Mazel Toes!

Celebrate Jewish joy, family love, and playful rhymes in this charming board book for babies and toddlers.

"This heartwarming story shows love for a baby through rhymes peppered with Yiddish words and playful jokes. . ." --Booklist

With sweet gestures for every part of the body--like a kiss on the keppie and a boop on the nose--Mazel Toes! is a heartfelt love letter from parent to child. Author Audrey Barbakoff, a Jewish mother and educator, infuses each verse with cultural warmth and connection, while Annita Soble's cozy illustrations honor the strength and diversity of Jewish families, from historic shtetls to modern-day homes.

Why Families Are Falling in Love with Mazel Toes!:
- Jewish Family Celebration: A joyful way to introduce babies to Jewish culture, love, and tradition.
- Interactive and Playful: Encourages bonding through gestures like smooches, tickles, and cuddles.
- Yiddish with Love: Sprinkles in gentle Yiddish words, with a helpful glossary for learning and sharing.
- Perfect for Gifting: Ideal for baby showers, brises, namings, or welcoming any Jewish newborn.

Whether for bedtime snuggles or daytime play, Mazel Toes! is a warm embrace in book form--a celebration of tradition, language, and the boundless love between parent and child.

Author: Audrey Barbakoff
Publisher: Collective Book Studio
Published: 10/28/2025
Pages: 24
Binding Type: Board Book
Weight: 0.35lbs
Size: 7.01h x 7.01w x 0.47d
ISBN: 9781685555627
Audience: Baby-Preschool


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 10/03/2025 pg. 1

About the Author
Dr. Audrey Barbakoff is a librarian, educator, and entrepreneur. She is the author of two picture books, The Schlemiel Kids Save the Moon and Mazel Toes!, as well as several professional development books for librarians. She holds a doctorate in education and a master's degree in library and information science. As a Jewish mother, she is passionate about passing down the vibrancy of Jewish humor, language, and stories to the next generation. Audrey lives with her husband, children, and chickens on an island in Washington.

Annita Soble is a multidisciplinary artist with over fifteen years of experience in illustration, animation, and art direction. She believes that inspiration can come from anywhere which is why she likes to dabble in many things including ceramics, fiber arts, computer programming, and bread baking. She lives in Brooklyn NY with her husband and five kids.