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 for Author, Editor and Agent Linda Epstein About “Show, Don’t Tell”

3 Questions for 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)

My Path to Nonfiction (AKA, When What You Think You Want to Write and What You’re Good at Writing are Not the Same Thing)

My Path to Nonfiction (AKA, When What You Think You Want to Write and What You’re Good at Writing are Not the Same Thing)

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

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

Upcoming Workshops

Multiple Narrator Novels: A Two Night Mini

Multiple Narrator Novels: A Two Night Mini

Starts: March 19, 2024

Breaks, Blank Space, and Gaps: Poetic Gutters in Novels in Verse and Poetry

Breaks, Blank Space, and Gaps: Poetic Gutters in Novels in Verse and Poetry

Starts: April 11, 2024

Non-Traditional Picture Book Structure: A Two-Night Mini

Non-Traditional Picture Book Structure: A Two-Night Mini

Starts: April 15, 2024

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

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

Starts: April 16, 2024

Emotions in Nonfiction Picture Books: A Two-Night Mini

Emotions in Nonfiction Picture Books: A Two-Night Mini

Starts: April 16, 2024

Before the Book: A Two-Night Mini to Get Organized and Get to the Heart of Your Story

Before the Book: A Two-Night Mini to Get Organized and Get to the Heart of Your Story

Starts: April 16, 2024

Disability Representation in Picture Book Illustration: A Two-Night Mini

Disability Representation in Picture Book Illustration: A Two-Night Mini

Starts: May 7, 2024

Writing with Pride: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Writers

Writing with Pride: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Writers

Starts: May 14, 2024

Working Retreat: Spark Inspiration with Meditation and Creative Play

Working Retreat: Spark Inspiration with Meditation and Creative Play

Starts: June 15, 2024

Working Retreat: Writing for the Educational Market

Working Retreat: Writing for the Educational Market

Starts: June 20, 2024

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

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

Starts: September 24, 2024

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

Celebrating Ramadan Kareem’s Book Birthday with M.O. Yuksel and Hatem Aly

Celebrating Ramadan Kareem’s Book Birthday with M.O. Yuksel and Hatem Aly

Cover Reveal: Xavier’s Voice by Ashley Franklin

Cover Reveal: Xavier’s Voice by Ashley Franklin

With Scholarship Support, Rachel Werner Grows Her Passion Project: Expanding Inclusion in Narratives

With Scholarship Support, Rachel Werner Grows Her Passion Project: Expanding Inclusion in Narratives

Celebration Station: Fall 2023

Celebration Station: Fall 2023

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.