Arlington Author Turns Classroom Dream Into First Children’s Book

While it has been many years since she last taught, this resident is hoping to teach kids a lesson through her new work.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Oct 13, 2026 5:51 PM EDT

Claire Blumenfeld has been an Arlington resident for more than 30 years. (Cynthia Clayton)

ARLINGTON, MA — A resident is sharing her love of picture books and the value of friendship with readers through her first children's book.

Claire Blumenfeld is the author of "Cranky Hank and the Noisy Neighbors (A Purim Story)," which is scheduled to be published by Kar-Ben in January 2027. Illustrated by Pauline Gregory, the book follows an older man whose peaceful life is interrupted when a lively family moves into the apartment upstairs.

Blumenfeld's interest in writing for children began during her career teaching kindergarten and first grade in New York and later at Belmont Day School. She began teaching in 1986 and continued through 1995 before staying home to raise her two children.

"As my students benefited from the educational and social/emotional values of daily picture-book read-alouds, I dreamed of writing one of my own," Blumenfeld told Patch.

She began studying writing during her time at home, completing a writing course through the Institute of Children's Literature. She published several articles for children, parents, and teachers before returning to the classroom in 2009 as a reading specialist at Hardy Elementary School in Arlington.

"I spent the next 10 years reading many more picture books, helping developing readers build their confidence, and imagining the book I hoped to one day publish," Blumenfeld told Patch.

After retiring and navigating the COVID years, Blumenfeld returned to writing for children. In 2025, she received the news that Kar-Ben would publish her first picture book.

The interfaith story centers on Hank, who lives alone and likes his days to be quiet, predictable, and suited for afternoon naps. The arrival of his new neighbors brings noise and commotion that turn his routine upside down.

When the family leaves to celebrate Purim, Hank finally gets the silence he wanted but finds himself feeling unexpectedly lonely. An invitation to join his neighbors for hamantaschen and celebrations allows him to connect with the family.

"Hank realizes that he likes friendship even better than he likes silence," Blumenfeld told Patch.

Blumenfeld has lived in Arlington since 1993, when she and her husband, recently married, bought a house on Ottawa Road. When she decided to resume her career as a reading specialist, she only looked for a position in Arlington Public Schools, drawn by what she described as its distinguished, forward-thinking reading program.

"Teaching in my own community allowed me to give back to the town that had become home and to watch my students and their families become familiar faces," Blumenfeld said.

While the book has not yet been released, Blumenfeld said residents can preorder a copy through Belmont Books or attend her official book launch at the bookstore on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027.