Meet Anne-Marie Asner | Founder, Matzah Ball Books

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anne-Marie Asner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anne-Marie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
That Matzah Ball Books knows exactly what it is and what it isn’t. In business branding and, more importantly, in life knowing who you are, your own personal brand, removes any wavering or pandering. Matzah Ball Books is a funny and lighthearted way to bring the joy of Yiddish to the new generation. It was founded in the spirit of many other stop gap measures world wide to not let Yiddishkayt disappear. Matzah Ball Books is one such bridge between the Old World and the New. People who are touched by that mission, and have young kinder in their lives, tend to find us. The Jewish world is very small, with a very big heart. Think our readers feel at home with our books and want to share that feeling of home with those they love.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always found great beauty, calm, humor and artistry in children’s literature, and from an early age knew I wanted to write. So when the idea hit me to create Matzah Ball Books where each character had a Yiddish namesake (like Noshy Boy is always noshing / eating… do you know nosh is Yiddish?), I knew I needed to at least try. Maybe I’d only sell two books, one to my mom and the other to my bubbe (grandma). But it was a chance worth taking. Nine books (and many Yiddish words) later, here we are. No, it’s not easy. In addition to the amount of time it takes to go from kernel of idea to fully illustrated book, there’s the marketing, promoting and accounting of it all. Some parts of running the actual business are more enjoyable than others, but it all needs to get done.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
All things Malibu. Coffee or lunch on the pier, stay at Surfrider hotel, fish and chips at Malibu Seafood, hiking at any and every state park. If you want to branch outside of Malibu, for a drink and some of the best food in LA go to The Upper West in Santa Monica. Great owners, ambiance and fusion food.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Of course, my parents! Whether through proof reading every book, doing final cover color checks or simply inquiring as to what’s next for Matzah Ball Books, they have been engaged every step of the way for the past 19 years. Not to mention that they raised me to believe that I had talent worth sharing and that Jewish culture was a source or joy. Without those two factors, there would be no Matzah Ball Books. Seeing how my own kids have enjoyed the books and characters over the years and getting their input into some of the more recent stories has been a thrill, as well, and certainly an inspiration to keep going. And definitely my husband who has been supporting me through the high’s and low’s of it all.

Website: Matzahballbooks.com

Instagram: @matzahballbooks

Twitter: @matzahballbooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MatzahBallBooks