Bedtime Story: Suzy Ultman
Suzy Ultman is a storyteller, illustrator, and designer whose joyful world of color and character invites everyone to see magic in the everyday. From books and toys to home goods and stationery, Suzy’s creations celebrate connection, curiosity, and kindness with her distinctive blend of color, charm, and character. Her work has appeared on shelves and screens around the globe, inspiring kids (and kids at heart) to embrace all sides of themselves.
Suzy is also the artist behind Dodo Banana’s I Like Your Chutzpah! pajamas, and we caught up with her to talk about creativity, Shabbat dinners, and how animal crackers are the ultimate comfort snack. Thank you for chatting with us, Suzy, and for filling bedtime with imagination, heart, and, of course, a little chutzpah.
How do you describe your art?
Somebody recently asked me what I consider myself to be because I do so many things. I’ve come to think of myself as a storyteller and a maker; it kind of encapsulates everything I do. I write books, I draw books, I create products, I teach classes. It all comes back to telling a story, whether I’m drawing, writing, or making.
For my artwork specifically, I describe it as “modern whimsy with a side of quirk.”
You’ve written and illustrated a bunch of books, including a Jewish board book series. What inspired you to create that series?
I was inspired by three things. The first was my child self, who didn’t have anything like that growing up. Jewish kid lit was kind of stuck in the ’70s and ’80s, and when I had kids, my mom sent me the same books I’d had as a child. So part of it was for my kid self, and part of it was for my kids.
The second was to reflect the modern Jewish community — to show families as they actually live today. I wanted something contemporary, not just holiday-themed. There’s got to be something between Hanukkah and the Holocaust. [laughs]
And the third was to start conversations with people outside the Jewish community — those who might not know much about it or only know a little. How can we create connections and bridges?
What inspired I Like Your Chutzpah!?
It actually started from a different series I was sketching about celebrating things in kids that are sometimes seen as “too much” — like being silly or loud in public. When I began working on my Jewish series, the word chutzpah came to mind. My grandmother used to say, “That takes chutzpah,” and it always felt empowering to me. Not everyone sees it that way, but it is — it’s about embracing every part of yourself. I wanted kids to know that all their sides are positive.
Why was this collaboration with Dodo Banana such a great fit?
It really goes back to what inspired me to create this series. It’s evolved into my own Judaica brand, bringing the fun parts of our culture into everyday life, even pajamas. These can be worn any time of year, not just for holidays. You can run around in your Chutzpah pajamas, dress up in them, or go to sleep in them. It’s exciting to see that spirit live in this bedtime space in people’s lives.
What do you hope people — kids and adults alike — take away from your work?
My hope is to give kids, and kids at heart, a strong sense of self — a place to connect with their feelings and who they are. As they grow, I want them to feel confident in themselves, because confident people tend to make better citizens. It creates more empathy and helps them feel okay being both joyful and playful, and also sad sometimes — just exploring the full range of who they are and how they move through the world.
What’s next for you?
The fourth book in the series comes out in February. It’s called How Do You Jew, a celebration of Jewish culture around the world.
SPEED ROUND!
Early Bird.
To learn more about Suzy’s work — and to shop her colorful, story-filled collections — visit her online store and follow her on Instagram for a daily dose of whimsy.