Virtual School Visits
Author Visits
I love connecting with young readers and writers!
I offer three interactive presentations that range from thirty to forty-five minutes:
Transitional Kindergarten to Second Grade
I focus on my picture book Baby Builders, illustrated by Hiroe Nakata to share my creative process, where my ideas and characters come from, and why revisions are an essential part of writing. We compare the steps to building a story with the steps to building a house.
First to Third Grade
I focus on my early reader series Iris and Walter, illustrated by Christine Davenier to share my creative process, where my ideas and characters come from, as well as the necessity of revision. I show the different stages of a story from my notebooks and early drafts to the final book. I also show the different stages of the illustrations. I draw parallels to what I do as a writer to what the students do as writers.
Third to Sixth Grade
Writing Workshops- My writing workshops include fun, interactive writing prompts that are especially effective for reluctant writers. We focus on creating vibrant characters and stories.
I’m happy to tailor my presentations to fit the needs of your students.
To schedule a school visit, please visit my Contact page.
What Teachers and Librarians Say:
Children relate very well to the ups and downs of Iris and Walter. They are a very popular series with our first and second graders. Elissa Guest is a great guest author because she is at such ease talking with young readers and tells them about her life in a way that is of great interest.”
Sue Hipkins - Lower School Librarian, Trinity School, NY
Dear Elissa, I can’t tell you how many teachers and students stopped by to tell me how much they enjoyed your visit. You have a gentle, caring manner that makes it easy for the students to interact with you…Your books are the perfect step for students when they transition from picture books to chapter books.
Mimi Vosper- Librarian Glenridge Elementary, WA
Elissa’s books and presentations inspire students to find joy in their own reading and writing. She really listens to them and makes it interesting and fun. I especially value her dedication, passion, and flexibility when teaching our students.
Ms. Julie Knapp, Librarian-The Tenderloin Community School, San Francisco, CA
It was such a treat to have you visit our class. The kids loved your books. They are perfect for second graders. Iris and Walter are such lovable characters. The kids related to them immediately. We all enjoyed your presentation. The kids talked about it for days.
Sue Lynch-Second grade teacher, Williamstown Elementary School, MA