Elise Parsley

Elise Parsley studied drawing and creative writing at Minnesota State University Moorhead. During college, Elise also volunteered over 1800 hours helping kids read and learn through an AmeriCorps academic enrichment program in the Fargo, ND elementary school system. Now she helps kids read and learn through writing and illustrating humorous children’s books.

Elise’s debut picture book, If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, DON’T! earned a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. She has since released the second book in the “Magnolia Says DON’T!” series, titled If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, DON’T! and has a third adventure, If You Ever Want to Bring a Circus to the Library, DON’T! coming in May 2017.

What to Expect from a School Visit:

Elise Parsley loves school and library visits, big time! She infuses each presentation with energy, humor, and loads of crowd interaction. Audiences can expect to hear a story (or two if there’s time!) and watch a step-by-step drawing demonstration that teaches kids how to improve their own art or includes a word game. As an added option, Elise can also share how she makes picture books (spoiler alert: it includes lots of writing and drawing and re-writing and re-drawing!). Elise has also been known to haul a keyboard along with her for brief, but fantastic, dance parties. Of course, there’s always a Q&A time from both students and adults, and Elise loves to cap off each visit by signing books and chatting with kids.

Interested in a visit from Elise Parsley? Email author.appearances@hbgusa.com

Learn More About Elise Parsley’s Books: