Biography
Lana Button is from the tiny border town of St. Stephen, New Brunswick. She grew up with a passion to perform, spending hours singing into her skipping-rope handle to large crowds of imaginary people. Lana studied acting and performed in front of theatergoing crowds and on TV and film sets in Montreal and Vancouver. But when she began studying early childhood education, Lana fell in love with the magic of picture books and began writing. She strives to tell self-esteem-boosting stories that give children something to cheer about!#Lana loves author visits and presentations. She has had the pleasure of presenting to large crowds of non-imaginary children in school settings, libraries and festivals, from Saskatchewan’s Festival of Words to St. Lucia’s Rainforest of Reading. She was also a proud touring author for TD Canadian Children’s Book Week.#Lana works with literary organizations that support children through books, such as IBBY Canada, First Book Canada and the One World School House. She and her husband live in Burlington, Ontario, with their doting dog and their demanding cat. Lana has three amazing daughters who are all grown up, but will thankfully still listen to picture books.
Awards
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What If Bunny’s NOT a Bully?
2021 - Jean Throop Book Award, IODE, Commended
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My Teacher’s Not Here!
2019 - Jean Throop Book Award, IODE Ontario, Commended
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Willow Finds a Way
2014 - Blue Spruce Award, Ontario Library Association, Short-listed
2014 - Rainforest of Reading, Ontario Library Association, Short-listed
2013 - Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre, Winner
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Willow’s Whispers
2011 - Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, Winner
2011 - Best Children's Books of the Year, Bank Street Children's Book Committee, Winner
2011 - Blue Spruce Award, Ontario Library Association, Short-listed
2011 - Shining Willow Award, Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Award, Short-listed
2010 - Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities, IBBY, Winner
Picture Books
What If Bunny’s NOT a Bully?, 2020
Tayra’s Not Talking, 2022
My Teacher’s Not Here!, 2018
Willow’s Smile, 2016
Willow Finds a Way, 2013
Willow’s Whispers, 2010