Interview With Author Rebecca Gladstone
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a board-certified music therapist, Jewish educator, and cantor based in Miami. I’ve always been passionate about helping people, especially children and families, connect more deeply to themselves, each other, and their inner world through music, storytelling, and spirituality.
“Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me” is my debut children’s book. It’s a singable story that introduces kids to the Jewish morning prayer of gratitude in a developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and joyful way. I combined my background in music therapy and Jewish education to create a book that supports multiple learning styles and nurtures a daily gratitude practice for families.
While this is my first published book, it definitely won’t be my last—I’m already working on the next one!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is “Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me.” It was inspired by my own reflections on how I wish I had been introduced to prayer and spirituality as a child. Rather than being told what to believe, I think children benefit from being invited into practices through emotions they can understand—like gratitude.
I wanted to create something that blended music, storytelling, and inclusivity. Modeh Ani is a Jewish morning prayer traditionally recited upon waking, and I saw it as a perfect starting point for a singable, magical, and meaningful children’s book. The story follows a child named Jamie through a dreamworld adventure and back into real life introducing gratitude as a natural and logical spiritual practice.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if it’s unusual, but my writing process almost always starts with music. I often hear the melody of a story before the words fully come together. Because of my background as a music therapist, I naturally think in rhythm and sound, so I’ll often hum or sing little lines as I write to make sure they flow well—especially if they’re meant to be read aloud or sung.
I also tend to write in bursts—I’ll get hit with inspiration and scribble down a whole bunch of ideas quickly, then come back later to edit and shape it. I remember when my book was in its beginning phases, I was on a hike in Costa Rica, and I had to pause in the middle because I had an idea that I needed to write down. I’ve learned to trust those creative waves when they come.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by a wide range of authors and books, but one brand that has deeply shaped the way I think about children’s literature is Barefoot Books. Their books are often singable (like mine) fun, and inclusive. Their stories are designed to be engaging, meaningful, and accessible to all kinds of families. I’ve used Barefoot Books extensively in my music therapy work because they’re musical, interactive and educational across many topics. They’re perfect for group settings, especially with young children.
I noticed there really isn’t a Jewish version of this kind of offering. That’s part of what inspired me to create “Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me.” I wanted to bring the same musical, inclusive, and educational storytelling to Jewish content in a way that feels joyful and developmentally appropriate.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on what I think of as a “prequel” to “Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me.” It’s based on the Jewish bedtime prayer Hashkiveinu, which is subtly alluded to within the illustrations and music of “Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to be Me.” “Hashkiveinu is traditionally recited at night for protection and sweet dreams while we sleep.
Just like “Modeh Ani” introduces gratitude and mindfulness in the morning, this next book will guide children into rest and reflection at night. I’m taking the same singable, inclusive, and developmentally thoughtful approach; combining imagery, music, and inclusive language to help families create a meaningful bedtime ritual. I’m really excited to continue building this series of musical, spiritual tools for young children and their caregivers and/or teachers.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now, I’m working on building up my presence on TikTok (@glad2bejewish and @modehanibook). I’ve found it to be an incredibly powerful platform for promoting creative work. One well-crafted, authentic video can really take off and reach thousands (or even millions) of people. It’s a great way to connect directly with parents, educators, and fellow creatives who care about the kind of content I’m making.
I’m also working with a wonderful publicist, Tracy Lamourie, who’s been instrumental in helping me share my book with a wider audience through interviews, features, and media outreach. Between building organic engagement on social media and having professional publicity support, I’ve found a good balance for promoting my book in ways that feel aligned with my voice and values.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My biggest advice for new authors is: just start. Don’t wait until everything is perfect or you feel like you have it all figured out. Take it step by step. Your idea doesn’t have to be polished right away. It just has to be honest and meaningful to you.
Also, trust your unique perspective. There is space for your voice, especially if you’re doing something that hasn’t been done before. For me, blending music, spirituality, and inclusive storytelling felt really niche—but that’s exactly why it was needed.
And finally, be patient. Publishing—whether self-publishing or traditional—takes time. Keep coming back to why you’re writing, and let that be the motivation to keep going.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is to find your niche, know your audience, and trust your inner voice. When I set out to create “Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me,” I wasn’t trying to write a book that would appeal to everyone. I was focused on creating something that felt meaningful to me and would resonate with families who were aligned with my values of inclusivity and open-mindedness. Families who might not feel all that religious, and want to introduce spirituality, music, and gratitude to their children in a way that feels comfortable.
I also learned how important it is to create from a place of passion. Every part of this project—from writing the story and melody, to collaborating with my illustrator and producer—felt deeply aligned with who I am and what I care about. That alignment is what kept me going, even when the process took longer than expected or presented challenges.
If you’re not feeling joy or purpose in what you’re creating, it might be a sign to step back and reevaluate. But when you stay true to yourself and your audience, the right people will find your work—and it will feel that much more fulfilling.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading The Awakened Brain by Lisa Miller, PhD. It’s a fascinating look at the science behind spirituality and how it impacts mental health and well-being. I’m really interested in the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and personal growth, so this book is helping deepen my understanding of those connections.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me as a writer is bringing “Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me” into more settings and locations—whether that’s schools, preschools, libraries, or community centers. I’m really eager to connect directly with the children who are reading my book, to see their reactions, and to witness the impact it’s making in their lives.
I want to create experiences where kids can engage not just with the story, but also with the music and the message of gratitude in a meaningful way. Ultimately, I hope to continue creating books and resources that inspire a strong Jewish identity, mindfulness, and inclusivity, and to grow a community around those values.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d definitely take “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero. It’s the kind of book that keeps your mindset strong and reminds you of your own power, which would be essential in that situation! I try to read it once a year to get back into that confident mindset.
I’d also bring Infinite Possibilities by Mike Dooley because I love how it encourages positive thinking and trusting the flow of life—perfect for staying hopeful and finding meaning on an island.
And I’d probably include something by Colleen Hoover—her books are my comfort reads, they’d be a great escape and source of comfort.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rebecca Gladstone Amazon Profile
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