I love sharing my books with kids, talking about writing and revising, and answering all the amazing questions they have about bookmaking. As a former teacher and audiologist, I am comfortable working with kids of all ages and abilities.
An interactive read-aloud with one of my picture booksfollowed by a fun Q&A. Optional craft can be added. (20 minutes)
Presentations / Workshops
Let’s Find Ideas!
PRE-K TO 2ND GRADE
Every great story begins with a great idea. But where do great ideas come from? I will talk about how to find ideas and what to do with them once they are found. Students will brainstorm together to come up with some great ideas. I will read Bess the Barn Stands Strong or Balloons for Papa. Optional crafts include making binoculars to help find ideas or thinking caps for brainstorming. (30-45 minutes)
Emotions Wanted
PRE-K TO 3RD GRADE
Emotions are real. We all have them. But sometimes it’s hard to know how to deal with them. Travel with Arthur as he goes on a journey of emotions – from happy to sad to mad to glad. I will read Balloons for Papaand other picture books that talk about emotions in an age-appropriate way. Then, the students and I will act out different emotions and then talk about how to help someone in need. (30-45 minutes)
Diggin’ Dinosaurs
PRE-K TO 3RD GRADE
Do you love dinosaurs? Come along with Diplodocus, Deinonychus, Triceratops, and T. rex as they roam through their day in the Jurassic and Cretaceous worlds. I will read one of the books my A Dinosaur Day series. Then, the students and I will learn more about dinosaurs and paleontology by doing some dinosaur digging of our own. (30-45 minutes)
Celebrate the Seasons (and Weather) with Bess
K TO 3RD GRADE
Bess the Barn loves to celebrate every season! We will first chat about the four seasons – winter, spring, summer, and fall. I will read Bess the Barn Stands Strong. Then, the students will divide into four “season” groups to brainstorm about the elements of their season, what they enjoy doing in that season, and the weather phenomenons that might happen during that season. We will gather back together to share our findings. An optional science experiment can be added. (45 minutes to 1 hour)
Story Barn: Building a strong story from the ground up
3RD TO 6TH GRADE
Just like Bess, a story has to be strong to stand the test of time. I will explore with the students what it takes to make a strong story. Concepts covered during this workshop are character, setting, main events, problem, and solution. I will read Bess the Barn Stands Strong. The group will work together to construct a strong story barn using all of the story arc concepts. (45 minutes to 1 hour)
Research and Writing Nonfiction: Let’s Dig In!
4TH TO 8TH GRADE
Students will dig into research and nonfiction writing as they learn to hunt for interesting facts and map out which facts are important to their story or paper. Then, they will learn how to turn boring nonfiction into nonfiction that is exciting and comes ALIVE on the page. (1 hour)
Inside Our Super Planet!
3RD TO 6TH GRADE
Students will learn about our amazing planet. With GLOBAL GARDENS – we will explore gardens of the world in the icy tundra to the hot desert to outer space. We will also learn why gardens and plants are so important to our planet. With WHO’S EATING WHO? – we will explore the food chain from plant producers to apex predators to important decomposers. We will also learn about ecosystems and how to maintain healthy ones. Each presentation is designed to align with earth science curriculum and can be customized. The session also include hands-on activities. (1 hour)
Writing Workshop
4TH TO 8TH GRADE
Customized writing workshop where students will work to create their own stories. Students will learn about the elements of a story, how to give an effective critique, and the revision process all in a positive and supportive environment. This workshop is most ideal if it is provided in two sessions. (1 hour to 2 hours)
Other Options
ALL GRADES
I am always happy to customize any presentation (virtual or in-person) to fit the needs of your classroom or group.
In-Person Author Visits*
STORY TIME $100
SINGLE PRESENTATION/WORKSHOP and CRAFT $250 – $350
FULL DAY VISIT (includes 3 presentations and book signing)
Local – within 30 miles of Des Moines, Iowa: $600
Somewhat Local – 31-250 miles of Des Moines, Iowa: $800
And Beyond – More than 251 miles from Des Moines, Iowa: please contact
*DISCOUNT AVAILABLE when scheduling multiple story times and/or presentations within one school or school district or library. Please contact me for more details.
Virtual Author Visits and Story Times
(please contact for pricing)
Conferences & Book Festivals
I have been a speaker, instructor, or panelist at the following venues:
Iowa SCBWI
SCBWI Marvelous Midwest Conference
The Writing Barn
Oregon SCBWI
State Library of Iowa Conference – Pop YS Live
West Des Moines Library Friends Foundation
Des Moines Book Festival
Detroit Writing Room
Journey to Kidlit
I have spoken on the following topics:
writing picture books
writing nonfiction
tackling tough topics in picture books
unusual main characters in picture books
informational nonfiction vs. nonfiction
my writing and revision process
work for hire in writing
navigating the publishing business
the joys of critique groups
Please contact me for rates and to design a presentation for your organization.
“Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia brought energy and excitement to our students. All of her presentations were engaging and differentiated to the various ages of the groups. She had the lower elementary students singing and dancing as they learned about dinosaurs. Our upper elementary students learned how Elizabeth completed research for her dinosaur books and had the opportunity to work in a small group to do their own research. Both students and staff thoroughly enjoyed her visit!” Kimberly James, Teacher Librarian, Westridge Elementary, West Des Moines, IA
“We have hosted Liz for several events, including a summer program crafted around her Global Gardens book and a story time during our Dinovember series that featured her Dinosaur’s Day books. For every event, Liz has been amazing to work with! She is fun and energetic and does a great job with kids of all ages…she is always flexible and can adjust her presentation to fit whoever is in the room.” Jenna Ehler, Head of Youth Services, West Des Moines Public Library, West Des Moines, IA
“Thank you so much for taking time to read and share with our 2nd graders. They loved your stories, the book, and your answers to their questions.” Rachel Nelsen, Teacher, St. Paul Lutheran School, Grafton, WI
“Thank you so much for your wonderful reading time and all the time you devoted to answering questions. You held their attention so well! They loved it!” Bernadette Valenzuela, Librarian, Western Hills ES, El Paso, TX
“We absolutely loved having Liz at SFA! Her presentations were perfect! We truly appreciate the time she spent developing lessons that were so relevant to what the kids were learning about in class!” Kristin Richey-Schaffer, Media Specialist, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, West Des Moines, IA
