author, and television scriptwriter.
You can check out the whole interview below:
Captain America Will Return in “Avengers: Day of Doom!”
Last year, I wrote an Avengers Little Golden Book called Day of Doom, which was illustrated by the incredible Dan Schoening. And guess what? It comes out on May 5th, 2026 from Penguin Random House.
Just so you don’t get the wrong idea, I should also point out that – although the Day of Doom LGB has a title that’s eerily similar to Avengers: Doomsday – this book is NOT an adaptation of that film. So if it isn’t based on the movie, what is this book about? Well, I don’t want to say too much about it at this early date. But here’s the official publisher description of the book, which tells you a little bit about its plot:
Marvel’s classic villain Doctor Doom stars in his first ever Little Golden Book as he takes on the mighty Avengers! Marvel’s mighty Avengers find themselves up in the air when Doctor Doom unleashes his powerful anti-gravity ray to steal the Avengers Tower. As the Super Heroes go soaring, will they be able to defeat their foe? Find out in this full-color Little Golden Book that’s just right for little heroes and Marvel fans and collectors of all ages.
And hey, did you notice that part in the publisher description where it said that this is the first ever Doctor Doom Little Golden Book? Which is pretty cool! I’m very proud of this book, I had a great time writing it, and I can’t wait for everyone to read it!
Speaking of which, it’s available for preorder HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.
And to see all of the other books I’ve written for Penguin Random House, click HERE.