Sharing Shalom by Danielle Sharkan and Selina Alko

Danielle Sharkan grew up in the sub­urbs of Chica­go and has since had the priv­i­lege of liv­ing in Cana­da, Israel, and Argenti­na. As an edu­ca­tor and a proud moth­er of two won­der­ful chil­dren, she is deeply com­mit­ted to both per­son­al and pro­fes­sion­al growth. Danielle is pas­sion­ate about nature, yoga, and all things Israel — espe­cial­ly its vibrant culi­nary cul­ture. She cur­rent­ly resides in Boul­der, Col­orado, where she enjoys spend­ing time with her fam­i­ly, explor­ing the out­doors, and embrac­ing the beau­ty of life in the Rockies.

Selina Alko, award-winning writer and illustrator, spends her days blending words with mixed-media art to tell stories of hope, identity, and alternative perspectives. Raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Selina grew up immersed in culture and creativity. Her Turkish Jewish father—a painter and polyglot who spoke seven languages—and her Jewish mother, who worked in the family’s century-old metal recycling business, filled her world with rich stories, diverse viewpoints, and an appreciation for both art and resilience.

The creative influences of her childhood—infused with culture, history, and empathy—continue to inform Selina’s work. She brings these layers to each of her acclaimed children’s books, including The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage, Sharing Shalom, Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama, B is for Brooklyn, I is for Immigrants, and Joni: The Lyrical Life of Joni Mitchell.

For more than two decades, Selina has called Brooklyn home, where she continues to find daily inspiration—in the rhythm of city streets, in neighborhood schools, and in the small but universal moments she observes as a parent. When she’s not working on a new book, you’ll likely find her reading, hiking, collaging in her sketchbook, or dance-walking through Prospect Park.