Tell Your Story: Get Started

We think that writing and/or illustrating children’s books is one of the best jobs in the world!

Maybe you think so too, and you’ve always wanted to try.

Maybe you’re a parent or a teacher and have made up stories for your kids or students. Maybe you’ve got a full-time job that stifles your creativity. Maybe you’re a graphic designer who is delighted by graphic novels.

Whatever your reason, it’s time to begin. We’ve got plenty of resources to introduce you to the world of writing and illustrating for children.

Yellow background with note paper accents that says: I Leared a LOT and it was authentically helpful. It felt like they were sharing their knowedge and experiences as supportive mentors who wanted to help new authors coming up behind them.

A Crash Course in Children's Book Publishing

This course covers all aspects of children’s book publishing, from genres and types of books to working with a publisher (and everything in between). Material will be covered via live Zoom sessions and pre-recorded content.

You’ll also have access to weekly live office hours with faculty, and a 1:1 consultation after the course.

Inspiring Children Through Story

“My picture book ... deals with parents separating. One little boy, who parents recently divorced, went to bed with [it] many nights. This deeply moved me to know this picture book helped this little boy.

"I tutor 2nd grade reluctant readers. My understanding of picture book structure and prose allows me to help them learn more than words. Rather than just read the story, we talk about it."

"You mean I get to keep this book forever?"

…Spoken by a child in tears who was gifted with one of my books at a school visit and had never owned a book before.

"When I hear kids giggle while I’m reading [my book] I feel like I’ve done the job I intended to do."

 Resources to Help You Begin

What to Do When You Have an Emotional Response to Receiving Feedback

What to Do When You Have an Emotional Response to Receiving Feedback

What Do Agents DO?

What Do Agents DO?

From Just Do It to Just Did It!

From Just Do It to Just Did It!

Your Book’s First Editor Is You: Is It Too Soon for Line Editing?

Your Book’s First Editor Is You: Is It Too Soon for Line Editing?

Upcoming Workshops

Writing for the Educational Market: A 4-Week Online Course

Writing for the Educational Market: A 4-Week Online Course

Starts: October 3, 2023

The Crash Course in Children’s Book Publishing (Fall)

The Crash Course in Children’s Book Publishing (Fall)

Starts: October 4, 2023

Writing for Beginning Readers: First Chapter Books and Early Readers

Writing for Beginning Readers: First Chapter Books and Early Readers

Starts: October 4, 2023

From Scripts to Panels: An Introduction to Graphic Novels

From Scripts to Panels: An Introduction to Graphic Novels

Starts: October 12, 2023

Muslim Storytellers: A Crash Course in Children’s Book Publishing

Muslim Storytellers: A Crash Course in Children’s Book Publishing

Starts: October 17, 2023

Disability Representation in Books for Kids: A Two-Night Mini

Disability Representation in Books for Kids: A Two-Night Mini

Starts: October 23, 2023

Becoming a Nonfiction Writer: A 3-Part Online Course

Becoming a Nonfiction Writer: A 3-Part Online Course

Starts: October 26, 2023

Levity & Humor: Infusing the Right Level of Funny in Your Chapter Book, MG or YA Novel

Levity & Humor: Infusing the Right Level of Funny in Your Chapter Book, MG or YA Novel

Starts: October 26, 2023

Picture Book Character A – Z

Picture Book Character A – Z

Starts: October 27, 2023

2023 Jewish Symposium: Writing Jewish Novels, Finding Jewish Joy

2023 Jewish Symposium: Writing Jewish Novels, Finding Jewish Joy

Starts: November 12, 2023

Relationships in MG & YA Novels: An Online Course with Editor Kat Brzozowski

Relationships in MG & YA Novels: An Online Course with Editor Kat Brzozowski

Starts: November 28, 2023

Writing Poetry to Empower: A Two-Night Mini

Writing Poetry to Empower: A Two-Night Mini

Starts: December 11, 2023

Intro to Writing Short Fiction: A Two-Night Mini for MG & YA Authors

Intro to Writing Short Fiction: A Two-Night Mini for MG & YA Authors

Starts: January 23, 2024

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

Celebrating Nathalie Alonso’s Picture Book Debut!

Celebrating Nathalie Alonso’s Picture Book Debut!

Celebration Station: Spring 2023

Celebration Station: Spring 2023

Celebrating Hanh Bui’s Book Birthday!

Celebrating Hanh Bui’s Book Birthday!

From Just Do It to Just Did It!

From Just Do It to Just Did It!

Workshops for Writers & Illustrators

> Online
> In-Person
> On-Demand (Self-Paced Online)

New to the Highlights Foundation? Try these:

About Children's Publishing | The Whole Novel Workshop | Summer Camp

Questions?

Need help deciding on a workshop?  Ask an ambassador!

Visiting Our Campus

Our campus (The Barn at Boyds Mills) is tucked away in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.  It's a few hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, but worlds away from everyday life.

Line drawing of the Barn at Boyds Mills

Our Mission in Action

Scholarships
Equity & Inclusion in Kidlit
Sustainability

The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.  Learn more about our impact.

For Businesses & Organizations

Fund a Scholarship
Partner with Us