September 16, 2026 - September 19, 2026
Highlights Foundation Campus
$1299Overview
In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat
Picture book writers and illustrators: set aside time to focus on your picture book project! Here is a special retreat just for you. Join fiction and nonfiction author Darcy Pattison, author/illustrator Leslie Helakoski, and their guests including editor Matt Phipps and more, to immerse yourself in all things picture books. You’ll enjoy presentations, read alouds, small group discussions of your work, 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 writers and illustrators who have at least one draft of a picture book manuscript, or a dummy (mocked-up picture book).
- Small group discussions will help move along your project towards a finished state.
- Lodging and meals are included.
- No submission required. Please bring projects to the program with you.
- Begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
- Ends after lunch on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
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?
All creatives need time and space to accomplish their goals. We invite picture book creatives to gather in a community of fellow writers and illustrators, and spend time focused on crafting picture books.
At the heart of this working retreat is the “work.”
Days will be spent on individual projects, whether that means sketching in the Art Coop, drafting new words on the porch of your cabin, or finally getting to the revisions that your work-in-progress needs.
By your side throughout the retreat you’ll hear from fiction and nonfiction author Darcy Pattison, author/illustrator Leslie Helakoski, and their guests including editor Matt Phipps, and more. You’ll enjoy engaging presentations about the art of crafting picture books that kids (and all) will love. In round table groups, we’ll ask you to bring copies of a work-in-progress for discussion. You’ll have the opportunity to revise your story between round table sessions.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are a picture book creative, at any level, in any style. This workshop is open to picture book writers and illustrators who are just beginning and those who have more experience. Of most importance is at least one completed draft of a manuscript or dummy (mocked up picture book.)
- You write or illustrate for fiction or nonfiction picture books. With faculty and guests who write and draw in a variety of mediums and genres, you are sure to connect with a faculty member who can help move your project to a new level.
- You enjoy discussing stories with fellow picture book creatives. Bring your up-to-date manuscript to be read aloud during our facilitated roundtable discussions. You’ll gather ideas and feedback about your story in this supportive environment.
- 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.
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.
- You will bring one project for our time in round table discussion. There will be a round table discussion of your work-in-progress.
Day One: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
- 5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner
- Introductions will take place over appetizers. Please bring your favorite picture book to use as part of your introduction.
- Following dinner: Expectations and goals for our time together
Day Two: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #1 with Darcy Pattison and Leslie Helakoski
- Roundtable discussions of your work in progress (Part One)
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- Dummy Making Workshop
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Informal gathering fireside (weather permitting)
Day Three: Friday, September 18, 2026
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #2 with Darcy Pattison and Leslie Helakoski
- Roundtable discussions (Part Two)
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Retreat time (including 1:1 consultations with faculty)
- Optional office hours with Matt Phipps
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Fireside sharing and art activity
Day Four: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Morning
- Breakfast
- Presentation #3
- Final round table meetings
Afternoon
- Lunch & farewells
About This Picture Book Author / Illustrator 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.
- You’ll receive feedback from faculty and fellow storytellers about your story, during round table group discussions of your work-in-progress.
- There will be informal feedback opportunities and time to share work during generative creative exercises, and as you connect with fellow attendees.
- There will be an optional office hour with editor Matt Phipps to share questions and ideas.
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. 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). The classroom will also house all handouts from your faculty.
