October 23, 2026 - October 26, 2026
Highlights Foundation Campus
$1299Overview
In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat
Somewhere between the world of picture books and the complexity of full-length novels lives an exciting, often overlooked creative space—where word count is limited but the storytelling possibilities are expansive. Books in this space fill in the blanks as level readers, early readers, chapter books, with many including spot illustrations or graphic panels.
This retreat invites writers to explore that in-between world, with authors and illustrators Kaz Windness and Vicky Fang, along with special guest Anne Appert.
Bring an idea, a draft, or questions—this engaging retreat will help you understand the needs of this market and how to create with these transitional readers in mind. You’ll experience hands-on sessions, generative exercises, and plenty of support. You will also have ample time to retreat for your own writing, illustrating, and creating.
- This is an in-person retreat for writers and illustrators interested in learning more about publishing opportunities between picture books and novels.
- 1:1 consultations will help you decide which ideas to grow, and what comes next on your publication journey.
- No submission required.
- Lodging and meals are included.
- Begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Friday, October 23
- Ends after lunch Monday, October 26
Find Your Magic!
Save $100 on any 2026 in-person workshop with coupon code FINDMAGIC. Use the code at checkout for all 2026 campus workshops.
Offer valid through November 19 at midnight.
Why This Retreat?
Kids who are starting to read on their own need to find the books that meet them creatively, inspirationally, and more! It isn’t just about the level of reader they are, it is about what makes them feel like a READER. Writing and illustrating for this reader is an important job and one that Kaz Windness and Vicky Fang take seriously (with a side of laugh-out-loud humor in their stories.) Join them to create books for these readers. In addition to sessions with Kaz and Vicky, they will be joined by special guest, author/illustrator Anne Appert.
Expect energizing craft conversations, generative prompts, and ample creative time in a supportive, collaborative environment. Together, we’ll explore what it means to write for transitional readers—those just beginning to find themselves in stories—and how to craft books that meet them with joy, depth, humor, and heart.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are an author or illustrator, or an author/illustrator interested in leveled readers, early readers, and/or chapter books. This workshop will cover the needs of transitional readers and best approaches for designing your stories with that audience in mind.
- You enjoy discussing stories with fellow creatives. Fellow attendees will be in discussion with you as you create and share your work.
- 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
All Times are Eastern Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Pre-Workshop
- 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.
Day One: Friday, October 23
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
- 5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner
- Following dinner: Welcome & Discussion About Transitional Readers with Vicky Fang and Kaz Windness
Day Two: Saturday, October 24
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #1 with Kaz Windness
- Writing/ Sketching exercise #1
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- 1:1 Consultations
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Informal gathering fireside (weather permitting)
Day Three: Sunday, October 25
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #2 with Vicky Fang
- Writing/Sketching exercise #2
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Special guest session
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Informal Roundtable Discussions/Sharing
Day Four: Monday, October 26
Morning
- Breakfast
- Writing/Sketching Exercise #3
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- Closing and final reflections
Afternoon
- Lunch & farewells
About This Early Reader / Chapter Book Writing Retreat
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?
Feedback Expected
- 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?
As 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. New readers immerse themselves in characters they love, series they care about, and reflections of their world. This retreat is meant to share with you how to craft stories for this age so that kids can love reading.
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.
