With more than 10 books for young readers under her belt and 4 more on the way, author Lana Button is a force within the world of Canadian Literature.

Lana Button is a born storyteller. Early on, this calling took the form a love of acting. After studying to become an Early Childhood Educator, Lana fell in love with picture books and began writing for children. Today, she is the author of 10 published books for young readers, with 4 more on the way. Her most recent book, Percy’s Perfect Friend, illustrated by Peggy Collins and published by Pajama Press, launched just yesterday! Her board book, Stay My Baby, is forthcoming from Orca Press in September of this year.

I first met Lana at the launch of her book, What If Bunny's Not a Bully? on March 9th, 2020, right before Ontario was plunged into lockdown. My critique-group friend Carolyn Huizinga Mills was going, and she asked if I wanted to come along and see what a picture book launch was like. At that point, I knew almost no one in the Kid Lit world, apart from Carolyn, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. What sticks with me from that event was that even though it was Lana’s big day, she took the time to chat with me, to welcome me into the community. It meant so much, especially since that ended up being the last in-person event I would attend for a very long time.

In the few years since, I have come to know Lana as a leader in the world of Canadian children’s literature. In addition to being a writer and educator, she is a the vice president of CANSCAIP, and has worked with numerous organizations that support children through books, such as IBBY Canada, First Book Canada and the One World School House. With her background as a performer and educator, Lana is also known for her amazing school visits, which bring her knowledge as a writer, her enthusiasm for rhythm and rhyme, and her passion for fostering social-emotional learning into classrooms and libraries across the country.

A Stage

I first felt it in grade 5. I was in Fagan’s Gang, in my town’s production of Oliver and was immediately hooked on the high of performing. From that moment on, I marked the passing of time with each production season from The St Stephen High School Drama Club. I went on to find the stage in Montreal, and then Vancouver. I found opportunities to get lost in characters while in front of a few TV and film cameras, and eventually in the stories I now write for children. Today, my favourite stage is the one in front of a room full of children, where every read-aloud feels like a performance.

2. A Pencil

It’s probably ridiculous, how much I love an HB/2. It’s simple. And it’s forgiving. I can be most creative, and try and be wrong countless times- until something comes out right, when I’ve got this guy in my hand

3. This Paper

It reminds me why I write stories for children.

4. A Table

There’s a rule in my house that we only eat dinner in the dining room when everyone is home. I am most happy when dinner is served at this table.

5. A River

When I am around the St Croix River, I am home.

6. This Book

Heathcliff. I just get that guy.

7. This Bookstore

A Different Drummer Bookstore is a gathering spot for so many creative people I get to call friends. It’s a place of support and encouragement and celebration and magic and books and friends. It represents, for me, the incredibly supportive writing community that I am so very grateful for.