Author & Illustrator
Watercolor, ink, and good dogs.
I'm Jonathan Sandmel — I write and draw picture books about small, warm, funny moments for small, warm and funny people.
Illustration
Selected work
Ink and watercolor, from picture books and personal pieces. Tap any image to see it larger.
Books
Out in the world
Toby's a Mensch
A joyful picture book that teaches little ones their first words of Yiddish through the everyday adventures of Toby, a very good three-legged dog.
About
Hello, I'm Jonathan.
I write and illustrate picture books for children, working in ink and watercolor.
I grew up in St. Louis, moved to Santa Fe in 2000, and earned a master's in painting from the University of New Mexico. For about twenty years I ran a couple of businesses in Santa Fe — these days I make children's books.
My debut, Toby's a Mensch, is a love letter to dogs, family, and the warmth of the Yiddish language. It's named for the real Toby — my three-legged dog, who lives with me on a small farm along with two goats, fifteen chickens, two kids, and a wife who somehow supports all of it.
Author Visits
Story time, with a live drawing.
I visit schools, libraries, synagogues, and preschools to read Toby's a Mensch aloud, then draw Toby live while kids call out what he should do next.
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Ages 2–5
Preschool
A read-aloud, a short drawing demo, and a few questions. About 25–30 minutes.
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K–2nd grade
School & library
A read-aloud, a drawing demo with Yiddish words from the book, and Q&A. For older kids I can add a look at how a picture book gets made. 30–45 minutes.
Kids go home with bookmarks and coloring sheets. Signed bookplates are available for families who order the book.
Book a visitContact
Say hello
For school and library visits, press, illustration commissions, or just to talk shop — I'd love to hear from you.