As an author, illustrator, educator and parent, Erika is most passionate about telling stories involving quirky characters and humor that promote social-emotional learning and development, as well as those that celebrate and affirm diversity of all types. Erika Lynne Jones is the illustrator of The Loud Librarian published by Simon and Schuster (2023), Black Girls: A Celebration of You published by HarperCollins (2023) and The Feelings Deck for Kids published by Bala Kids (2024). Her author/illustrator debut, Zara In the Middle has received a starred review from the School Library Journal and was published by HarperCollins in 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.
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. Erika has most recently been named the Litery Arts Honoree by the ArtCentre of Plano. Join her free community for parents, teachers and librarians Joyful Noise, via her website using this link.
HONORS & AWARDS
- 2024 Outstanding Merit Recognition in the Best Children’s Books of The Year 2024 edition (Black Girls: A Celebration of You)
- 2024 Children’s Book Council Favorite’s Award (Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Category)
- 2024 Reading Rockstars (Texas Book Festival) Program Presenter
- 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).
- 2020 Honors Award for SCBWI North Texas Portfolio Competition
- 2020 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 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.
Hi There,
Thanks so much for taking the time to learn more about me. You can learn a LOT more about me by checking out my media page. I hope you will stay in touch with me by signing up for my newsletter, Joyful Noise. And please check out my books at your favorite online retailer.
If you would like to work together on a book please contact my agent, Claire Morance at Claire@ painted-words.com.
Sincerely,
Erika Lynne Jones
Author/Illustrator
