author visits

cultivating curiosity

As a former teacher, I enjoy visiting schools, libraries, and nature centers. I have taught at preschool, elementary, and college levels, and I hold an MS in education and an MFA in creative writing.

Author visits focus on creativity and curiosity, and on STEM and literacy topics. Visits affirm children's (and adults') connection to nature. All visits are informed by a growth-mindset philosophy that acknowledges and encourages bravery in both science and the arts!

Visits range from workshops to storytimes to whole school assemblies, and can be held in person or online. Custom events are available.

Beautiful collection of rocks and shells

Rocks Rock!

20-30 minutes (Grades prek-2)

30-45 minutes (Grades 2-5)

Leslie brings her Traveling Rock Museum and guides students in an exploration of rocks, the stories they hold, and what they can tell us about Earth's deep past. Includes rock guessing game, Q & A, and optional art/writing activity.

I Wonder . . .

20-30 minutes (Grades prek-2)

30-45 minutes (Grades 2-5)

What do writers, scientists, and kids have in common? They are curious! Leslie shares rocks from her Traveling Rock Museum and explains how curiosity leads to her book ideas. Students practice being curious about a seemingly boring object and see where their curiosity leads! Includes Q & A and art/writing activity.

Picture Book Journey

20-30 minutes (Grades prek-2)

30-45 minutes (Grades 2-5)

45 minutes (middle/high school)

How long does it take to write, revise, illustrate, and publish a 400 word picture book? Hint: a lot longer than you think! Get an inside look at how A Stone Is a Story became a book—from the author's childhood interests and passions, to the first spark of inspiration, to drafts, more drafts, feedback, submissions, edits, sketches and illustrations, to the day it is finally printed, bound, and in the hands of readers. Includes Q & A and optional art/writing activity.

Writing With Courage

30-45 minutes (Grades 2-5)

45 minutes (middle/high school)

In this growth-mindset oriented workshop, Leslie explains how she became a writer, and why writing is an act of courage. She leads a discussion of risk-taking in writing, using examples drawn from her own work and from other recent literature for young people. Includes Q & A and optional art/writing activity.

Book a Visit

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pricing

In-Person

Full Day: $600 (includes 3 sessions, plus book signing and lunch with a small group)

Half Day: $400 (2 sessions)

Single Presentation: $250

Please note that travel expenses (airfare, lodging, mileage, and meals) may be added for out of state travel or travel more than 60 miles from Portland, OR. Discounts are available if I'm already traveling to your area. You may also split travel costs with neighboring schools.

Leslie Barnard Booth with rock collection

Virtual

Full Day: $400 (includes 3 sessions and a chance to meet my guinea pigs)

Half Day: $300 (2 sessions)

Single Presentation: $175

Free Q & A: Using my books in your classroom? I currently offer a limited number of virtual 20-minute Q & A sessions free of charge. Please note that this is a Q & A only and does not include a reading or presentation. Free visits fill quickly. Sign up early to get a spot!

modeling a growth mindset

sample Q & A with elementary students

How do you think of ideas for books?

I get ideas by talking to my kids and spending time in nature. I have two daughters and whenever we're outdoors together, they have great questions and observations. One day my daughter asked me, "Where do rocks come from?" That's why I wrote this book. I thought her question was so great because it seems simple, but it's not. Every rock has a fascinating story, and because rocks are shaped by what happens to them, if we look closely, sometimes we can figure out what that story is.

I love reading, talking to scientists, and going out in nature and seeing rocks for myself. I use all these methods to do research for my books. I get so hungry for knowledge when I'm researching a topic. The more I learn, the more questions I have, and the more I want to know. I know about rocks because I studied them, and I plan to continue studying them, because I still have more to learn!

What is your favorite rock?

I think my favorite rock is fossiliferous limestone because it is made of the shells and skeletons of ancient sea creatures, and those fossils are often visible. Looking at fossils transports me back in time and shows me how much Earth and its creatures have changed. I also just love the fact that rocks can be made of the remains of living things. And that living things are made (in part) of minerals that were once part of rocks! This type of rock reminds me that all of nature is connected, and that we are a part of nature too.

What's your advice for someone who wants to be a writer?

To be a writer, you've got to do four things: read, write, revise, and not give up! Revising can be hard; it takes a lot of patience. But it's also freeing. I love that you can change your mind in writing. You can erase and start again, and you can always learn, grow, and imagine something new.