June 3, 2026 - June 6, 2026
Highlights Foundation Campus
$1299Overview
In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat
Picture books speak to young readers like nothing else. Whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction; lyrical, humorous, serious, or anything in between, this retreat is meant for you. Join fiction and nonfiction picture book authors Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Rob Sanders along with their guest, author/Illustrator Lala Watkins to immerse yourself in all things picture books. You’ll enjoy presentations, read alouds, 1:1 consultations, and so much more. In addition to the support from your faculty and fellow creatives, you’ll have ample time to work on your stories. We recommend bringing several stories at various parts of the drafting and revision processes.
- This is an in-person retreat for picture book enthusiasts in any genre, at any stage of their picture book creation.
- 1:1 consultations will help you decide which ideas to grow, and what comes next on your publication journey.
- Small group sessions will give you a chance to share your work with others and have meaningful, informal feedback on your work.
- No submission required.
- Lodging and meals are included.
- Begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
- Ends after lunch on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Why This Retreat?
Picture books can make all the difference for young readers. If you’re writing (or want to write) a picture book, this is the workshop for you. Celebrated fiction and nonfiction writers Rob Sanders and Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen will take you from ideas through picture books structures. Lala Watkins will visit as a special guest to share ways that you can leave room for your picture book’s illustrator (even if you are an illustrator!)
We invite you to bring all of your questions, and any stories that you have in progress, no matter what stage or shape they are in. You’ll work together during daily presentations, and through hands-on exercises as a group, then move into independent writing and retreat time. In addition, you’ll have a 1:1 consultation with a faculty member to discuss your questions and move forward with a work in progress. You’ll be able to bring your revisions into a small, informal roundtable to share changes that you’ve made throughout the workshop.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are a picture book creative, at any level, in any style. The faculty has experience with picture books of all kinds and will be supportive no matter your needs.
- You enjoy discussing stories with fellow picture book creatives. Fellow attendees are focused on crafting picture books which means you are in good company!
- You’d like a retreat where you can get to work. This retreat is not based on lecture. It’s time to work on your own projects, with the added immersive experience of presentations, generative writing exercises, and time to connect with fellow creatives over meals and informal gatherings.
Detailed Agenda
We encourage you to bring projects with you to the retreat at various stages in-progress, as you will have time to draft, revise, research, and polish your work during independent time. All times are Eastern Time.
Day One: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
- 5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner
- Following dinner: Expectations and goals for our time together, plus a read aloud!
Day Two: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #1 with Sudipta Bardhan Quallen
- Writing exercise #1
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- 1:1 Consultations
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Informal gathering fireside (weather permitting)
- Evening read aloud
Day Three: Friday, June 5, 2026
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #2 with Rob Sanders
- Writing exercise #2
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- Leaving Room for Your Illustrator (Picture Books & Pictures) with special guest Lala Watkins
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Roundtable Discussions: Part One
Day Four: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Morning
- Breakfast
- Roundtable discussions: Part two
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- Closing read aloud and final questions
Afternoon
- Lunch & farewells
Learn More About This Picture Book Writing Retreat
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?
- Each author and/or illustrator will meet with a faculty mentor for a consultation of their stories. Consultations will include time to discuss where you are in your stories, and ideas for moving forward with drafting, revisions, and/or submissions. No written feedback will be provided.
- There will be informal, roundtable discussions about changes you’ve made to your work-in-progress at the retreat.
- There will be informal feedback opportunities and time to share work during generative creative exercises, and as you connect with fellow attendees.
If you’d like to learn more, see our note on feedback in our programs.
What Level of Commitment Is Expected During the Retreat?
At an in-person event at our Retreat Center, you’ll have a chance to step away from everyday life to experience the retreat. It is important to recognize that this is not a “jam-packed” workshop; rather it is a Working Retreat that combines opportunities for learning with ample time to retreat and work on your own projects.
The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.
How Does This Retreat Support Our Mission?
Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Picture books are a beloved part of many children’s lives. This workshop is meant to support and inspire you as you craft a picture book for children.
Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Retreat?
You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards), prior to the event.
