Erica Lyons is a Hong Kong-based children's book author who loves creating stories from the footnotes of history books. She is the chair of the Hong Kong Jewish Historical Society and the Hong Kong Delegate to the World Jewish Congress. She is the founder and director of PJ Library Hong Kong and of Asian Jewish Life, a journal of spirit, society, and culture. She is the mother of five children and two cats.

Author Residence: Hong Kong, China

Siona Benjamin is an Indian-American Jewish artist. She has exhibited in the United States, Europe, and Asia, and has an MFA in painting from Southern Illinois University, and an MFA in theater set design from the University of Illinois. She was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in 2011 to India, and to Israel in 2016. She's received praise in numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, and The Times of India.

Illustrator Residence: New York, NY

"Intensely colored multimedia illustrations vividly highlight the stories of the past... A visually enticing testament to the diversity of Jewish life.' - Kirkus

"Gouache, markers, and colored pencil and brush pens [create] dramatic, mural-like compositions and dreamy, swirling colors to offer a lesser-told story to a new generation." - Publishers Weekly

"Benjamin's vibrant, mixed-media illustrations bring this historical setting to life while also emphasizing specific details (mezuzot, six-pointed stars, Shabbat candles) that contemporary children will recognize." - Booklist

"Benjamin's sumptuous-hued mixed-media illustrations swirl with color and movement in this story of an underrepresented aspect of Jewish history." - Horn Book

Publisher: Levine Querido

Pub date: 2024-09-03

Length: 40 pages