An Interview with Dr. Liz, Children’s Author

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Liz Walgamuth has a passion for education and boundless enthusiasm for finding new ways to engage learners. Having spent over 30 years both in the classroom and leading schools, she looks forward to each new school year like it is her first.

Affectionately known as Dr. Liz, this is her 13th year as the Head of School at Grace School and formerly worked in Fort Bend ISD. Grace school is located in the heart of the Westchase district and serves students 20 months through eighth grade, with many families from all over Houston. Offering an accredited STEM curriculum as well as a fine arts and athletic program, families attest to the character development curriculum that inspires compassionate, thoughtful students eager to engage in the world around them.

Liz lives with her family and their collies, Jax and Roxy, and has been a resident of Sienna Plantation for more than 17 years.

When did you realize you wanted to write a children’s book and what were some of your inspirations?

Grace School is a STEM certified school that attracts students from all over the Houston area and the world. I decided to write a book that would help new students feel more comfortable about being at a new school. Change can be a hard transition for children and the story of Lolly connects with young readers in a real and tangible way.

How long have you lived in Sienna Plantation, and does it factor into your book?

I was born and raised in Iowa and lived there for 38 years. When we moved here from Iowa 17 years ago, my son had to go to a new school in a new city. While we thought it might be a difficult transition, he made many friends and it turned out to be a great experience. I wanted children to know that while you may feel unsure, your new friends are waiting. When writing about Lolly, I pulled from my son’s experience and combined it with my joy of educating children and love of collies.

Tell us about your book, Lolly’s New School?

Lolly is an eight-year old girl who has a big imagination. Other than her collie, Luke, going to school is what she loves the most in the whole world. In her school the STEM lab is her favorite place to be where she can work on projects and solve problems with her friends. Luke is 3 years old and Lolly is his best friend. Being with Lolly is his favorite thing in the whole world! When she is at school, he spends time chewing on bones, barking, and taking long naps.

Her life takes a drastic change when her parents explain that they will be moving to a new city. She is unsure and scared about her new school. Learn what awaits her when she arrives. This book is great for starting a conversation with children about moving or about welcoming a new student to class.

What age group is your book geared towards?

Lolly is geared for children ages 4 to 9.

Do you plan to write more books?

Yes! The next book in the series will be available soon! We know Lolly loves school and is now at her new one in Houston, Texas. Continue her journey as she designs a solution to a real-world problem for a STEM assignment that also helps her friends in school.