On this episode of Taste Buds with Deb, host Debra Eckerling speaks with children's book author, fiction writer and poet Lesléa Newman. Jewish comfort food showed up in one her first children's books, “Matzo Ball Moon,” and has been making appearances in her work ever since.    “[Food is] part of our every holiday, every Shabbat,” Newman, whose titles include “The Babka Sisters,” “A Sweet Passover” and “Hanukkah.” says. “It's important to  … literally break bread; it's a way to show love [and[ nourish each other, literally and figuratively.”   While these books are fiction, they are rooted in Newman’s own experiences. Characters are based on family, such as her grandmother, who taught Newman how to cook many of her favorite Jewish comfort foods.    “My grandmother was from the old country, and she was a real balaboosta, which is someone who really runs the kitchen well’” Newman says. “She used to say [that] she could make a meal out of a potato and half an onion.”    Newman’s books guide the reader through this history of holidays, along with family traditions.   “It’s really important for kids to see themselves in books and … for kids to see families and kids, who are not like themselves, so they learn about the world,” she explains. “I hope … Jewish children will see themselves in these books and feel proud, excited and like they have a place to belong.”   Lesléa Newman talks about her food-centric children’s book, food poetry inspiration, and more. She also shares her poem about knishes, as well as her recipes for latkes and applesauce. Find the recipes at JewishJournal.com.   “Essen en gezunt,” Newman says. “Eat in good health!”   Learn more about Lesléa Newman - her books and poems - at LeselaNewman.com.  For more from Taste Buds, subscribe on iTunes and YouTube, and follow @TheDEBMethod on social media.