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

Sketchbooks:  A Place To Suspend Your Creativity Without Losing It

Sketchbooks: A Place To Suspend Your Creativity Without Losing It

6 Tips to Help You Conduct Interviews for Your Children’s Nonfiction Book Research

6 Tips to Help You Conduct Interviews for Your Children’s Nonfiction Book Research

Focusing on Details Can Give You New Direction

Focusing on Details Can Give You New Direction

5 Ways to Get Out of the Slush Pile and Get Your Children’s Book Manuscript Read

5 Ways to Get Out of the Slush Pile and Get Your Children’s Book Manuscript Read

Upcoming Workshops

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Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

#HFGather: Community, Craft & Career

#HFGather: Community, Craft & Career

Congratulations to Our Faculty 2020 ALA Youth Media Award Winners!

Congratulations to Our Faculty 2020 ALA Youth Media Award Winners!

Podcast: Jane Yolen On Process, Picture Books & Poetry

Podcast: Jane Yolen On Process, Picture Books & Poetry

Diversity in Children’s Literature Fellow Pamela Courtney Talks About Her Why

Diversity in Children’s Literature Fellow Pamela Courtney Talks About Her Why

Our Mission in Action

Share Your Story, Inspire a Child
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Equity & Inclusion in Kidlit
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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.