Lulu Jr. Author of the Month

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We are excited to introduce our Author of the Month, Esti Rabinowitz!

Esti is the author of, “The Worst Day Ever”, her own take on one of her favorite books, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” by Judith Viorst.

The story starts with our main character, Nathan, waking up to (as the title suggests), the worst day ever. This kid can’t catch a break! From the moment he wakes up, his day is riddled with problems – he steps on his favorite ball and pops it, falls on a library book and rips the page and then runs out of toothpaste – all before breakfast! But if you think that’s bad, it’s just the beginning!

**SPOILER ALERT**

Esti uses her artistic talents to bring “The Worst Day Ever” to life with vivid illustrations and an exciting story that even includes an encounter with a genie! The illustrations and story are all her own, but like any good author, she took the advice of her teacher, Ms. Ingber, and included the magical character.

Nathan can’t seem to find any relief from his bad fortune, but luckily for Esti, the story is based on fiction. When Esti isn’t writing about the worst day ever, she’s having the best day ever by spending time with friends, playing sports, swimming and baking.

Esti created an awesome, one-of-a-kind book using her skills as an artist and a storyteller. And you can, too! Take a tip from our Author of the Month:

“Always have new ideas to make the story more interesting. Be creative and artistic in your own way!”

Find out how creative and artistic you can be with one of our Lulu Jr. Book-making kits! “The Worst Day Ever” is Esti’s story – what’s yours?

 

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Esti and her 4th-grade class

 

For more information on our incredible Author of the Month, see our Q&A with Esti below!

Lulu Jr.: What is your name and how old are you?

Esti Rabinowitz: My name is Esther Devorah Rabinowitz, but everyone calls me Esti. I am 10 years old. 

LJ: What was your inspiration for writing this book?

ER: I always loved the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. This book inspired me to also write a story about a boy who has a bad day because I find it funny.  

LJ: Even though the character in your book was having a dream about a very bad day, have you ever had a day like the one your main character had, where so many bad things happened throughout the day? If so, what happened to make it such a bad day?

ER: I never had a day where every single thing went wrong and was bad. 

LJ: Creating this book was a class project with your teacher Ms. Ingber, did she have any advice or tips she gave you for writing your story?

ER: Yes, she was the one who told me to include a Genie in the story. I thought it was a good idea as well. 

LJ: Do you have any advice you would give to other young author’s that are interested in publishing their very own book through Lulu Jr.?

ER: Always have new ideas to make the story more interesting. Be creative and artistic in your own way!

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Esti and her 3 brothers: Michoel, Akiva, and Ari.

Lulu Jr. Retailer of the Month

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The Toy Chest in Hot Springs, AR

 

When most people think of retirement, leisurely afternoon strolls, early dinners and senior discounts come to mind. And of course, not having to work anymore. And for most folks that’s just fine. But not Lulu Jr. Retailer of the Month, Imy Marcus.

Imy moved to Hot Springs, AR with his wife to settle into retirement. And he really enjoyed it – for a few weeks. Imy quickly grew bored with the life of a retiree and dove back into the workforce in the fall of 1989, opening up specialty toy store, The Toy Chest.

Despite having no experience in the industry, the toy store was a hit and has become a landmark of the downtown Hot Springs landscape, charming locals and tourist alike with almost 2,000 products to choose from.

 

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Imy Marcus, Lulu Jr. Retailer of the Month!

 

What’s his favorite, you ask?

“Every salesman will show the things that he likes the most and in my entire shop, and we’ve got close to 2,000 items, the Lulu Jr. kits are my favorite one item,” says Marcus.

In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, the realm of children’s toys has not been left out. Classics like Jacks and Lincoln logs are being replaced with electronic and high tech items that do little to engage the imagination. As a toy store owner, how do you know which toys will sell?

“You buy based on a simple two letter word: DO. Children want to do things. So many products won’t allow them to do. It’s done for them. Lulu Jr. is a product designed for children to do. And that is a very important factor,” says Marcus.

With Lulu Jr. book-making kits, children can do anything. Travel to far off lands, play with magical creatures, and occasionally, in Imy’s personal experience, prevent heart surgery.

“I have a heart problem and was flying to the Cleveland Clinic for open heart surgery. The day before my flight, a young girl came into my store and she was just aglow. She handed me her completed book, and it was a very cute story, and I handed it back to the mother,” says Marcus.

 

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Imy and his first visitor of the day!

 

But to Imy’s surprise, she insisted he keep it, and take a look at the dedication.

“The young lady knew about my heart surgery and she had dedicated the book to me. She said take it with you and it will bring you good luck.”

Imy followed her instructions and took the book with him to Cleveland. He arrived on Sunday, with the surgery scheduled for Thursday. After extensive tests on Monday and Tuesday, Imy was told by his doctors that his problem wasn’t severe enough to warrant the surgery and he could go home.

“Well, needless to say, I was elated. I went home, called the young lady to tell her what happened, and she is convinced that her book was the thing that prevented me from having open heart surgery,” says Marcus. “We still have the book and it is a treasured, treasured item in our family.”

Not all Lulu Jr. kits come with healing powers, but they all come with the opportunity to “do”. Pick up a few of our book-making kits today and see what your little ones come up with!

To hear more about Imy and the Toy Chest, check out our featured video here!