Explora Books to Showcase The Book of Laural at the 2026 Beijing International Book Fair
Born from grief and transformed into wonder, The Book of Laural by Jennifer Davis Deckert will be featured at the 2026 Beijing International Book Fair (June 17–21) at the Explora Books exhibition booth at CNCC in Beijing. Part fantasy, part elegy, the novel follows a luminous soul named Laural across millions of years, countless incarnations, and the furthest reaches of the universe—guided always by her mischievous fairy companion, Jaja.
Soul Journeys Across Lifetimes
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 21st May 2026 – When Deckert’s sister and lifelong bandmate, Laural, passed away on Christmas 2021, the author found herself writing not an obituary, but an origin story. What emerged was a sweeping metaphysical adventure rooted in a profound truth: energy cannot be created or destroyed—it simply changes form. In the novel, Laural’s soul reappears across the ages as a gentle brontosaurus, a singing rodent, a curious dolphin, a medieval peasant, and ultimately a human woman, accumulating wisdom and love with each new life. The story’s exploration of reincarnation and spiritual transformation gives the book a distinctive place among contemporary fantasy fiction.

At the heart of the story is the unlikely bond between Laural’s ever-changing soul and Jaja, a stubborn, sharp-tongued fairy who refuses to become mortal—until she can no longer resist. Their friendship, stretching across dinosaur-era swamps, ocean depths, alien planets, and medieval villages, becomes the emotional spine of the novel. Through their adventures, Deckert explores timeless questions: What draws us back to the people we love? What do we owe each other across lifetimes? And what does it truly mean to “go home”? These themes of love, destiny, and soul connection make the novel especially compelling for readers of philosophical fantasy and speculative fiction.
Music, Grief, and Redemption
Music runs through the novel like a second heartbeat. From the dawn chorus of prehistoric rodents to the haunting calls of dolphins, from an underground Star Choir blazing inside a distant star to the drums of early humans on a moonlit shore, sound becomes a sacred language—one the soul carries from life to life, growing more complex and beautiful with each incarnation. Deckert, a musician who played drums alongside her sister for more than two decades, weaves her own grief and artistry into every page.
The novel does not shy away from darkness. Persecution, destruction, environmental loss, and human cruelty all appear—not to inspire despair, but to illuminate the radical power of compassion. Through the character of Volaris, a tormentor whose soul slowly transforms across many lifetimes, Deckert offers a quietly radical vision: no soul is permanently lost, and a single act of witnessed kindness can plant a spark that takes centuries to bloom.
Book of Laural Exhibition Feature
Deckert’s The Book of Laural is a love letter written across time—to a sister, to the natural world, and to the belief that the souls we cherish never truly disappear. It is a story that begins before the dinosaurs and ends at the edge of a cliff called Rebirth. In between, it asks readers to listen more carefully to the music all around them.
Attendees of the 2026 Beijing International Book Fair will have the opportunity to check out this visionary work of fiction. The Book of Laural is also available on Amazon and through other major book retailers.
About Explora Books
Explora Books is a book marketing firm located in the heart of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The company specializes in self-publishing and marketing, taking pride in its exhaustive research and creative strategies that provide wider avenues for aspiring authors to gain recognition for their works. Explora Books aims to guide authors through the complexities of self-publishing, offering convenient solutions to navigate this process. The firm fosters and redefines creativity and innovation, setting new industry standards. Explora Books is dedicated to empowering authors globally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is The Book of Laural about?
The Book of Laural is a fantasy novel. In addition, it follows the soul of Laural across different lifetimes, species, and worlds. Moreover, the story explores reincarnation, friendship, grief, and spiritual transformation. It spans a journey across millions of years.
2. Who wrote The Book of Laural?
The novel was written by Jennifer Davis Deckert. In addition, the story was inspired by the loss of her sister, Laural. Moreover, it reflects themes of remembrance, music, and emotional connection.
3. What inspired the creation of The Book of Laural?
The author inspired the book by the passing of her sister in 2021. Instead of writing a traditional memorial, she created a fictional story. In addition, the story explores the idea that souls continue through different forms and experiences over time.
4. What genre does The Book of Laural belong to?
The novel combines fantasy, speculative fiction, and metaphysical storytelling. In addition, it includes themes of reincarnation, soul journeys, cosmic exploration, and emotional healing.
5. Who is Jaja in The Book of Laural?
Jaja is a fairy companion. In addition, Jaja travels alongside Laural’s soul through many lifetimes and adventures. Moreover, their relationship forms one of the central emotional themes of the story.
6. What themes are explored in the novel?
The novel explores love, loss, destiny, reincarnation, compassion, and soul connection across time. In addition, it shows how kindness and personal growth shape different lives and experiences.
7. How does music influence the story?
Music plays an important symbolic and emotional role in the novel. In addition, different sounds, songs, and rhythms appear across multiple lifetimes and settings. Moreover, they reflect memory, identity, and emotional connection between characters.
8. Where will The Book of Laural be showcased?
The book will be featured at the Explora Books exhibit. This will take place during the 2026 Beijing International Book Fair. In addition, the event will be held at the China National Convention Center in Beijing from June 17–21, 2026.
9. Is The Book of Laural available outside the book fair?
Yes, readers can also find The Book of Laural on Amazon and other major book retailers. In addition, it is showcased at the international book fair.
10. What is Explora Books?
Explora Books is a publishing and book marketing company based in Vancouver, Canada. In addition, it supports authors through self-publishing guidance, promotional strategies, and participation in international literary events.
Company Details
Organization: Explora Books Ltd
Contact Person: Simon Pratt
Website: https://explorabooks.com/home
Email: Send Email
Contact Number: +16043306795
Address: Jameson Offices, 838 W Hastings St w, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A6, Canada
City: Vancouver
State: British Columbia
Country: Canada
Release Id: 21052645014