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Jon-Erik Lappano

@jelappano

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Curious books for a curious world | Governor General Literary Award winner | TD Canadian Childrens Literature Finalist | White Raven Award | Up late

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👋 I’m now booking spring author visits 🌱

This is my favourite part of being a children’s author. I love getting the chance to engage and connect with young readers. For me, these visits go so far beyond readings or presentations; they are shared moments of connection where stories spark meaningful conversations about ourselves and the places we love!

I offer readings and creative workshops for schools and libraries that centre imagination, storytelling, and our connection to the natural world — with space for curiosity, conversation, and wonder.

Perfect for K–Grade 4 audiences (with options for older students, and educators too!).

If you’re planning spring or Earth Month programming at your school, library or community group, I’d love to connect!

More information in the link in my bio, or by visiting jelappano.com/presentations

#SchoolVisits #LibraryPrograms #ElementaryEducation #SEL #CreativeLearning by @jelappano

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8 months ago

It’s time for… The #Reveal ✨👀✨

I am so thrilled to share the cover of THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS! My upcoming picture book with illustrations by the ultra talented @zachmanbeck and published by @randomhousestudio in Dec 2025!

Pre order now at the 🔗 in bio!
For 🇨🇦orders, use the 2nd link (jelappano.com/books)

This book follows the story of an anxious and introverted girl named Mira who has a deep connection with birds but finds it much harder to connect to people. When a new boy at school connects with trees the way she does with birds, they begin to form a friendship.

This story speaks to the deep need for connection and the many forms it can take.

#picturebook #kidsbooks #coverreveal #bookstagram #kidsbookstagram #kidlit #birds by @jelappano

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2 years ago

🌟 Its publication month! 🌟 Excited to see some critical reviews coming in for THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS, before we hit the shelves on December 16!

Illustrated by @zachmanbeck
Published by: @randomhousestudio

#picturebook #kidsbooks #naturebooksforkids #raisingreaders #kidsbookstagram #cankidlit #kidlit #illustration #childrensbookstagram #booklist #celebratedifferences #friendship #birds by @jelappano

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a year ago

👋
I’m stepping away from socials for a while. IG has been a great place to connect, share ideas, promote my work.. and I appreciate all the support and encouragement along the way … but sadly this platform steals too much of my time and attention.

After a few weeks away it became clear that I’m happier, more creative and more present when I don’t log in.

So for the summer, I’m going to focus on reading, writing, eating, resting and being present with friends and family. Maybe I’ll return one day.. the pull and the hit of the scroll is strong. 😭

If you need to get in touch, either text, email, or if you don’t have my contact info, reach out through my website jelappano.com by @jelappano

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3 months ago

I was so excited and honoured to see my latest book The Language of Birds, illustrated by super talented @zachmanbeck named as one of the @bankstreetlibrary Children’s Books Committee’s 2026 Best Children’s Book of the Year list!

So thrilled to share this honour with so many stellar artists and authors. Thank you @randomhousestudio for believing in this book from the jump! And to my team @thelaurebit and @emily_van_beek for championing it!

Heart is Soaring! 🐦‍⬛✨

#bestchildrensbooks #kidsbooks #SEL by @jelappano

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4 months ago

A few thoughts on the question I get most often from kids : “how do you become a writer?” ✍️ ❤️

#Writing #aithoughts #author #childrensauthor #creativekids taken in Stratford, Ontario by @jelappano

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6 months ago

Don’t do that. 👀maxxing < 📚maxxing

#books #author #writersofinstagram #bookstagram by @jelappano

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6 months ago

What a wonderful day spent at @matilda.galleryartbar @stratfordartsandlectures for #canadianindependentbookstoreday! So lovely to meet new friends, connect with local authors and creators

Thank you @rinabarone for being so welcoming and for everything you do to connect and engage the local community!
@janethillstudio @scottchantler @alissayorkwriter

#kidsbooks #stratfordontario @visitstratfordon #author #illustration taken in Matilda Gallery & Art Bar by @jelappano

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6 months ago

BOOK FEATURE! A moving picture book about an anxious girl who can talk to birds but finds it hard to talk to people. When a new boy at school connects with trees the way she does with birds, they begin to form a friendship.

ENJOY & SHARE! REPRESENTATION MATTERS!
#generationwe #jointhegeneration #storiesofbelonging #representation #representationmatters #diversity #inclusivity #inclusivitymatters #kidlit #kidlitart #storytime #bookstagram #inclusivestories #anxiety #autism #friendship

@jelappano @zachmanbeck @penguinrandomhouse @randomhousestudio by @jelappano

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6 months ago

Happy World Autism Awareness Day. 💙 Im grateful for the outliers. A few walking reflections on the importance of embracing and celebrating difference to understand ourselves and our place in the world around us.

#worldautismawarenessday #bethechange #neurodivergence #author #mentalhealth taken in Stratford, Ontario by @jelappano

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6 months ago

It’s World Autism Awareness Day! 💙 Today, I’m celebrating different ways of being, different ways of knowing, of seeing, connecting and communicating. In such a wild, wondrous and mysterious world, I’m grateful for the infinite permutations of the human heart and mind … we are lucky to have so many ways to understand ourselves and our place in this world.

Art by @zachmanbeck
From 📖THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS
Pub: @randomhousestudio

THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS is a picture book about an anxious girl with a deep connection to birds but who finds it hard to talk to people (they are a much more confusing animal). When a new boy at school connects with trees the way she does with birds, they begin to form a friendship.

#worldautismawarenessday #neurodivergence #kidsbooks #thelanguageofbirds #SEL by @jelappano

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7 months ago

So very grateful for a beautiful afternoon with friends (old and new) reading THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS at @typebooksjunction. There’s something about a bookshop full of people — making art, sharing stories, and not to mention eating delicious mini pies from @SundayMorningPies (a real highlight!)— that reminds me exactly why I love doing this.

Thank you for everyone who came out to spend the day together, and for @typebooksjunction having me. and @zachmanbeck for making this such a beautiful vibrant book. 🐦📚

#authorlife #bookreading #kidsbooks #typebooks #kidsauthor taken in Type Books by @jelappano

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7 months ago