ABOUT

As an author, illustrator, educator and parent, Erika is most passionate about telling stories that involve quirky characters and humor, as well as those that celebrate and affirm diversity of all types and those that promote social-emotional learning and development. Erika Lynne Jones is the illustrator of The Loud Librarian published by Simon and Schuster (2023) and Black Girls: A Celebration of You published by HarperCollins (2023) and The Feelings Deck for Kids published by Bala Kids (March 2024). Her author/illustrator debut, Zara In the Middle will be published by HarperCollins in the Summer of 2025.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Erika attended Southern Methodist University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast News as well as a Master of Arts Administration and her Masters of Business Administration. Formerly, Erika served as Founding Executive Director of America SCORES, Dallas, an after school literacy and fitness program that served the Dallas Independent School District. Currently, Erika educates her three daughters at home in Dallas, Texas.

Erika loves using cut paper collages to tell inclusive stories that affirm children and bring them joy. Her vibrant work has been featured on Good Morning Texas, Texas Today, DFW Child Magazine, The Washington Post and Mrs. Laura Bush’s 2023 Summer Reading List for Kids. To learn more about Erika, please visit her at erikalynnejones.com.

HONORS & AWARDS

• 2023 Ms. Laura Bush’s Summer Reading List
• 2021 Participant in the Carol Harris Simms National Black Art Competition and Exhibition (6 month Exhibit at Dallas African American Museum).
• Grand Prize Winner of the “Beans Around The World” illustration contest sponsored by They Draw and Cook and The USDA Dry Bean Council (2020).
• 2020 Honors Award for SCBWI North Texas Portfolio Competition
• 2020 Kweli Journal Color of Children’s Literature Illustrator Scholarship Winner
• 2020 Make Art That Sells Illustrating Children’s Books Video Competition
• Published in They Draw and Travel’s map anthology, 100 Illustrated Maps of Very Special Places.