UC Mother and Daughter Duo Bring Literature to Life

Native Cincinnatians E.M. “Erin” Holzman and her mother R.H. “Ruthi” Grad began working together on children’s books after Holzman chose to self-publish in order to keep creative control over her works. 

Holzman graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Grad, her illustrator and mother, earned a degree from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, while her father, Wally Holzman, is a UC College of Law graduate.

For many years Grad pursued a career in interior design, leaving her painting and art behind. After she retired, however, she returned to painting and eventually began illustrating her daughter’s children’s books. 

“I like working with Erin because I get to do something creative and be creative with my daughter," Grad said. "What more can I ask for?” 

The two had considered working together on these books for years but did not follow through until Holzman met with an agent who would have titled and assigned illustrations for her work. To avoid losing control of her work, Holzman and Grad created a plan to self-publish, and the duo began working together.

“I talked to so many published children’s authors who told me they hated the titles of their books, but they didn’t have a voice or choice in it,” Holzman said. “In our case, because we self-publish, we can choose titles, sit down and discuss what we think the images should be, what we think would work and not work, and really put our stamp on the books.”

The two have written and illustrated three children’s books together that are told from the point of view of the main character Peri the Pelican. They include “Peri’s Sanibel Island Adventure,” “Peri’s Paris Adventure” and “Cancer Schmancer.” The UC duo has also published two other children’s books including “The Wish Giver,” which focuses on making new friends in a big city, and “The Old Oak Tree,” which teaches children to respect boundaries and teaches the importance of freedom.

Their works are largely travel books written with the goal of inspiring children to explore the world. Some of the future destinations for their works include New York and Boston. 

Their newest book, “Cancer Schmancer,” takes on a more serious issue than their past works as Peri goes to help kids who are fighting cancer. 

“I am a breast cancer survivor,” Holzman said. “It’s scary for an adult to get cancer. It must be terrifying for a kid. If Peri can help kids get through cancer and offer friendship, support and instill hope in them, then Peri, my mom and I have accomplished our goal.”

After she graduated from UC, Holzman pursued a career in journalism that took her to cities across the country. Holzman also continued her education at Harvard University where she earned a master of fine arts in English literature, as well as a mediation degree from the Harvard Law School’s negotiation program. Holzman wrote “9/11 Journal” based on her experience living in New York at the time of the attack. Parts of her work were published in the Cincinnati Enquirer for 14 consecutive days.  

Today, in addition to working with Grad on their children’s books, Holzman works as a freelance mediator and writes adult novels under the pen name Erin Moss. 

“I want to keep writing books and hope they help kids,” Holzman said. “I want to inspire kids to explore the world, meet new and interesting people, learn new cultures, languages, see exciting places, artifacts and learn and see as much as they can.” 

For more information about the duo and their works visit: www.emhbooks.com.