Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Erica Lyons author of Kidlit filled with history, heart, and hope ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.erica-lyons.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Lily's Hong Kong Honey Cake](https://www.erica-lyons.com/my-books/watch-this-space/) - Lily’s Hong Kong Honey Cake by Erica Lyons Illustrated by Bonnie Pang Apples & Honey Press/ Behrman House September 2, 2025 ⭐️ Based on the history of Jewish refugees in Asia and spanning multiple years during World War II, this picture book shows how some creativity, adaptability, and a lot of love can make the - [Watch this Space](https://www.erica-lyons.com/my-books/watch-this-space-1/) - Festival of Lights by Erica Lyons and Reenita M. Hora Illustrated by Kamala Nair Quill Tree/ HarperCollins Fall 2026 - [Watch this Space](https://www.erica-lyons.com/my-books/watch-this-space-2/) - Yingcheng’s Two Hats by Erica Lyons Illustrated by Sally Deng Levine Querido Spring 2027 - [MIXED-UP MOONCAKES](https://www.erica-lyons.com/my-books/mixed-up-mooncakes/) - Mixed-Up Mooncakes by Erica Lyons and Christina Matula, Illustrated by Tracy Subisak Quill Tree, 10 September 2024 Starred reviews from Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Available at B&N, Amazon, and your local bookseller This beautiful tribute to fall festivals—Mid-Autumn Festival and Sukkot—celebrates family, multicultural heritage, and the bounty of the season. It’s - [ON A CHARIOT OF FIRE](https://www.erica-lyons.com/my-books/on-a-chariot-of-fire/) - On a Chariot of Fire: The Story of India’s Bene Israel by Erica Lyons Illustrated by Siona Benjamin Levine Querido September 3, 2024 Available at B&N, Amazon, and your local bookseller Featuring the other side of the Hanukkah story, A Chariot of Fire follows the Bene Israel community, as they flee Israel to find - [Giving a Dead Manuscript Some Life](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/giving-a-dead-manuscript-some-life/) - Rejection is an inevitable part of everyone's publishing journey at every stage. And with rejections come "dead manuscripts". Well, I've just decided to start giving my dead manuscripts some life (and some love) by painting pictures for them. I started painting just under two months ago, as a way to reduce my stress from this - [SALIMAN AND THE MEMORY STONE](https://www.erica-lyons.com/my-books/saliman-and-the-memory-stone/) - Saliman and the Memory Stone by Erica Lyons Illustrated by Yinon Ptahia Apples & Honey Press, May 8, 2024 When young Saliman’s family left Yemen in 1881 to move to Jerusalem there were so many things they could not take along. Promising to remember it all, even the names of each their goats and the - [On a Chariot of Fire Worksheets](https://www.erica-lyons.com/worksheets/on-a-chariot-of-fire-worksheets/) - While I love coming into schools, you can use these worksheets in your classroom or at home too. I try to make these for all of my books and hope to add more sheets like recipes, crafts, and coloring pages so check back in from time to time. I was so excited for On a - [Mixed-Up Mooncakes Recipe 🥮✡️](https://www.erica-lyons.com/worksheets/mixed-up-mooncakes-recipe-🥮✡️/) - Now you can make Ruby's mooncakes and you don't have to wait for Sukkot or Mid-Autumn Festival! Special thanks to HarperKids for putting these Mixed-Up Mooncakes recipe pages together! See my Mixed-Up Mooncakes Activity Sheets fun too! - [Mixed-Up Mooncakes Worksheets (Free Downloads)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/worksheets/mixed-up-mooncakes-worksheets-free-downloads/) - Download and print these Mixed-Up Mooncakes worksheets for use at home or in the classroom. I hope to add a coloring page to this soon. Also checkout the Mixed-Up Mooncakes recipe! Enjoy! I have created worksheets for most of my books: Alone Together on Dan Street, Zhen Yu and the Snake, Counting on Naamah, Saliman - [Feeding Our Folktales to the Sea](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/feeding-our-folktales-to-the-sea/) - Feeding Our Folktales to the Sea * Volumes and volumes of Jewish folktales line my shelves. I imagine my great-grandparents, who I never knew, chanting them in foreign tongues. In my imagination, they add details, constructed from memory, that make me believe their stories are true, but also that they were somehow created just for - [Book Deal: Lily's Hong Kong Honey Cake](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/book-deal-lilys-hong-kong-honey-cake/) - As reported in Publishers Weekly: Dena Neusner at Apples & Honey Press has acquired world rights to Lily's Hong Kong Honey Cake by Erica Lyons, illustrated by Bonnie Pang, a picture book about a young Jewish refugee who holds onto a sense of home as her family moves from Vienna to Shanghai and then Hong - [Kidlit Editor for Judith Magazine](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/kidlit-editor-for-judith-magazine/) - I'm so pleased to announce that I'm the kidlit editor for Judith Magazine. Judith Magazine is a new online magazine that aims to help counter antisemitism in the literary world and also help spread some much-needed Jewish joy. Choosing that first book to feature was no small task. I can't wait to share it! I’m - [What Really Matters in a Broken World](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/what-really-matters-in-a-broken-world/) - What really matters in such a broken world? This was meant to be a big week for me. On the day the bodies of Hersh, Carmel, Eden, Ori, Almog, and Alex were found (1/9), just days after their execution, my article, Feeding Our Folktales to the Sea, was published in the Jewish Literary Journal. Today (2/9), - [Keeping the Historical in Historical Fiction](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/keeping-the-historical-in-historical-fiction/) - keeping the historical in historical fiction is important, but also have fun in a world where fact and fiction can mingle. fact is fact, but fiction is fiction - [Writing History While Living It](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/writing-history-while-living-it-2/) - Writing history while living it summarizes my post-Oct 7 writing experience. As writers, we can imagine an entirely new world, but truth remain the same. - [Seeing Stars and Other Benchmarks](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/seeing-stars-and-other-benchmarks/) - Seeing stars in kidlit announcements is one more thing that was never explained to me. Stars are awarded by the major trade reviewers: Kirkus, School Library Journal, PublishersWeekly, The Horn Book. This is an evolving list. I'm still learning. Now that I'm supposedly on my way to a career in this, I've had to think - [When Did Writing Jewish Kidlit Become an Act of Resistance?](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/when-did-writing-become-an-act-of-resistance/) - When Did Writing Become an Act of Resistance? Erica Lyons I'm writing Jewish kidlit. This is my pleasure. This is my passion. I'm not letting it go. - [Researching Saliman's World](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/researching-salimans-world/) - Every writer has a favorite (and least favorite) step in the process of creating a manuscript. For me, research is my clear favorite. Research starts the second after I have that 'lightbulb' moment. I love the old Looney Tunes scenes when a literal bulb is turned on over a characters head. Excuse the digression. I - [Kidlit Author Mission Statement to Help You Grow](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/author-mission-statement/) - An author mission statement is a great way to ground yourself as an author and also to help you grow. Know your niche and who you are as a writer. - [ZHEN YU AND THE SNAKE](https://www.erica-lyons.com/my-books/zhen-yu-and-the-snake/) - Zhen Yu and the Snake by Erica Lyons Illustrated by Renia Metallinou Kar-Ben/ Lerner September 2023 Sydney Taylor Notable Long ago in China, a girl named Zhen Yu wanders away from her father at a busy market. A mysterious fortune teller helps Zhen Yu’s father find her, but also warns him that one day - [COUNTING ON NAAMAH](https://www.erica-lyons.com/my-books/counting-on-naamah/) - KidLit: Counting on Naamah: A Mathematical Tale on Noah’s Ark by Erica Lyons Illustrated by Mary Uhles Intergalactic Afikoman 5 September 2023 - [ALONE TOGETHER ON DAN STREET](https://www.erica-lyons.com/my-books/alone-together-on-dan-street/) - 2022 National Jewish Book Awards Finalist. Mira practices the Four Questions on her apartment balcony she finds a way to meld the neighborhood together. - [Shhhhh - Secrets in Kidlit Posts](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shhhhh-secrets-in-kidlit-posts/) - I've been thinking about all of the things that I have learned since signing my first picture book contract in 2021 for Alone Together on Dan Street (published in 2022 by Apples & Honey Press). I'm still learning. Maybe its obvious, but I wasn't sure what to make of all the Shhhh - Secrets in - [Crafting with Saliman and the Memory Stone](https://www.erica-lyons.com/activities/activity/) - Saliman and the Memory Stone is perfectly complimented by a memory stone project. For older students/ children my questions for readers (and listeners) can help guide a discussion about the themes this craft explores. As with all of my worksheets, this is available as a FREE download on my website under the resource tab on - [Alone Together on Dan Street Worksheets (Free Downloads)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/activities/alone-together-on-dan-street-worksheets/) - Click on the links below the images for PDFs of the games and puzzles. Check this page from time to time as I occasionally add new worksheets. Parents and educators, please let me know ideas you have for additional worksheets. Download PDF here: Mira's Word Boggle - [Crafting with Zhen Yu - Tzedakah boxes](https://www.erica-lyons.com/activities/crafting-with-zhen-yu-tzedakah-boxes/) - Crafting with Zhen Yu is a ZHEN YU AND THE SNAKE inspired craft that can be easily replicated at home or in classrooms. Educators, please ask me how I can bring this to your school, community center, or synagogue. The theme of KINDNESS and GIVING TO THOSE IN NEED makes a Tzedakah box project a - [Saliman and the Memory Stone Worksheets (Free Downloads)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/worksheets/saliman-and-the-memory-stone-worksheets-to-download/) - I've been having lots of fun creating FREE downloadable worksheets for my books thanks to Canva! I'm happy to develop additional worksheets so if you (educators and parents) have ideas, please let me know. For school visits, in addition to providing the links, I bring copies for teachers to photocopy. Check this space as I - [Zhen Yu and the Snake Worksheets (Free Downloads)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/worksheets/zhen-yu-and-the-snake-worksheets-free-downloads/) - Baba needs help finding Zhen Yu. Zhen Yu and the Fortune-Teller need help searching for words. Click the links below the images for a downloadable image (PDF) that you can print. Download here: Help Baba Find ZhenYu (maze) Download here: Zhen Yu in the Market - [Counting on Naamah Worksheets (Free Downloads)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/worksheets/test-2/) - Naamah is great at math, but she can use some help with these worksheets. Click the link below the images for a downloadable full-size puzzle that you can print (PDF). Download here: Counting on Naamah's Math Skills (Word Search) Download here: Help Naamah Find Duck - [Not a Muse: The Inner Lives of Women, a World Poetry Anthology (Shoebox of My Life)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/not-a-muse-the-inner-lives-of-women-a-world-poetry-anthology/) - Though I'm very kidlit focused these days, I've been a part of many incredible projects over the years. I just pulled this wonderful anthology off my shelf, Not a Muse: The Inner Lives of Women, a World Poetry Anthology, ed. Kate Rogers and Viki Holmes, Haven Books (July 2010). My poem, SHOEBOX OF MY LIFE, was included - [Finding My Way - The Artist's Way](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/finding-my-way-the-artists-way/) - Erica Lyons Finding My Way – The Artist’s Way Erica Lyons - [Booked for the Hong Kong Lit Festival 2024](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/booked-for-the-hong-kong-lit-festival-2024/) - I'm booked for the Hong Kong International Literary Festival 2024! I'll be speaking about Zhen Yu and the Snake and Counting on Naamah throughout the week at various international schools. As in past years, I'm also meeting adult readers too! This year I'm part of an International Women's Day event (IWD Literary Cocktails) on Tuesday, - [You Wrote - You Deserve an Award!](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/you-wrote-you-deserve-an-award/) - Erica Lyons, You wrote - you deserve an award, awards, best of lists, writing - [Zhen Yu is a Sydney Taylor Notable](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/zhen-yu-is-a-sydney-taylor-notable/) - Zhen Yu and the Snake is a Sydney Taylor Notable! I am thrilled. There were so many great books out these this year. Also, there were 2 books honored this year that celebrated the Chinese Jewish experience. Two New Years by Richard Ho, illustrated by Lynn Scurfield won the award. Double Happiness just in time - [2 Books/ 3 Listings in 31 Days/ 31 Lists](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/2-books-3-listings-in-31-days-31-lists/) - Great news for both Counting on Naamah and Zhen Yu and the Snake! There's a whole lot of numbers in 2 Books/ 3 Listings in 31 Days/ 31 Lists so this first bit of news adds up. Counting on Naamah has made it onto Betsy Bird's 31 Days/ 31 Lists, in the School Library Journal, - [Hadassah Says Counting on Naamah is for Perfect for Hanukkah!](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/hadassah-says-counting-on-naamah-is-for-perfect-for-hanukkah/) - According to Hadassah Magazine, in These Kids Books Make the Best Presents for Hanukkah 2023, Counting on Naamah is an "amusing midrashic reimagining" and the perfect Hanukkah gift. Add some of my Counting on Naamah free coloring pages and worksheets to the gift too or print a copy of the free educator's guides for the teachers - [Rejections Are Sometimes Bittersweet](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/rejections-are-sometimes-bittersweet/) - Rejections are sometimes bitter, but sometimes rejections are bittersweet. Stick with it. Today I found out my manuscript simply has another path. - [Books of Wonder (NYC) on Sunday, October 15](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/books-of-wonder-nyc-on-sunday-october-15/) - I'll be signing books, reading from Zhen Yu and the Snake, and participating in a panel at Books of Wonder in NYC on October 15, 2023 at 1pm at their 17th Street shop. It's my first NYC event! Please RSVP: https://booksofwonder.com/blogs/upcoming/live-picture-book-event - [Bookazine (Hong Kong) Sunday, October 22](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/bookazine-hong-kong-sunday-october-22/) - I'll be reading Zhen Yu and the Snake and Counting on Naamah at Bookazine on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 10am in their Prince's Building shop. There will be cookies! Please RSVP: https://fb.me/e/5fZYKXnbe - [NYC Area Author Visits (October 9-20)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/nyc-area-author-visits-october-9-20/) - [When You Wish You Had a Shoestring](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/when-you-wish-you-had-a-shoestring-book-marketing/) - When You Wish You Had a Shoestring - [Working on any new projects?](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/working-on-any-new-projects/) - When people ask me if I'm working on any new projects, I don't always know how to answer this. Which also makes the question, how is your book coming difficult to answer too. I'm always working on several projects. I have new manuscripts floating around in my head, half written manuscript that I'm stuck on, - [Maybe Not a Review - This May Be New](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/maybe-not-a-review-this-may-be-new/) - This might be a review or it might be old news, but there is much to learn about publishing. When I was a child, my mother was a US history teacher. She had a graduate degree in United States Constitutional History (her thesis was on antidisestablishmentarianism and she made me read it). Then one day - [Picture Books Aren't Just for Kids](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/picture-books-arent-just-for-kids/) - Picture books are for kids, but they aren't just for kids. While picture books are short and presumably written in language that is fairly accessible, they're deceptively complex. They are concise. Every word matters, but structure, rhythm, plot, emotional resonance, and character arc do too. There's virtually no topic that is too large or too - [Looking Forward and Looking Back 2022](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/looking-forward-and-looking-back-2022/) - Looking back to see what progress I made in my new kidlit career, 2022 wasn't the year I thought it would be. I ended up getting so much more than I expected! - [Learning the Business Side of Publishing](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/learning-the-business-side-of-publishing/) - I'm discovering the business side of publishing. I imagined school visits and brainstorming sessions. Sharing my books and traditions is a joy. Invoices aren't. - [Time to Accept That Publishing Isn't a Quick Process](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/time-to-accept-that-publishing-isnt-a-quick-process/) - Book publishing isn't a quick process. I don't think there's another industry like it. Take time and enjoy the process. Some things are worth waiting for. - [Imposter Syndrome is Real in Kidlit](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/imposter-syndrome-is-real-in-kidlit/) - Imposter syndrome is real and I feel it acutely now. I've volunteered to be a mentor for PB Rising Stars! I'm really excited, but considering I signed my first PB contract (first kidlit contract) in 2021 it feels a bit soon to be mentoring. Some mentors opted to accept applications from agented writers. I however - [Preparing for School Visits and Festival Presentations](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/school-visits-and-other-presentations/) - I'm focused on beginning to prepare for school visits and an upcoming literary festival. So far, I've developed my first presentation (proposal). - [On Changing Book Titles: Part of the Process](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/on-changing-book-titles-part-of-the-process/) - Book titles change at various stages of the publishing process. The title you query with may not be the title you go on submission with... - [The Asian Jewish Life Story](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/the-asian-jewish-life-story/) - The story of how and why Asian Jewish Life was founded is perhaps long overdue. Though I have recounted it numerous times, I have yet to tell it in our own journal, but it is particularly relevant to this issue because our story is very much an India story. Though I sit in Hong - [I've Never Been Here Before without a Map](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/ive-never-been-here-before/) - I've never experienced a year like this. I've experience grief before, but it's different each time. There is no map. - [Storystorm: Challenge Completed (Chapter 1)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/storystorm-my-2021-success-story-chapter-1/) - Of all the virtual writing community events, Storystorm perhaps requires the smallest time commitment (and no financial commitment). Participants write down one potential picture book idea each day in the month of January. There's no expectation that these ideas be developed so many of my entries are limited to a few words or a subject tag - [Book Review: Meet the Latkes](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/book-review-meet-the-latkes/) - Meet the Latkes by Alan Silberberg was an instantaneous hit in our home. Lucy Latke and her crazy potato latkes family won us all over completely. - [A Rollercoaster: Ups & Downs of Covid Writing](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-15/) - These couple of weeks were more of the rollercoaster of publishing's (and life's) ups and downs: a new contract, a rejection, and a yarzheit. - [My Grief is Real - Now I'm Writing it](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-24/) - My grief is now real. My mother is gone. Now I have to find a way to write about it. As it turns outFrayda, my new main character, lost her mother too. - [Adoption and Fostering in Jewish KitLit](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/jewish-adoption-kidlit/) - There are very few books on adoption or fostering in Jewish kidlt. I would like to see this change. - [Writing, Editing, Querying, Repeat](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-18/) - It was more writing, editing, and querying. Repeat. I'm still determined to get a piece into Tiny Love - one day. I wrote and then revised a picture book manuscript based on a story from Talmud. I'm particularly excited about it because it's a somewhat obscure story and I was able to give an unnamed - [How to Measure Progress and Success](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-9/) - I may need to reevaluate my definition of success and progressor the time being. Being everything to everybody is hard work. - [Do Something You're Not Good At](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/do-something-youre-not-good-at/) - What I didn't understand was that it's not just ok not to be good at something, sometimes it's great to not be good. I recently took up painting. - [Once Upon a Quarantine](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/once-upon-a-quarantine/) - Once upon a time, I imagined that one day there would be a table at a favorite coffeeshop where I would write. Instead there's a pandemic and I'm in quarantine. - [Ways to Give Aid for COVID Relief in India](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/ways-to-give-aid-for-covid-relief-in-india/) - The Jewish community of India is very dear to my heart. India is undergoing a major COVID crisis right now. If we have all learned anything from COVID, it is that we are all in this together. If you want to send help, here are a few Jewish organizations that are sending general aid to - [Publishing Filled With Losses and Wins](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-20/) - Publishing is filled with losses and wins though this week it was mostly wins. My piece for Modern Loss was published so I suppose that is a publishing win. - [Podcast Appearance: Know Your Niche](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/podcast-appearance-know-your-niche/) - I appeared on the All the Write Marketing podcast to discuss Knowing Your Niche. We covered my kidlit journeybefore I knew there was going to be one. - [At My Desk, but Off and Running: Writing and Editing](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/off-and-running/) - A busy start to a new year of adventures in writing kidlit (middle grade and picture books.) - [Mock Sydney Taylor Book Award Winners Announced!](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/mock-sydney-taylor-book-award-winners-announced/) - Alone Together on Dan Street was the mock winner of the 2022 Sydney Taylor picture book prize! - [Finalist for the National Jewish Book Awards](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/finalist-for-the-national-jewish-book-awards/) - Alone Together on Dan Street was selected as a Finalist in the 72nd National Jewish Book Awards! I'm so grateful to Behrman House/ Apples & Honey Press for taking a chance on a debut author (and Jen Jamieson, a debut illustrator) and on a pandemic story. - [What To Expect When You Have a Publishing Offer](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/what-to-expect-when-you-have-a-publishing-offer/) - You have a publishing contract. Now what? Can someone write this guide? I'm one year in and I have no idea what is going on sometimes. - [Alone Together: The Making of a Picture Book Debut](https://www.erica-lyons.com/events/creating-alone-together-the-making-of-a-picture-book-debut/) - Talking about creating our picture book debut: Alone Together on Dan Street. - [Save the Cat and My Manuscript](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/confessions-of-a-pantser-save-the-cat-and-my-manuscript/) - My cat is fine. My manuscript isn't. There are reasons for this. I'm a pantser. I don't outline. I don't write character worksheets. I don't plot. I don't plan. - [New Book: GROWING UP JEWISH IN INDIA](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/growing-up-jewish-in-india/) - Our new book is out! Growing Up Jewish In India, ed. Ori Z Soltes, Niyogi Books, October 2021, is a collection of essays and over 150 images that explore how Indian Jews retained their unique characteristics, as well as became integrated into the larger society of India. I, not having grown up in India, contributed an essay - [Tablet Magazine's Best of Children's Books 2022](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/tablet-magazines-best-of-childrens-books-2022/) - My debut Alone Together on Dan Street was named one of Tablet Magazine's Best Children's Books of 2022. - [Shavua Shorts: More Writing About My Mom](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-23/) - This week was mostly focused on trying to pack away some of my mother's things. It's been over a year, but everything was left just as it was the day she fell. She was disorganized and accumulated far too many things, but none of that ever mattered. Here's what I read at her unveiling: Mom - [Changemakers: Jewish Federations of North America (15 June 2021)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/events/changemakers-jewish-federations-of-north-america/) - As the founder of Asian Jewish Life, I'll be speaking with Changemakers Fellows about my story and the impact I'm making on the Jewish community and through a Jewish lens. This event is scheduled for June 15, 2021 at 12:30pm New York / 19:30 Tel Aviv. To learn more about this incredible fellowship opportunity, visit - [Book Deal Announcement: ZHEN YU AND THE SNAKE](https://www.erica-lyons.com/kidlit/book-deal-announcement-zhen-yu-and-the-snake/) - I have a new book deal! From Publishers Marketplace: Erica Lyons's ZHEN YU AND THE SNAKE, pitched as a retelling of the famous story of Rabbi Akiva's daughter and the snake from the Talmud, set in Kaifeng, China in the 12th century, illustrated by Renia Metallinou, to Joni Sussman at Kar-Ben, for publication in fall 2023, by Caryn Wiseman at Andrea - [Shavua Shorts](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-26/) - It has been a few weeks since my last post. Ok. It's been a month, but I've been busy with family and friends, the beach and eating. We all traveled to Israel to see my daughter. I also had the privilege of traveling for a week (childfree) with an incredible group of women through an - [Kidlit from Passover Past (Behrman House 1952)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/kidlit-from-passover-past-behrman-house-1952/) - My mother saved two books from her childhood: The Passover Story and The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám. My copy of The Rubaiyat is in NY so I can't revisit that now, but my love of kidlit (and my love of my mother, obm), prompted me to take another look at The Passover Story by Morrison David Bial, illustrated - [The Vaccine Wasn’t Ready in Time to Save Mom (published on Modern Loss)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/the-vaccine-wasnt-ready-in-time-to-save-mom/) - It’s Sunday, April 11, 2021. Two days from now, it will have been one year since my mother passed away, according to the Gregorian calendar. The yahrzeit, or anniversary on the Hebrew calendar, has just passed, and I spent most of that day in bed... And now, if I can hold it together for just - [Signed with an Agent!](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-22/) - I think I'm meant to write one of those long 'how I found my agent' posts because I'm now officially represented by Caryn Wiseman of the Andrea Brown Literacy Agency! I'm so excited to begin to work on my MG Historical Fiction (1978 Soviet Union Refuseniks) and know that I have found the perfect person - [Shavua Shorts: A Rollercoaster of Emotions](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-14/) - It's been a BIG week and a rollercoaster of emotions. Yes, again. Vaccine (2nd dose) UN-booked (by the government)! There were alleged irregularities with the packaging of the BioNTech vaccine and the program has been halted while an investigation is underway. Of course, the batch I received is the batch in question. Of course, all the - [The Call (Agent Offer): Saying No](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-13/) - It's been a BIG week and a rollercoaster of emotions. Vaccine booked! Two days before the first yahrzeit (anniversary) of my mother's death, I will be fully vaccinated against the disease that killed her. As for writing news, I have a second picture book under contract! Since this was the story that I had submitted to - [I'm a KidLit Author: My First Book Contract!](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-12/) - It's official! I'm an author! I was offered my first book contract for a picture book manuscript. Before I open the champagne, there are two things standing in the way of my celebration. Firstly, I want to call my mother. I always do, but especially now. She would have been even more excited than me. - [Twitter on Publishing](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-11/) - If Twitter was actual publishing, I could confidently say that I'm extremely prolific, but, then again, it were life, I could say that I'm social. For all the negativity that people associate with Twitter, and social media generally, I feel like I've really found community there. It's strange to think about how and where you - [Business Cards](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-27/) - I held my debut picture book (Alone Together on Dan Street) in my hands and then also realized that it was on pre-order online! I'm going to have actual readers soon! It might not seem obvious, but there's a business side to writing and I realized that my business cards (as if I'm actually going - [Book Deal Announcement: ZHEN YU AND THE SNAKE](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/book-deal-announcement-zhen-yu-and-the-snake-2/) - It's official! I've seen the artwork and it's absolutely beautiful! So excited to make this book with Kar-Ben Publishing and illustrator Renia Metallinou. - [How I Found My Agent (Part 1/3: Lost)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/how-i-found-my-agent-part-1-3-lost/) - This post is long overdue (and long). I had a number of false starts to my KidLit career and learned many lessons along the way. In 2015, I participated in NaNoWriMo. I had recently decided that I wanted to write for children. I knew that I wanted to write the kinds of stories that I - [Shavua Shorts (Spring Fling Win!)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-19/) - Writing can be slow and solitary. This turned out to be a pretty exciting week in my writing world. I was a winner of the Spring Fling KidLit Contest for my story The Art of the Park. I joined The Authors Guild. I'm finishing the last (hopefully) round of edits on my debut picture book. - [My First Published Piece](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/my-first-published-piece/) - My debut picture book is out this March (Alone Together on Dan Street, Apples & Honey Press, March 2022) and this has been making me think about my writing journey. I recently found my first published piece! I wrote "Where the Lilies Bloom" in Grade 3 and it still resonates with me. I can picture myself - [How I Found My Agent (Part 3/3: Finding My Way)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/how-i-found-my-agent-part-3-3-finding-my-way/) - My pandemic writing woes were answered in January 2021. I finally discovered STORYSTORM. This was perfect! I could easy jot down an idea even with the chaos of a city in extended lockdown mode (still true today) and my family in my writing space. I was still set on writing novels, but this was a - [Read 100+ New Picture Books: Easier Said than Done](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/read-100-new-picture-books-easier-said-than-done/) - The idea that picture book writers should read 100/300/500 new traditionally published picture books to improve their craft is great advice, essential even. With envy, I view social media pictures of giant stacks of new releases that writers have borrowed from their public libraries. Access to seemingly unlimited numbers of new English language picture books - [Text Message from Mom](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/text-message-from-mom/) - Text Messages from Mom I woke up today to three new text messages from my mother. We buried her in April, but apparently not her phone. “There’s a logical explanation,” says my husband, “Call your dad.” “Why?” “Maybe he found the phone and turned it on. They’re from the morning of the accident. They - [Book Deal Announcement: ON A CHARIOT OF FIRE](https://www.erica-lyons.com/kidlit/book-deal-on-a-chariot-of-fire/) - [How I Found My Agent (Part 2/3: Getting Directions)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/how-i-found-my-agent-part-2-3-getting-directions/) - How I Found My Agent (Part 2/3: Getting Directions) In 2015, I decided to do just that, learn how the industry operates. I joined SCBWI and joined an incredible SCWBI Hong Kong critique group. I read and read and read (MG, YA, blogs, anything industry-related). I had no shortage of ideas. I started many projects - [Book Deal Announcement: MIXED-UP MOONCAKES](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/book-deal-announcement-mixed-up-mooncakes/) - [MIXED-UP MOONCAKES](https://www.erica-lyons.com/my-articles/mixed-up-mooncakes-2/) - [Panelist for SCBWI Israel event](https://www.erica-lyons.com/events/panelist-for-scbwi-israel-event/) - I didn't make the flyer, but I will be a panelist for this thought-provoking event. - [From Publishers Weekly: Kids' Titles That Put the 'Holy' in 'Holiday'](https://www.erica-lyons.com/in-the-press/from-publishers-weekly-kids-titles-that-put-the-holy-in-holiday/) - Alone Together on Dan Street is included in Publishers Weekly's Kids' Titles That Put the ‘Holy’ in ‘Holiday’ https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/religion/article/88697-kids-titles-that-put-the-holy-in-holiday.html - [It's Been Another (Gregorian calendar) Year](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/its-been-another-gregorian-calendar-year/) - As I prepare to say goodbye to 2021 (likely a bit earlier for me in this part of the world than for most), there's so much to reflect on, but I'll focus on writing in this space. 2021, despite the challenges, was the year that I officially launched my KidLit career! While I have been - [Coming Soon!](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/coming-soon/) - Alone Together on Dan Street, Apples & Honey Press, March 2022 (PB) Counting on Naamah: A Mathematical Midrash on Noah’s Ark, Intergalactic Afikoman, 2022 (PB) - [Shavua Shorts](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-8/) - Happy Lunar New Year! Kung Hei Fat Choi! It was a strangely quiet, but beautiful holiday this year. With much of the city shutdown, we missed out on large scale celebrations, but we enjoyed some incredible hikes and great weather with friends. The holiday also meant though that my time was even more limited, but - [A Year in Review](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/a-year-in-review/) - This year, there are plenty of things that I didn't get done: deadlines that weren't met, trips not taken, and occasions not celebrated. While it's easy to focus on loses, I'd like to try to end this year looking at my gains. First and foremost, the six of us have emerged virus-free. I also managed - [Storystorm (Chapter 2)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/storystorm-chapter-2/) - Though January is long gone, Storystorm isn't – at least for me it's not. I have made additional copies of the pages I used in January and taped them into my notebook. While I'm still inconsistent and undisciplined, tending to work in spurts, this is helping me to create a dedicated space to brainstorm and - [WJC Plenary: Diversity in Jewish Leadership – Pathways & Opportunities for an Inclusive Future (13 May 2021)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/events/test/) - On 13 May 2021, 09:00 (New York), 15:00 (Brussels), 16:00 (Jerusalem) at the WJC Plenary, I will participate in a panel discussion on Diversity in Jewish Leadership – Pathways & Opportunities for an Inclusive Future. This event is designed to start conversations on the benefits of diversity, from a leadership perspective, addressing opportunities and challenges. The World Jewish - [The Art of the Park: An Insider’s View for Spring Fling 2021](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/spring-fling-2021/) - The Art of the Park: An Insider’s View Word count: 150 On Mondays Ari drew Josh playing soccer. On Tuesdays he painted Lilah feeding the ducks. On Wednesdays he sketched Zayde playing chess. On Thursdays he sculpted the carousel horses. On Fridays he collaged scenes from the boathouse. On weekends he folded origami zoo - [Book Review: Let's Talk About Race](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/book-review-lets-talk-about-race/) - I am completely gobsmacked by the sheer beauty and wisdom of Let’s Talk About Race by Julius Lester. The clarity of his language and the importance of his message stands on its own, but the book is further enhanced by the bold and colourful illustrations by Karen Barbour. - [Book Review: Flowers in Full Bloom](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/feeling-nostalgic-flowers-in-full-bloom/) - Maybe it's because its finally spring here in Hong Kong or just because I'm feeling a bit nostalgic, but I pulled Flowers in Full Bloom from my bookshelf. It was one of my favorite childhood books and one of the few I saved. The drawings by Lin Wan-tsui are beautiful and it was those - [Book Review: The Wolf of Baghdad- Memoir of a Lost Homeland](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/book-review-the-wolf-of-baghdad-memoir-of-a-lost-homeland/) - The Wolf of Baghdad: Memoir of a Lost Homeland by Carol Isaacs (the Surreal McCoy) is a hauntingly beautiful graphic memoir that tells the story of Isaacs family in Jewish Baghdad almost without words. The haunting images put Isaacs into her family's history in a homeland she has never visited. The memoir is deeply moving - [Writer’s Profile: An Interview With Erica Lyons](https://www.erica-lyons.com/in-the-press/writers-profile-an-interview-with-erica-lyons/) - By: Karen Greenberg Erica, where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in Edison, New Jersey and lived in the same house until I left for college. My parent had moved in several years before I was born. I had the same rabbi for my baby naming, my bat - [Jewish Asian/ Asia (Far East) KidLit](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/jewish-asian-asia-far-east-kidlit/) - This is an ongoing list that I will continue to update, but a topic that comes up often in my community. This list is part of a larger conversation about what qualifies as Jewish literature and what qualifies as Asian literature and where these topics intersect. With Asian Jewish Life this was also a reoccurring - [The KidLit That Got Me Through the Pandemic (Part 1)](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/the-kidlit-that-got-me-through-the-pandemic-part-1/) - While the pandemic has been long, my time to myself has been short. With four children learning in an apartment since January, we are all trying our best. Three are online and one, with special needs, does most of her learning with me. As the emerging independent reader in the family, we’ve read hundreds of - [Shavua Shorts](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-7/) - Four weeks have gone by that included a 2 week trip to Israel followed by a 2 week hotel quarantine. I’m making the most of my quarantine to finish polishing my middle grade manuscript and to compile a list of agents to query. I surprised myself by managing to enjoy the editing process and was - [Shavua Shorts](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-6/) - Exchanged another two chapters of my MG Historical Fiction with my critique partner. Received one rejection on a piece I submitted to a journal last month. Decided that NaNoWriMo is unrealistic because I will be traveling to Israel in November, but given the fact that I have to complete a 14-day quarantine at the end - [Shavua Shorts](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-5/) - As my computer dies a slow death, I have been in a rush to try to make sure that everything is saved somewhere. I can only work in about 10 minute spurts (battery runs out FAST even when the computer is charging), but have still managed to get some writing in. Finished Chapter 1 of - [Shavua Shorts](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-4/) - It wasn't the most productive week, but considering it was a school holiday for Sukkot and Mid-Autumn Festival anything that I accomplished was a bonus. The current news cycle didn't help with focus either. I did get out for a few hikes and to the beach so it was still a pretty good week. Exchanged - [Shavua Shorts](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-shorts-3/) - Wrote an essay about my cat and submitted it to a contest. Wrote and submitted a 55-word flash piece (Welter 55 Contest) thanks to Erika Dreifus’s The Practising Writer. Worked on another 2 chapters of my Historical MG with my fabulous critique partner. Started work on a longer form CNF piece. Caught up on some - [Shavua Shorts](https://www.erica-lyons.com/the-blog/shavua-short/) - Welcome to my first Shavua Shorts post. Shavua is the Hebrew word meaning 'week'. This is where I'll list my writing progress for the week and sometimes also what I've read and am reading, a picture, or link too. Today, I also needed to take time to reflect since it is September 11th. In New ## Pages - [HOME](https://www.erica-lyons.com/) - [fusion_builder_container admin_label="About Erica" type="legacy" hundred_percent="no" hundred_percent_height="no" min_height="" hundred_percent_height_scroll="no" align_content="stretch" flex_align_items="flex-start" flex_justify_content="flex-start" flex_column_spacing="" hundred_percent_height_center_content="yes" equal_height_columns="no" container_tag="div" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" status="published" publish_date="" class="" id="" link_color="" link_hover_color="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_right="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_color="" border_style="solid" margin_top_medium="" margin_bottom_medium="" margin_top_small="" margin_bottom_small="" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" padding_top_medium="" padding_right_medium="" padding_bottom_medium="" padding_left_medium="" padding_top_small="" padding_right_small="" padding_bottom_small="" padding_left_small="" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" box_shadow="no" box_shadow_vertical="" box_shadow_horizontal="" box_shadow_blur="0" box_shadow_spread="0" box_shadow_color="" box_shadow_style="" z_index=""Erica Lyons | Erica Lyons - [ABOUT ERICA](https://www.erica-lyons.com/about-erica/) - About Erica Erica Lyons is a Hong Kong-based children’s book author focusing on picture books and middle grade novels with a preference for historical fiction. Her debut picture book, Alone Together on Dan Street, was a National Jewish Book Awards Finalist. Her second book, Zhen Yu and the Snake, was a Sydney Taylor Prize Notable. - [MY BOOKS](https://www.erica-lyons.com/my-books-2/) - Counting on Naamah: A Mathematical Tale on Noah’s Ark by Erica Lyons Illustrated by Mary Uhles Intergalactic Afikoman 5 September 2023 Rosie Revere Engineer meets Noah’s Ark! What if Naamah, Noah’s wife, was actually a math and engineering whiz? Enjoy this fun, zany, and girl-powered take on the traditional Noah’s Ark story. Available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, - [AUTHOR VISITS](https://www.erica-lyons.com/author-visits/) - I’m happy to arrange a visit to your school, synagogue, or community center. I live in Hong Kong, but make regular trips to the United States. I’m also available via Zoom. To arrange a visit, please reach out through my contact page and we can work on creating the ideal program for your group together. - [WORKSHEETS / ACTIVITIES](https://www.erica-lyons.com/worksheets-activities/) - Worksheets & Activities Erica Lyons2024-10-27T19:47:06+08:00On a Chariot of Fire WorksheetsErica Lyons2024-10-27T19:47:06+08:00October 27th, 2024|Comments Off on On a Chariot of Fire WorksheetsWhile I love coming into schools, you can use these worksheets in your classroom or at home too. I try to make these for all of my books and hope to add more sheets like - [MY BOOKS](https://www.erica-lyons.com/my-books/) - Alone Together on Dan Street by Erica Lyons, illustrated by Jennifer Jamieson Apples & Honey Press, March 2022 Available now from Behrman House and on Amazon, Book […] Counting on Naamah: A Mathematical Midrash on Noah’s Ark by Erica Lyons, illustrated by Mary Uhles Intergalactic Afikoman, September 2023 Zhen-Yu and the Snake by Erica Lyons, - [NEWS / EVENTS](https://www.erica-lyons.com/news/) - News & Events Erica Lyons2024-10-14T19:49:46+08:00Book Deal: Lily’s Hong Kong Honey CakeErica Lyons2024-10-14T19:49:46+08:00October 14th, 2024|Comments Off on Book Deal: Lily’s Hong Kong Honey CakeAs reported in Publishers Weekly: Dena Neusner at Apples & Honey Press has acquired world rights to Lily's Hong Kong Honey Cake by Erica Lyons, illustrated by Bonnie Pang, a picture book about - [AUTHOR VISITS](https://www.erica-lyons.com/author-visits-2/) - I’m happy to arrange a visit to your school, synagogue, or community center. I live in Hong Kong, but make regular trips to the United States. I’m also available via Zoom. If you want to arrange a visit, please reach out through my contact page and we can work on creating the ideal program for - [BLOG](https://www.erica-lyons.com/blog/) - Erica Lyons2024-12-17T19:43:52+08:00Giving a Dead Manuscript Some LifeErica Lyons2024-12-17T19:43:52+08:00December 17th, 2024|Blog|Rejection is an inevitable part of everyone’s publishing journey at every stage. And with rejections come “dead manuscripts”. Well, I’ve just decided to start giving my dead manuscripts some life (and some love) by painting [Read More] Erica Lyons2024-10-14T20:17:55+08:00Feeding Our Folktales to the SeaErica Lyons2024-10-14T20:17:55+08:00October 14th, - [CONTACT ERICA](https://www.erica-lyons.com/contact-erica/) - CONTACT ERICA: Via email: erica@erica-lyons.com On Twitter: @EFLyons On Facebook: ericalyonswrites On Instagram: ericalyonswrites Or use my form: First Name * First Last Name * Last Email * Website Subject * Message * If you are human, leave this field blank. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.erica-lyons.com/privacy-policy/) - Introduction. Erica-Lyons.com takes your online privacy seriously. You may visit this site anonymously as often as you like without providing any personally identifying information (such as your name, address or e-mail address). We do not collect personally identifying information from you except when you specifically provide it, and we protect the information we receive. We ## Portfolio - [Forest Living](https://www.erica-lyons.com/portfolio-items/avada-law-project/) - Forest Living HOW WE TACKLED THE BRIEF GIVEN TO US Brief Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam. Quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate - [Big Softy](https://www.erica-lyons.com/portfolio-items/big-softy/) - Big Softy HOW WE TACKLED THE BRIEF GIVEN TO US Brief Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam. Quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate - [Monochrome Blog](https://www.erica-lyons.com/portfolio-items/monochrome-blog/) - Monochrome Blog HOW WE TACKLED THE BRIEF GIVEN TO US Brief Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam. Quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate - [Hive Online Styling](https://www.erica-lyons.com/portfolio-items/hive-online-styling/) - Hive Online Styling HOW WE TACKLED THE BRIEF GIVEN TO US Brief Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam. Quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in - [Big Data](https://www.erica-lyons.com/portfolio-items/big-data/) - Big Data HOW WE TACKLED THE BRIEF GIVEN TO US Brief Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam. Quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate - [When The Planets Align](https://www.erica-lyons.com/portfolio-items/when-the-planets-align/) - When The Planets Align HOW WE TACKLED THE BRIEF GIVEN TO US Brief Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam. Quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. 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