When young Saliman's family left Yemen in 1881 to move to Jerusalem there were so many things they could not take along.

Promising to remember it all, even the names of each their goats and the color of their fur, he clutched his memory stone, a piece of his house that he kept in his pocket, as a way to keep Yemen in his heart.

Saliman and the Memory Stone is a fictionalization of the real emigration of hundreds of Yemeni Jews to Jerusalem. Saliman might be leaving home, but he will always have his memories of Yemen. And even when they are without, he is reminded that he has everything he needs in his heart and in his community.

About the Author

Erica Lyons is the chair of the Hong Kong Jewish Historical Society and the founder of Hong Kong’s PJ Library program. She is the author of Alone Together on Dan Street, a National Jewish Book Award finalist. She lives in Hong Kong.

About the Illustrator

Yinon Ptahia has illustrated more than twenty children’s books. Like Saliman’s family, Yinon’s grandparents also lived near Sana’a, Yemen, and emigrated to Israel. He lives in Israel.

Highlights

  • Historical fiction story inspired by the true story of a friend of the author, about the migration of hundreds of Yemeni Jews to Jerusalem
  • Israeli-Yemeni illustrator's grandparents also made the journey from Yemen in the same migration
  • Yemeni experts were consulted on the book
  • Relevant to modern audiences, SEL messaging about change and moving, remembering the past, and making new memories
  • Includes historical note about emigration from Yemen
  • Includes recipe for kubaneh, a Yemenite bread
  • Erica Lyons’ book Alone Together on Dan Street short-listed for the Sydney Taylor Book Award

 Saliman and the Memory Stone

By Erica Lyons

Illustrated by Yinon Ptahia

Apples  & Honey Press, an imprint of Behrman House

ISBN 978-168115-631-6

Ages 3-6, 32 pages, 8 3/8 x 10 7/8

$18.95 Hardcover

PUBLICATION MAY 2024

Available for Pre-order at IndieBound, Barnes and Noble, Amazon

Apples & Honey press titles are distributed by Two Rivers Ingram; available to libraries and schools through Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Macklin, and others.