STEPH LAU
author & illustrator
School Visits & Workshops
I have done both in-person and virtual author visits for elementary school, as well as workshops for older children. Below are some sample programs. Please reach out if you have something specific in mind -- I am open to customizing a program based on age level, time slot, and student/teacher interest.
Sample Programs
Grades K-2: 30-minute with Read-aloud + Live Drawing
The visit will be centered around The Abominable Snow Dancer, a picture book about Otto, a yeti who secretly dreams of dancing – except he’s only ever seen unicorns dance before. In addition to being a fun, sparkly story, the book also explores themes of authenticity, representation, and overcoming adversity.
I will share my own childhood art and how I was scared to pursue art as a career, and then relate this experience to the themes of the book. At the end of the visit, I will do a live drawing demonstration using student suggestions.
The Abominable Snow Dancer launched in 2025, and has received positive reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, The Horn Book, and Booklist. Additional info about the book can be found here.
Grades 3-8: 90-minute Character Design Workshop (best for smaller group)
Using examples from pop culture and my own traditionally-published books, I will show students how artists use shapes to convey information about their characters. This will include live drawing demonstrations, hands-on drawing exercises, as well as a larger character design activity at the end.
Time permitting, we will do Q&A and allow students to share their work.
Additional info about these programs can be found here.
Rates
In Person Visit - Local*
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1 session - $300
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2 sessions (same day) - $450
Virtual Visit
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1 session - $125
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2 sessions - $200
*Within the greater East Bay (~30 min drive from Oakland, CA)
Please inquire about my fees for longer distances and for presenting to larger groups. Pricing is flexible, especially Title 1 schools or where a minimum book buy can be arranged.
In addition, I do a limited number of free, 15-minute virtual visits for World Read Aloud Day -- these slots will go out to my newsletter subscribers, first.
Prices last updated 3/2026
Subscribe to my newsletter to hear about upcoming events. Interested in booking me for a school visit, storytime, or craft talk? Contact me at stephlaubooks@gmail.com.