At AuthorsWiki, we are privileged to have had the opportunity to connect with Rebecca Gladstone, a Author from Miami, Florida, whose unique voice and creative spirit shine through in their latest work, Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me. Their book, already making waves across leading platforms, invites readers into a world shaped by imagination, experience, and purpose.
Rebecca Gladstone is a Miami-based cantor, board-certified music therapist, and author of the important and timely new children’s book Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me. Her work is rooted in one mission: to help individuals and families connect — or reconnect — to Judaism in a way that feels meaningful, welcoming, and emotionally resonant.
Through her practice as an independent cantor, Rebecca officiates life-cycle events and creates personalized, inclusive Jewish experiences for people of all backgrounds, especially those who feel disconnected from traditional institutions. Her music therapy practice, Gladly Music, serves clients of all ages with a focus on emotional safety, confidence-building, and self-expression. Her debut book introduces children to the Jewish morning prayer of gratitude through a singable story and inclusive lens. With a background in both therapeutic and spiritual care, Rebecca brings a unique, accessible voice to Jewish education — meeting people where they are, honoring diverse identities, and helping everyone feel like they belong.
In this conversation, the author opens up about the deeper motivations behind their storytelling, their personal and literary journey, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re a fan of thoughtful writing or someone looking to understand the creative process, this interview promises valuable insight and inspiration.
AuthorsWiki : Apart from writing, what is your occupation for livelihood?
Rebecca Gladstone : I am a Jewish cantor and educator who officiates life-cycle events, teaches spirituality, and leads prayer services. I also work in my own private practice (Glady Music) as a board certified music therapist and music educator.
AuthorsWiki : Tell us something about your first book.
Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me is resonating with parents, educators, and faith-based communities across the country. My work is grounded in emotional connection, inclusivity, and music as a learning tool. I wrote Modeh Ani to help young children connect to spirituality and gratitude through a magical dreamworld, an affirming message, and a sing-along song.
AuthorsWiki : Would you like to tell us about your published books?
Rebecca Gladstone : My book, Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me, is a joyful, inclusive children’s book inspired by the Jewish morning gratitude prayer. It’s designed to help young children start their day with a sense of self-worth, spirituality, and connection—without relying on abstract or theologically complex ideas. As a board-certified music therapist and Jewish educator, I combined my expertise to create a singable, engaging experience. The book includes bright, modern illustrations, no gendered language, and is accompanied by a professionally produced song and karaoke video available on all streaming platforms. It’s been especially popular in Jewish preschools and with families looking for a fun, meaningful way to introduce daily gratitude.
AuthorsWiki : Where did you get the inspiration for publishing books?
Rebecca Gladstone : As a music therapist and Jewish educator, I’m always looking for creative, accessible ways to help children connect with themselves, their feelings, and their traditions. I noticed there was a gap in Jewish children’s literature—many books introduced theological concepts that felt too abstract for young kids, or they didn’t reflect the diversity of modern families. I wanted to create something that felt both meaningful and relatable—something children could sing, see themselves in, and return to daily. Music has always been my first language, so turning a simple prayer like Modeh Ani into a singable, inclusive book felt like the perfect way to combine my skills and passions. Once I saw how deeply it resonated with children and educators, I knew I wanted to keep creating more.
AuthorsWiki : How do you manage your time to write a book?
Rebecca Gladstone : It definitely wasn’t easy! As a self-employed music therapist and educator, my schedule is always full and constantly changing. But because I believe so deeply in the message of the book, I committed to working on it little by little over the course of three years. Some weeks I made more progress than others, but I kept coming back to it—refining the lyrics, testing the song with kids, working with the illustrator, and learning the publishing process step by step. Being self-employed gave me some flexibility, but it also meant I had to be very intentional about carving out time and staying accountable to my own deadlines.
AuthorsWiki : What is your favorite writing method — the one in which you write the most?
Rebecca Gladstone : My favorite writing method is very rhythm- and voice-based. Because of my background in music therapy, I often start by speaking or singing ideas out loud before writing anything down. I find that when something flows musically or conversationally, it’s more likely to connect with children emotionally. I usually jot ideas in my notes app as they come to me—sometimes mid-session or on a walk—and then later I’ll sit down to shape them into lyrics, stories, or scripts. I don’t usually write in long chunks; I write in small bursts and edit in layers over time.
AuthorsWiki : When did you start writing, and how did your interest in writing begin?
Rebecca Gladstone : I’ve been writing in some form for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always making up songs, poems, and little stories—usually with some kind of rhythm or melody. My interest in writing really grew alongside my love for music and teaching. I started noticing how powerful language could be when paired with music, especially for kids who were learning, struggling, or just needed a different way to connect. That’s what drew me to writing professionally—not just to tell stories, but to create tools that help children feel seen, empowered, and joyful.
AuthorsWiki : Is there any special achievement in your life that you would like to share with us and your readers?
Rebecca Gladstone : Yes—this year, I was officially ordained as a Cantor, which has been a deeply meaningful milestone for me. It represents years of dedication to Jewish music, spiritual leadership, and community building. As someone who’s worked across both therapeutic and religious spaces, becoming a Cantor allowed me to bring all those worlds together—to support people not just through music, but through life cycle events, prayer, and meaningful connection. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to step into this role and continue serving my community in such a personal and impactful way.
AuthorsWiki : Are you planning to write or publish a book in the present or future?
Rebecca Gladstone : Yes! I absolutely plan to publish more books in the future. Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me was just the beginning. I have a few ideas already in the works—continuing to create inclusive, music-based Jewish children’s books that help kids connect with emotions, identity, and tradition in a joyful, accessible way. Writing is now a core part of how I express my work as a music therapist, educator, and Cantor, so you can definitely expect more books to come!
AuthorsWiki : Would you like to give a message to your readers and fans?
Rebecca Gladstone : Yes—thank you for supporting my work and for bringing Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me into your homes, classrooms, and communities. My biggest hope is that this book helps children feel seen, loved, and grounded in who they are. To the parents, educators, and readers: keep singing, keep celebrating small moments, and know that there’s no “right” way to connect with tradition or spirituality—just your way. You’re doing beautifully.
AuthorsWiki : Every writer has their own ideal. Do you also have an ideal writer? And what are your favorite books that you always want to read?
Rebecca Gladstone : I really admire writers who can take big emotional or spiritual concepts and make them feel simple, warm, and relatable—especially for children. One of my favorites is Jen Sincero and her book “You are a Badass.” Her book combines healing, self-love, and motivation in such an easy to read and entertaining way. I also love the work of Emily Nagoski, Jay Shetty, and The Gottmans—they write about relationships and emotions with so much clarity and compassion.
As for books I return to often, I love anything that blends insight with heart. I tend to read a lot of books about connection—whether it’s through psychology, spirituality, or personal growth. And of course, I’m always drawn to children’s books that use music, rhythm, and emotion to tell a story simply and beautifully.
AuthorsWiki : Apart from writing, what are your other hobbies that you enjoy in your free time?
Rebecca Gladstone : Outside of writing, one of my biggest passions is cooking. It’s actually one of my favorite forms of self-care—I love experimenting with new recipes. It’s creative and grounding. I also love singing (of course!), spending time in nature, reading books, DIYing, and playing with my kitty, Luna.
AuthorsWiki : Would you like to remain in the writing world in the future as well?
Rebecca Gladstone : Absolutely! Writing has become a core part of how I express myself and share my passions. It complements my work as a music therapist, educator, and Cantor perfectly by allowing me to reach children and families in a creative and meaningful way. I definitely plan to keep writing and publishing books, especially ones that combine music, spirituality, and emotional connection. Writing will continue to be an important part of my journey moving forward.
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It was a pleasure speaking with Rebecca Gladstone, whose journey and reflections offer a meaningful glimpse into the creative life of a writer. We sincerely thank them for sharing their time and wisdom with the AuthorsWiki community.
If you enjoyed this conversation, feel free to explore more about the author’s work through the links above, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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