Readings & Presentations
Learn more about school visits, readings, educational workshops, and keynotes
Readings and presentations
30-45 minutes
These sessions can be designed for virtual or in-person sessions, and are centred around a book reading of your choice, followed by an open classroom dialogue. After the reading is done, we discuss the origins of the idea and the many ways we can use story to communicate our experiences and understand one another. This format concludes with a Q&A all about the writing life, with an aim to encourage all students to see themselves as creators, writers, and storytellers.
For rates and booking inquiries, please contact me.
“We felt inspired, engaged, and grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a passionate and thoughtful author”
Educational workshops
60- 90 minutes
Through a variety of educational workshops with schools or libraries (in-person or virtual) we explore how the world around us—from sprawling city to winding river—can inspire our imaginations and be the spark for stories of connection and wonder. My goal is to help students tap into their senses, feelings, and surroundings to become authors of their own narratives. Through interactive, creative and engaging learning sessions, we explore how stories can help us find connection, and a sense of belonging in the places we inhabit.
For rates and booking inquiries, please contact me.
“The impact of his visit was immediate. My students could hardly wait to dive into writing their own stories, and many continue to reflect on Jon-Erik’s words as they develop and share their ideas.”
Half-Day Residencies
Full morning or afternoon
Designed for multiple classes or a full grade-level cohort. This typically includes a larger group presentation (i.e. assembly), followed by breakout workshop sessions with individual classes. This format allows for a broader impact across the school while maintaining the intimacy of small-group creative work.
For rates and booking inquiries, please contact me.
Background and approach
With a Master of Education from the University of Toronto (OISE) specializing in Adult Education and Community Development for Sustainability, and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from York University in Environment, Culture, and Communication, I am deeply interested in how our stories can help us connect to and care for the world around us.
Since 2016, I have had the privilege of touring across Canada, sharing insights and ideas at schools, libraries, and literary festivals. Whether I am speaking to a room of students, families, educators, or caregivers, my goal is to inspire and engage audiences, aiming to spark wonder, creativity, and imagination. All of my sessions are designed to support cross-curricular learning, social-emotional development, and creative inquiry-based approaches. I use an Appreciative Inquiry approach in my workshops and classroom visits, which embraces student’s strengths, aligning with inclusive education, student well-being, and engagement across many subject areas. Themes include: Sustainability and the Environment; Social Emotional Learning; Mental Health; Inclusivity and Belonging; Arts; Literacy and Language; and more.
As a member of the Writers' Union of Canada, Ontario virtual or in-person school visits may be eligible for funding and subsidies through the Writer’s Union Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program.
Feedback from the classroom
What educators are saying
Jon-Erik’s presentation was engaging and inspiring, and he made tangible connections with the students by answering their many questions thoughtfully and meaningfully. His reading brought his magical stories to life, and we're excited to have him return in the future to share his new book and work on a project with students. He's a Canadian literary treasure!
—Mr. B, Grade 2 Teacher
As a teacher with over 20 years in the classroom, I can honestly say that our recent author visit with Jon-Erik Lappano was one of the most meaningful literary experiences I’ve seen for students. Jon-Erik brought such a calm, genuine presence to our virtual visit, and he quickly captured the attention and imagination of our Grade 4 students. His storytelling was rich and layered, and he took the time to unpack his creative process in a way that truly resonated with young writers. Jon-Erik also shared a beautiful set of art-based follow-up activities that fit seamlessly with our Language and Visual Arts curriculum. These have allowed us to extend the experience well beyond the visit. His books, with their environmental themes and imaginative storytelling, have continued to spark rich discussions in our classroom.
—Mrs. D, Grade 4 Teacher
Having Jon-Erik Lappano visit our Kindergarten students was such a special experience. He has a gentle, engaging way of connecting with young learners, and his storytelling truly captivated our class. Jon-Erik answered the children’s questions with so much thought and care, and it was amazing to see how inspired they were to talk about nature, imagination, and their own stories. His books sparked meaningful conversations, and his art extension ideas perfectly fit our curriculum. He made a lasting impression on our students and educators alike!
—Mrs. K., Kindergarten Teacher