“Erika, thank you so much for a wonderful presentation! The kids and teachers were equally thrilled. You’ve inspired many a budding artist and taught all of our K/T1 kids that they are capable of more than they realized.”
Jody Stout, M.S., M.L.S.Librarian, Erik Jonsson Media Center, The Lamplighter School
School and Library Visits (Virtual Or In Person)
Now booking for Spring 2025 and the 2025-2026 School Year.
Please fill out this form to inquire about having Erika for an author/illustrator appearance.
As a parent and homeschool teacher I have developed a passion for sharing books and art with children and the adults that raise them. Each presentation runs between 30 and 45-minutes and can be combined with another presentation for the appropriate grade level.
In ALL Visits I aim to inspire:
- Enthusiasm for reading, writing and other forms of creativity
- Self Awareness and Acceptance
- A celebration of differences amongst classmates
- The simplicity and joy involved in making art and storytelling
Presentation Topics for School Visits
Zara in the Middle - Finding My Voice in my Picture Book Process
Erika’s author/illustrator debut, Zara in the Middle was a labor of love that took five years to complete. Erika will read the book, which is a multi-generational story about finding your voice and the strength of family to students and share the real life inspiration behind the story and the art. reads her popular picture book. Erika ends the presentation with a Q and A. A fun activity kit will be provided to distribute to students after the school visit. Read more about Zara in the Middle here.
The Loud Librarian - Dare to be Different, Dare to Draw
In this school visit presentation, Erika reads her popular picture book, The Loud Librarian, written by Jenna Beatrice. She does a fun read along and talks about the process of illustrating her first picture book. Instructors can choose between a Q & A with students or a draw along session in which students draw the main character, Penelope. Read more about The Loud Librarian, written by Jenna Beatrice, here.
“Is it possible to hear someone bring their images to life? It is when you have Illustrator, Erika Lynne Jones, reading to your K-8th grade scholars! Ms. Erika left a lasting impression on our scholars with her vibrancy and genuine love of storytelling!”
Brandi Brown, Executive Director
HYPE Freedom School, Inc.
Crafting Your Own Feelings Deck Portrait
Inspired by the art in her 2024 card deck release, Feelings Deck for Kids: 30 Activities for Handling Big Emotions, Erika talks about using shapes to express emotions and walks students through making a cut paper portrait of the emotion of their choice. This presentation was a hit at the Texas Book Festival Illustrator’s tent in Austin, Texas. Read more about Feelings Deck for Kids here.
Black Girls, Let’s Celebrate You
In this presentation, Erika reads her picture book, Black Girls: A Celebration of You!, written by Dominique Furukawa. She talks about the inspiration behind the art for the book and guides students in making a cut paper portrait celebrating their unique personality and attributes. If time permits a Q & A can be incorporated. Educators may enjoy incorporating the Black Girls Educator’s Guide before or after the workshop. Read more about Black Girls: A Celebration of You here.
Want to Book Erika?
I am now booking for Spring 2025 and the 2025-2026 School Year and beyond.
Please fill out this form to inquire about having Erika for an author/illustrator appearance.