When I set out to learn about my mother's bridge club, the Jewish octogenarians behind the matching outfits and accessories, I never expected to fall in love with them. This is the story of the ladies, their game, their gen, and the ragged path that led me back to my mother.
My kid sister Gail Lerner wrote a middle grade novel, The Big Dreams of Small Creatures, and it went on sale this week. I’m so insanely proud of her. She’s a big deal Hollywood writer and director, but her dream was always to write a novel for kids. It’s smart, funny, and deeply moving. I like to take credit for all of her successes but I was just a tremendous role model. My work ethic, my many books, my publishing acumen, my abundant creativity, my joy. Sending out lots of love to my Gaily, my turtle, my otter, my sister. Check out her book or better yet get a copy for the coolest kid you know.
You got sibs?
“In the delightful new book The Big Dreams of Small Creatures by Gail Lerner, a young girl named Eden Evans discovers she can speak Wasp: Yes, she can actually speak to them, with the help of a kazoo, but I digress. From that miraculous discovery to the thrilling roller coaster ending, Eden and August, who is terrified of insects and wants to destroy them, find conflict and adventure and a whole new world in the coexistence between humans and insects. What an enchanting and wondrous book for young readers.” —Jamie Lee Curtis, actress and bestselling children’s book author
“From fumbling fourth-grader August to introspective, independence-loving Eden and their friends, both human and insect, Gail Lerner’s characters are a delight, full of heart and humor. The Big Dreams of Small Creatures is a whimsical adventure highlighting the wonders of the natural world—and our sometimes complicated relationship with it—and the importance of kindness, compassion, and seeing things through another’s eyes.” —Robert Beatty, author of the bestselling Serafina series and Willa series
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Betsy Lerner 
From another “Gaily:” Both of you are so lucky to have a sister, the most special love relationship. I lost mine and miss her every day.
Sounds great! Is an ebook version planned? I will consider buying it when it comes out. Congratulations and best wishes!
Wow, two brilliant, creative, accomplished Lerner sisters! Qvelling with you! I’m one of four, spread out over 20 years, but we have an inviolable (if not playfully argumentative) bond. Congrats to your sister. (And BTW I know a very cool kid – for whom I love nothing more than buying books, granddaughter Chloe. And this week we were blessed with a New Year’s gift, newborn grandson Ezra. Bringing new readers into the world.)
four sisters, that is
Mazel tov !!!
Congratulations!
“You got sibs?”
Yes, I got a sib. He lived and worked for many years in NYC and helped me out when I first got there. (“Don’t ever pull your wallet out on the street, always look like you belong here, and hey — want a job?”)
I guess I’m Today Years Old to learn you have a sister – although I think my memory’s pretty poor, in general.
Congratulations to her! Wow, look at those blurbs too.
I have a brother, older by 17 months. He’s gone off the deep end, unfortunately. Makes me sad.
Damn, writing talent sure runs deep in the Lerner family!
Like you, I’m one of three girls. When I lost my sister DC last year, I also lost my friend, travel companion, and writing partner. She constantly told me and the world how proud she was of me. Looking back, I feel like I never told her the same nearly as often.
Kudos to your sis for her accomplishments—And to you for letting her know of your pride and love.