When I wrote Fearless Fergus and Alva’s Big Bite, I imagined more than a book sitting on a shelf or tucked into a backpack. I imagined conversations. Laughter. Curious questions. And children feeling just a little braver about trying something new whether that’s a food, a story, or an idea.

That’s where school visits come in.

As a registered dietitian, certified diabetes care and education specialist, and children’s author, I’ve spent over 15 years teaching, presenting, and connecting with kids and families around health, food, and confidence. Visiting schools allows me to bring Fergus and Alva’s story off the page and into real, meaningful experiences for students.

I am based in Maryland and currently offer in-person school visits throughout Maryland, Washington, DC, Delaware, and Northern Virginia, as well as virtual visits nationwide.

What Happens During a Fearless Fergus and Alva’s Big Bite School Visit

Each visit is designed to be engaging, interactive, and age-appropriate, with a strong emphasis on curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

Depending on the format, a visit may include:

A lively reading of Fearless Fergus and Alva’s Big Bite
A behind-the-scenes look at how a book is created from idea to illustration
Fun conversations about adventurous eating and trying new foods
Hands-on activities or Q&A that invite kids to participate and think critically
Optional nutrition education tied to grade-level standards

My goal is always the same: to make kids feel empowered to explore in the kitchen, in books, and in their own unique interests.

Why Fergus and Alva Resonate With Students

Fearless Fergus Artwork copyright Lingyan Gu

Fergus isn’t perfect. He’s curious. He’s bold. Sometimes his ideas are a little wild and that’s exactly why kids connect with him. Alva is slightly more hesitant to try new things but is just as adventurous in the kitchen and brings a thoughtful, relatable counterpoint that many children immediately recognize in themselves.

Through Fergus and Alva, students see:

That it’s okay to feel unsure about new things
That curiosity is something to celebrate
That teamwork and creativity make challenges more fun
That food can be joyful, not stressful

These themes naturally support:

Social-emotional learning
Health education
Literacy and storytelling
Classroom conversations about growth mindset and confidence

Flexible Formats for Schools and Communities

I offer both in-person and virtual visits, making it easy for schools, libraries, and community groups to bring this story to their students.

Visits can be customized for:

Pre-K through elementary students
Literacy-focused events
Health or wellness programming
Family nights, library events, and book fairs

Whether the focus is storytelling, nutrition education, or a blend of both, each visit is tailored to fit your school’s goals and students’ needs.

Why School Visits Matter to Me

As a mom, an educator, and a dietitian, I believe stories have the power to shape how children see themselves and how they approach challenges.

When kids meet an author, hear the story behind a book, and realize that stories come from real people with real ideas, something shifts. Reading becomes more personal. Learning becomes more alive.

If Fearless Fergus and Alva’s Big Bite helps even one child feel braver about trying something new in food or in life then it’s doing exactly what it was created to do.

Interested in Bringing Fergus and Alva to Your School?

I would love to connect with educators, librarians, and administrators interested in hosting a Fearless Fergus and Alva’s Big Bite visit.

Let’s help kids grow into curious, confident, fearless learners, one story (and one bite) at a time. 💚

From Page to Classroom Bringing Fearless Fergus & Alva’s Big Bite to Schools