https://jelappano.com/work daily 0.75 2014-09-10 https://jelappano.com/work-1 daily 1.0 2026-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56e049e08a65e26059119cd5/1459870151243-UM5MND5R89JE6VXSI8T1/img-07.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1614892819251-DZ68EV5OCT4Z0UUI177S/Songfor+the+Snow.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1641519620469-2UWCRLZR4TAL18PPSHY1/whale.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/277ac0a4-f83d-4624-baea-95eb545f6d0e/IMG_0846.PNG Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/993c8e9f-a2f9-45ea-adac-6aebc4772708/Screen+Shot+2019-04-24+at+10.01.09+PM.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1743097730312-79MEYH7PPO04CYZDX90C/BIRDS+cover.jpg Home - The Language of Birds https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1614888899590-6BN2K0WCW7IUZGVWOZSO/tokyo+cover.jpg Home - Tokyo Digs a Garden A modern-day fable of wild imagination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1641519302210-RIKTT5QNOVENDPAE469B/BNCImageAPI_6c5ee214-781a-4847-af5b-07c23682c05f_1024x1024.jpeg Home - Martin and the River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1614888888404-UJM941KVBLUW1411P3MW/song+for+the+snow+cover.jpg Home - Song for the Snow A winter fable for changing times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1614888892615-531EMK47JAQNM7V90USN/MT+cover.jpg Home - Maggie's Treasure A story that reveals the sparkle in the ordinary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1614896788352-140CX6188VOHT6Y16NZ2/JE+kid.png Home As a child, Jon-Erik’s father once told him that if your sleeves are rolled up, it’s a sign you’re ready to work. He has rolled up his sleeves ever since. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1771818925325-ZLTPB5QUY04EICL1J3T6/IMG_9985.jpg Home - Readings Author visits and Q&As https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1771819021835-EL1YPQYNY1HLBO9IFCXX/IMG_8077-EDIT.jpg Home - Presentations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1771818688221-6N5VYJ5WTP3EGWNHUHUM/IMG_0194.jpeg Home - Workshops https://jelappano.com/about daily 0.75 2021-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1582690388042-5F5J2815CBL1EHOBUGIR/headshot.jpg About https://jelappano.com/books2 daily 0.75 2021-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1613974791185-EL2BLE8TFYJWG34I3D2S/cover.jpg Books - SONG FOR THE SNOW COMING SEPTEMBER 2021 Illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler Freya has always loved the snow and the way it covers everything like powdered sugar. But the snow hasn't come to her town for two winters, and she's starting to forget what it looks and feels like. When will it be cold? When will it snow again? An eloquent fable about remembering past traditions, our connection to nature and caring for a world threatened by climate change through shared effort and hope. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1582691346122-P86TPVLO6WFF05ARC00K/Screen+Shot+2020-02-25+at+11.28.15+PM.png Books - MAGGIE’S TREASURE September 1 2020 Illustrated by Kellen Hatanaka “A winner … A wise and satisfying read.” - Kirkus Reviews “Maggie demonstrates the hidden potential of things others do not value.” - Booklist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1511409764109-I0JV77WP3WT0O31PQC2Q/Tokyo+Digs+a+Garden.jpg Books - TOKYO DIGS A GARDEN ★ 2016 Governor General's Literary Award Winner ★ 2017 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award Finalist ★ 2018 Sakura Medal Picture Book Nominee "A thing of beauty." --The New York Times “A challenging 21st-century fable sure to spark discussions.” - Kirkus “Highly recommended for every kid growing up surrounded by pavement, steel and concrete.” - The Globe & Mail "A haunting modern day fairy tale.” - Publisher’s Weekly https://jelappano.com/news-1 daily 0.75 2018-01-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1515011625442-Y0XSIPYNCJXTH4N7IIKN/1200px-CBCRadioOne_svg.png News https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1515011569349-M10Q8BQIHO8CCDTEZT0W/1200px-CBCRadioOne_svg.png News https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1515012998766-RI4MA2FE1WPI8M5B1FR4/cbc-books-ca.png News https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1515011911118-3IYMR37502SMD24NTCTX/49thshelf_large.gif News https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1515012348612-MAPTVTCXPPXMMP5RXBOS/GMT.png News https://jelappano.com/writing daily 0.75 2020-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1597287333069-E0JR6UGZNY469W16V50O/Screen+Shot+2019-04-24+at+10.09.25+PM.png Books https://jelappano.com/reachout daily 0.75 2026-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5310cef7e4b08602cbfa36bf/1410209232219-Y3G9CSHANEQWI5VEOEWC/NT03.jpg Reach out https://jelappano.com/home daily 0.75 2020-08-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1600363350866-GIF42R3Q8VMD3OQ5Y7JH/Screen+Shot+2019-04-24+at+10.01.09+PM.png Jon-Erik Lappano https://jelappano.com/books daily 0.75 2026-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/4d8b45d4-8e99-45d8-9eb3-0b36a2ddf9cb/BIRDS+cover.jpg Books - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1641519302210-RIKTT5QNOVENDPAE469B/BNCImageAPI_6c5ee214-781a-4847-af5b-07c23682c05f_1024x1024.jpeg Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1614876253105-H28NVXKIUS6K9RKYHY5T/song+for+the+snow+cover.jpg Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1614889726382-O4G3O2AOHRAD1FPTAVNL/MT+cover.jpg Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1614890431559-ANK6RPMSU6ZJFREQ39QS/tokyo+cover.jpg Books https://jelappano.com/contact daily 0.75 2026-02-23 https://jelappano.com/backstory daily 0.75 2026-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/a06bae28-7cb2-4303-bc35-64e38543617e/13419597-712D-4C28-B60C-FF424BF89836.jpeg Backstory https://jelappano.com/presentations daily 0.75 2026-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/0d7aa689-3670-4064-87e3-a6ee59c97de2/cbc+JE.jpg Readings & Presentations - Readings and presentations (30-45 minutes) These sessions feature a book reading of your choice, followed by open classroom dialogue and Q&A. We explore where story ideas come from, how books get made, and how storytelling helps us communicate our experiences and understand one another. The aim is simple: to help students see themselves as creators, writers, and storytellers. This format works best for: single class, a small group, or an intimate library setting Format: In person or Virtual Typical flow: reading → conversation → Q&A on writing + imagination “We felt inspired, engaged, and grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a passionate and thoughtful author.” — Ms. C, Grade 3/4 Teacher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/629f0732-6d94-4ef3-b4d1-e9ea8acabd7c/IMG_3782.jpg Readings & Presentations - Educational workshops | (60-90 minutes) These sessions are more hands-on and participatory. Through story, conversation, and creative exploration, we examine how the world around us — from sprawling cityscapes to winding rivers — can spark stories of connection and wonder. Students tap into their senses, feelings, and surroundings to begin shaping narratives of their own. This format works best for: classrooms, libraries, writing clubs, literacy/arts blocks Format: In person or Modified virtual option Typical flow: story excerpt → guided discussion → creative activity → share-out Methods: Strengths-based, Creative, Appreciative Inquiry approach — designed to be inclusive and calm. “The impact of his visit was immediate. My students could hardly wait to dive into writing their own stories.” - Mme G-L, Grade 2 Teacher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/1771819021835-EL1YPQYNY1HLBO9IFCXX/IMG_8077-EDIT.jpg Readings & Presentations - Half-Day Residencies (Full morning or afternoon) Designed for multiple classes or a full grade-level cohort. This format typically includes a larger group presentation (assembly or shared session), followed by breakout workshops with individual classes. It allows for broader impact across the school while maintaining the intimacy of small-group creative work. This format works best for: grade cohorts, literacy events, school-wide author days Format: In person Typical flow: Reading/assembly key note → Individual classroom visits and hands-on workshops → Leave behind curriculum-aligned lesson plans to further learning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56132347e4b0caad26ad77b3/427d3446-e12d-493e-a1ac-74f6211fd338/IMG_0194.jpg Readings & Presentations - Education and approach With a Master of Education (OISE) specializing in Adult Education and Community Development for Sustainability, and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies, I’m deeply interested in how stories help us connect to — and care for — the world around us. Since 2016, I’ve had the privilege of visiting schools, libraries, and festivals across Canada. My sessions support cross-curricular learning, social-emotional development, and creative, inquiry-based approaches. I use a strengths-based Appreciative Inquiry approach that aligns with inclusive education and student well-being. Themes often include: environmental connection • SEL • mental health • belonging • arts • literacy