Calgary Writer Danyael Halprin Brings Passover Magic to Children’s Bookshelves

By Jana Zalmanowitz

(AJNews) – Award-winning Calgary journalist and writer Danyael Halprin is no stranger to the writing process. She’s been contributing to various publications since she got her start in journalism at Canadian Living magazine in Toronto in the ’90s. She’s taken on roles such as book reviewer, travel writer and running journalist.  She’s written about everything from the mental health benefits of distance running, to the highs of a THC-infused restaurant dinner, pre-legalization, to the promise of Alberta’s wind energy sector. Halprin’s work has appeared in magazines such as Avenue, The Calgary Herald, and iRun Magazine. As of March 17, her work is finding a new home, on children’s bookshelves and in bedtime story rosters.

“I’m not used to being on this side of the interview,” Halprin says with a laugh as she sits down to talk about her first children’s book, A Magical Passover Starring the Tooth Fairy, published by RE:BOOKS Publishing. The book is the first picture book for Rebecca Eckler’s RE:BOOKS Publishing, who describes it as “warm, witty and full of heart.” The partnership between Halprin and Eckler is a natural fit, in that it merges the strengths of two Jewish women writers with ties to Alberta. Eckler, a 10x best-selling author, built a successful career in Canadian media. Her expertise in navigating the literary and media landscape was the foundation for launching RE:BOOKS, which provides a platform for emerging female Canadian authors to get their work into the world.

Many families with children will find something they recognize in A Magical Passover Starring the Tooth Fairy. The story brings together two well-known worlds: Jewish tradition and secular folklore. When young Jesse loses a tooth on Passover, readers witness the unexpected meeting between Eliyahu and the Tooth Fairy and the mishaps that ensue. The result is a lively comedy of errors that kids will enjoy, with a meaningful message parents can appreciate. The book shows what can happen when different traditions collide, learn to appreciate one another and ultimately work together. It’s a welcome message in today’s increasingly diverse families and society.

While the story may seem different from Halprin’s previous works, she says it’s one of many that swirl around in her creative mind, waiting for the right opportunity. “This story has existed in my mind for a while, waiting to find a home,” she explains.

Halprin is a mother to three children, now in their teens. Years ago, her son lost a tooth on the first night of Passover. While he sat there processing the shock of the moment the tooth gave way, Halprin was exclaiming to her kids, “You know what this means? Eliyahu and the tooth fairy are both coming tonight!” And the story was written. The joys of having a creative writer for a parent.

Halprin found a home for her book in Eckler’s newly founded Jewish imprint, RIVKAH Books. It was a perfect match. “They loved it immediately,” Halprin says. “Rebecca saw the magic in it right away.” Like, A Magical Passover Starring the Tooth Fairy, RIVKAH Books aims to entertain audiences while also holding a deeper purpose. For RIVKAH Books, that means in a time of rising antisemitism, Jewish authors have a platform that celebrates and amplifies their voices. Says Halprin: “With all the hate and trauma over the past few years, it’s more important than ever for the Jewish people to sing louder, be prouder, and shine their beautiful light into the world. I hope my book brings some much-needed joy into our community and the world.”

A Magical Passover Starring the Tooth Fairy has been well received. A set of twins has called it “a silly magic mix-up, with a big lesson” and adults have used words like charming and memorable to describe its messaging in how it handles some of life’s mysteries. As for Halprin’s own family, they’re enjoying the now-illustrated version, delighted to see a childhood story back on centre stage. “We read it together and my daughter was laughing at all the right parts,” Halprin says.

Now as Jews around the globe gather to celebrate Passover, many feeling the weight of serious issues facing world Jewry, they can also share a message of hope that resonates with their children. “It’s not just a silly story about Eliyahu and the Tooth Fairy,” Halprin says. “Yes, it’s fun and playful, but there’s a deeper message. It’s about one culture merging with another and about learning, understanding and embracing each other’s traditions.”

 A Magical Passover Starring the Tooth Fairy by Danyael Halprin is available starting March 17 through Amazon and at select local bookstores. Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/05B8BVIY

 Jana Zalmanowitz is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.