Bess the Barn Stands Strong

Beam by beam and board by board, Bess the barn is built by able hands to keep the farm’s animals safe and sound. Through many seasons and celebrations, that’s just what she does, until she starts to sag…and creak…and slump. Then new everything comes along: a new farmer and a shiny new barn. A mean storm arrives not far behind, putting both barns to a dangerous test—can old Bess weather this threat to the farm?

Bess opens her doors wide, welcoming all to celebrate the year-round ups and downs of farm life and admire the enduring strength and importance of something made to last.

About the Author

Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia is a former teacher and audiologist who loves to stand in old barns and listen to all the sounds. This is her debut picture book, inspired by a real barn in her neighborhood that felt like an old friend before it was torn down. She lives with her husband, two teenagers and two dogs in central Iowa.

About the Illustrator

Katie Hickey is a freelance illustrator who blends hand rendered print processes and digital methods and finds inspiration in her travels and surroundings. She loves drawing environments and enjoyed making Bess the barn an unusually human one. Katie lives in Surrey, England.