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

3 Questions With Editor Harold Underdown About What’s New and Different in Children’s Publishing Now

3 Questions With Editor Harold Underdown About What’s New and Different in Children’s Publishing Now

5 Tips for Researching Photos for Your Nonfiction Book

5 Tips for Researching Photos for Your Nonfiction Book

3 Questions With Author, Editor and Agent Linda Epstein About “Show, Don’t Tell”

3 Questions With Author, Editor and Agent Linda Epstein About “Show, Don’t Tell”

Outlines, Roadmaps, Goals & Accountability: Strategies That Work for Writers (Faculty Q&A)

Outlines, Roadmaps, Goals & Accountability: Strategies That Work for Writers (Faculty Q&A)

Upcoming Workshops

Practical Matters in Children’s Book Publishing: A Two-Night Mini with Editor Harold Underdown

Practical Matters in Children’s Book Publishing: A Two-Night Mini with Editor Harold Underdown

Starts: September 16, 2024

Picture Book Essentials: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Writers

Picture Book Essentials: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Writers

Starts: September 23, 2024

Social and Emotional Themes in KidLit: A Two-Night Mini for Writers

Social and Emotional Themes in KidLit: A Two-Night Mini for Writers

Starts: September 23, 2024

From Idea & Sketch to Dummy & Submission: An Author/Illustrator Online Course

From Idea & Sketch to Dummy & Submission: An Author/Illustrator Online Course

Starts: September 24, 2024

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

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

Starts: September 24, 2024

Crafting Meaningful Contemporary Novels: An Online Course with Editor Kat Brzozowski

Crafting Meaningful Contemporary Novels: An Online Course with Editor Kat Brzozowski

Starts: October 8, 2024

Why Horror: A Two-Part Mini on Haunted Tales for MG Readers

Why Horror: A Two-Part Mini on Haunted Tales for MG Readers

Starts: October 15, 2024

Research Techniques: A Two-Night Mini

Research Techniques: A Two-Night Mini

Starts: October 22, 2024

Chapter by Chapter: An Online Program for Chapter Book Writers

Chapter by Chapter: An Online Program for Chapter Book Writers

Starts: November 7, 2024

Free #HFGather: 2025 Scholarship Celebration and Information Session

Free #HFGather: 2025 Scholarship Celebration and Information Session

Starts: January 15, 2025

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

Celebrating a Book Birthday with Lee Wind and Jieting Chen

Celebrating a Book Birthday with Lee Wind and Jieting Chen

Julia’s Story: 3 Books Under Contract + a New Career

Celebration Station: Summer 2024

Celebration Station: Summer 2024

#HFGather: Writing about Climate Change for Kids: Amplifying Black Voices for Social Justice, Racial Equity, and Caring for Our Planet

#HFGather: Writing about Climate Change for Kids: Amplifying Black Voices for Social Justice, Racial Equity, and Caring for Our Planet

Our Mission in Action

Share Your Story, Inspire a Child
Scholarships
Equity & Inclusion in Kidlit
Partners & Sponsors

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.