ALONE TOGETHER ON DAN STREET

Video Interview with Erica Cohen Lyons, author of ALONE TOGETHER ON DAN STREET

PB (Picture Book Tasting) -- ALONE TOGETHER ON DAN STREET by Erica Cohen Lyons, illustrated by Jennifer Jamieson

A story that begins and ends with singing is a definite keeper in my opinion.  This is not only a story of singing and Passover.  It's a story of togetherness, loneliness, helping each other make it through challenging times, kindness, sharing, and so much more of what the world needs now. When Mira's family in Jerusalem is confined to home during the pandemic, Passover preparations are a little different.  When Mira starts thinking about all the people around her who will have to celebrate Passover alone, she makes a plan to quell the loneliness and finds a way to bring everyone together for Passover!   Interspersed with a lot of Passover culture and Jewish connections, this book is nonetheless perfect for every kid and every person.  Mira encourages us all to think of others and invite the strangers in. It's a perfect book for Passover, and for any other time as well!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

I have gone down the Dayenu rabbit hole!  I adore this Passover song.  I love this version because it's clear and easy to follow and I love how he speaks about the meaning of the song.   Dayenu means enough, and the song talks about all the amazing things God did for the Jewish people, but even if He had only done ONE of those things, it would have been enough.  A fun and beautiful song about gratitude! Be forewarned:  If you are in a public school setting, he does talk about God in this song (It is, after all, a Passover song -- and Passover is a very religious holiday.). Use your discretion if you choose to use it.  It is a lovely song, with incredible meaning for people of faith.  If you'd like something Jewish to go along with this study, I can recommend this Israeli folksong (Zum Gali Gali Gali, Zum Gali Gali)  It would be great in a music class or a regular classroom or anywhere you'd like a bit of Jewish folksong.

​Teacher Tips/Curriculum Tie-ins

• Research/discuss Passover traditions.  This is an inherently religious holiday, but a HUGE part of Israeli/Jewish culture.  If you know practicing Jews, invite them in to your classroom to talk about Passover and the traditions!
• Social studies/Geography connections
  • Country of Israel (geography, history, culture [music, food, dance, art, etc.])
  • Hebrew language
• Connect with other texts (Check out the links section for a couple resources with even more connections!):
  • WHAT IS PASSOVER
  • PIPPA'S PASSOVER PLATE

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
​

• Check the YouTube playlist for some specific pieces to use, but there are many, many more!
• Highlight the music of Israel
  • Religious music
  • Musical instruments
  • Folksongs
  • Folkdances
  • Importance of music for Passover
• Learn the 4 Questions song or other Israeli folksong.
• Discuss singing alone vs. singing together
  • vocabulary -- solo, chorus/choral, ensemble, etc.
  • What skills are required to sing alone and how does that vary based on circumstances (ie singing in the shower vs. performing solo for a large crowd.)
  • How does that change if you're singing together -- what skills are most important in an ensemble/choir/group singing environment.

Writing Prompts/Author Tips

Writing Prompts

1. Write about a time you felt lonely. 
2. What were some positive things you experienced during the Covid pandemic (or another challenging time)?
3. Is it better to sing alone or together?  Why?
4. Write about a special Spring tradition in your house/family.
5. Write about the last line of the book, "It was the year of singing with one another. No one was together, but no one was alone." What does that mean to you?
6. Write about a time when togetherness was very important to you.
7. If you celebrate Passover, write about what it means to you.  What is your favorite part and why?  Why is Passover important?

Author Tips from Erica:

1. Tap into a writing community - virtual or in person. Writing can be lonely. Your local SCBWI is an incredible starting point - join contests, participate in twitter chats - other writers are your co-workers and not your competition 
   
2. Write the story that only you can write. You have expertise, lived experience, and knowledge that is unique to you. Use this. I gave the same advice to people when I ran a niche publication. 
   
3. READ - READ
   
4. Learn about the industry. There are many ways to do this, but I’m podcast obsessed. Podcast Recs: Book of Life (Jewish KidLit). Book Friends Forever, MG Book Party, Litereticast, KidLit These Days. First Draft, Story of the Book, Picture Book Look, The Yarn. I listen at 2x speed on my morning walk. I walk for about 1.5-2 hours a day so that is 3-4 hours of listening time. 
   
5. Consider sending out PB manuscripts directly to publishers. This is how I got my first 2 contracts. There are lists online of publishers that take direct submissions. I’m most familiar with the Jewish publishers, but there are many others to look into and I know that I’ve seen them listed on Twitter.
   

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

• Picture books to prepare for/learn more about Passover
• More Passover books!
• YouTube playlist with lots of Jewish/Passover music and other video connections
• Pinterest board with lots of information and extension activities, including Passover crafts, etc.
• Art connection/visual observation skills:  Find a spot you can look at carefully every day. Draw a picture or write what you see there every day for 2 weeks (or longer if you'd like).  What changes?  How is it different from day to day.  Look carefully!

PBJamz Snack (Matzo PBJs)

Matzo (matzoh, matzah) is a very important food during Passover.  There is some debate about whether or not Matzo PBJs are allowed (kosher) during this religious holiday.  Many Jews do eat matzo PBJs, so if you'd like to experience a different kind of PBJ and a little Jewish culture, slather some peanut butter and jelly on some matzo and enjoy.  If you are celebrating Passover, please check with your rabbi or someone more knowledgeable than me :-) about whether it is kosher before eating it on my recommendation :-).  While not a recipe exactly, this article talks a bit about the matzo PBJ Passover question.  It is interesting reading for sure!  **I did see during my research that there are a couple of peanut butter brands and jelly/jam brands that are certified kosher.

Guest Links and Giveaways

• Find and follow Erica
  • Website
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
• To buy ALONE TOGETHER ON DAN STREET
  • AMAZON
  • Erica's website with other purchase options
• Illustrator Jennifer Jamieson
  • Website
  • Instagram

Erica is generously giving away a copy of ALONE TOGETHER ON DAN ST to a lucky winner in the US. To enter to win, comment below.