ABOUT JARRETT

Jarrett Dapier is an author, librarian, and lifelong drummer. His debut picture book, JAZZ FOR LUNCH!, illustrated by Eugenia Mello, published by Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, received a starred review in Kirkus Reviews and was a finalist for the Ezra Jack Keats awards in both writing and illustration. His second picture book, MR. WATSON's CHICKENS, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi, published by Chronicle Books, received a starred review in Publishers Weekly and was chosen by NPR and Bookpage as one of the best books of 2021. His third picture book, THE MOST HAUNTED HOUSE IN AMERICA, a goofy, ghostly, rhythmic romp based on his experience drumming at the White House in 2009, is illustrated by Lee Gatlin, published by Abrams Books, and was a 2023 Illinois Reads selection.

Jarrett loves reading, visiting libraries and bookstores with his friends, going to punk rock and heavy metal shows with his son, visiting historic Chicago sites with his wife, seeing theater with his daughter (or performed by his daughter), tending his pollinator-friendly garden, laying on the floor with his rescue dog Loki, swimming in Lake Michigan, playing the drums, checking in with birds and nature as often as he can, and eating lots of ice cream.

Jarrett drums in a band called Fascinator (you can find their 4-song EP called "Trust Falls" on all the streaming platforms). He was born with half a sixth finger on his left hand and can see the hospital where he was born from his backyard.

Jarrett lives within spitting distance of Chicago, IL.

*Drawing of Jarrett on home page by Summer Pierre

**Dog in photo above is not Jarrett's dog