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 new year sweet no matter where you are.
Lily’s family ran a pastry shop in Vienna. Every Rosh Hashanah, they baked honey cakes for their customers. But when war comes, they must leave everything behind. They first travel to Shanghai, where they are able to open a new bakery. Each year, Lily learned more about baking. She helped to mix and pour the batter, measure the ingredients, and passed out the wrapped up treats. But each year, there are changes. When the flour runs out, they have to use rice instead. There were fewer customers, and the newspaper wrappings were showing bad news.
Soon, Lily’s family has to move again, to Hong Kong. With rations there was even less than usual. There would be no honey cake this year. But Lily had been watching how her parents had made do in the years before, and she had some ideas of her own. Because despite all the changes, everyone deserves to have a sweet new year.
School Library Journal – Starred Review
“Themes of displacement, cultural integration, and the power of tradition are seamlessly woven throughout this moving, accessible narrative, offering young readers a gentle entry point into refugee experiences.”
VERDICT A first purchase for libraries building collections around Jewish history, refugee experiences, and stories of resilience for young readers.
Association of Jewish Libraries
A Holiday Highlight Title for the best Jewish holiday children’s books of Fall 2025.
“The message of “home is where the honey cake is” feels especially apt with so much upheaval in the world.”
“The language and content are repetitive in word or concept—cleverly done, showing that even when things change, some things remain the same… An enjoyable, inspiring story.”
Abby Lester, Director of the Global Archives of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
“Lily’s Hong Kong Honey Cake is a captivating tale weaving together resilience, community, and the power of tradition. It offers young readers a valuable lesson in Jewish history that should never be forgotten.”
Fanny Lu, Executive Director of The Hong Kong Heritage Project
“Set amidst the lesser-known history of Jewish refugees’ experiences in Shanghai and Hong Kong during and after the Second World War, Lily’s Hong Kong Honey Cake is a sweet illustration of Jewish tradition, community spirit and human resilience during difficult times, gently inspiring hope and strength. A cozy and heartwarming read.”
On sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.