School Visits

Meeting an author or illustrator can encourage a student’s creativity and build a love of reading from a young age. Lisa’s debut picture book Santiago and Great Bear, is publishing on June 30, 2026, and she is ready to share it with your school!

One of my favorite things about being an illustrator and author of books for kids, is that I get to share both art principles and cool science facts with children. – Lisa Johnston Hancock

What type of programs does Lisa offer?

Santiago and Great Bear is ideal for grades K4-3rd, and Lisa has common core standards programs that are created with each grade in mind. Students use observations of the sun, moon and stars to describe pattern that can be predicted, such as stars being visible at night but not during the day.

Lisa will do a reading of her picture book Santiago and Great Bear, asking questions about the moon throughout. After the reading, she will discuss moon phases and why the moon might look like a full moon one night, and a crescent shape another night. Then, students will play a phases of the moon game, where they will have an opportunity to win a small prize. Lisa will also discuss with the students the best time to find the constellations in her book. Activity pages on moon phases and constellations will be emailed prior to the school visit, and teachers will have the opportunity to print them out to accompany the program.

Will Lisa sign books?

Yes! Book signings are a big part of an illustrator or author’s visit. If you would like to purchase books for the signing, Lisa recommends contacting your local indie bookseller. You can order from the bookseller in advance. Lisa will autograph any book that the school orders however it’s best to allow time at the end of the workshop for book signings.

Please reach out for information regarding Lisa’s honorarium. The best way to contact her is by email at ljhancock.artist@gmail.com

Lisa is looking forward to sharing her love of the natural world, science, illustration and writing stories with your school!

Subscribe to Lisa’s newsletter for updates on books, art and more!