Essential Conversations Programs - Highlights Foundation

Tell Your Story: Essential Conversations

Children’s books that reflect the richness of the human experience through diversity, inclusion, and access are catalysts for change.

We developed our Essential Conversations programming to amplify the need and call for more diverse, inclusive, and accessible books.

We want to provide craft, education, and community-building for creatives and professionals in and around the children’s book industry.

Join us in these essential conversations, for professional development opportunities and for in-community courses and retreats.

Join Us For Essential Conversations: Craft and Community

Asian and Asian American Voices: An In-Community Retreat

Starts: May 4, 2023

Writing the Rainbow: An Online Intensive for Picture Book Storytellers

Starts: June 2, 2023

An Intersectional Lens: Awareness + Action for Representation in Kids’ Books, Libraries & Classrooms

Starts: June 4, 2023

Native Creatives: An In-Community Retreat

Starts: September 28, 2023

Explore Our Essential Conversations Workshops

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."