Tell Your Story: Chapter Books & Early Readers

Do you remember the first time you read a book all by yourself? Do you want to bring joy and confidence to readers who are picking up a book on their own for the very first time?

In between the read-aloud world of picture books and the more challenging world of middle grade novels lies an exciting spectrum of fiction and nonfiction for beginning readers. These early readers and first chapter books spark a love of independent reading and build confidence in brand-new readers.

If you’re excited about writing for beginning readers, we can help you zero in on where your work – fiction, nonfiction, or both – fits in and learn what makes the best books for this age group successful.

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.

Chapter Book and Early Reader Resources

3 Questions for Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen About Using Humor to Elevate Your Picture Book, Early Reader, or Chapter Book

3 Questions for Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen About Using Humor to Elevate Your Picture Book, Early Reader, or Chapter Book

From Workshop to Publication to Acquiring Editor

From Workshop to Publication to Acquiring Editor

4 Things to Consider Before You Begin a Chapter Book Series

4 Things to Consider Before You Begin a Chapter Book Series

What Makes a Successful Chapter Book Series? Some Examples

What Makes a Successful Chapter Book Series? Some Examples

Chapter Books and Early Readers Workshops

Writing Through Trauma to Empower Readers: A Working In-Community Retreat for Storytellers

Writing Through Trauma to Empower Readers: A Working In-Community Retreat for Storytellers

Starts: April 11, 2024

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

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

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

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Spring/Summer)

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Spring/Summer)

Starts: April 17, 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

Summer Camp in Writing: Create and Dream!

Summer Camp in Writing: Create and Dream!

Starts: July 14, 2024

Working Retreat: Experienced Storytellers In-Company

Working Retreat: Experienced Storytellers In-Company

Starts: September 11, 2024

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall)

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall)

Starts: September 18, 2024

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

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

Starts: September 24, 2024

Working Retreat: Chapter Books and Early Readers

Working Retreat: Chapter Books and Early Readers

Starts: October 13, 2024

Working Retreat: Revision

Working Retreat: Revision

Starts: November 14, 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.