Picture Book Courses

There’s just one thing we can tell you about writing a picture book: there is no one “right way” to do it.

You have a story to tell, and a unique voice with which to tell it.

Maybe you’ve had an idea for a while and want to get started. Maybe you’re looking for a place to find community and hone your craft.

No matter where you are on your journey, we’re glad you’re here.  Your story and your picture book can inspire children, and we’d love to help.

Find A Picture Book Course

PJ Library: Picture Book Summer Camp

PJ Library: Picture Book Summer Camp

Starts: March 31, 2024

Working (PLAYING) Retreat: Artistic Play and Exploration

Working (PLAYING) Retreat: Artistic Play and Exploration

Starts: April 14, 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

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

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: Poetry and Poetry Anthologies

Working Retreat: Poetry and Poetry Anthologies

Starts: June 23, 2024

Summer Camp in Illustration: Intensive Artistic Inspiration

Summer Camp in Illustration: Intensive Artistic Inspiration

Starts: July 10, 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: Lyrical Picture Books and Poetry

Working Retreat: Lyrical Picture Books and Poetry

Starts: September 26, 2024

Working Retreat: Picture Book Authors and Illustrators

Working Retreat: Picture Book Authors and Illustrators

Starts: November 10, 2024

Working Retreat: Revision

Working Retreat: Revision

Starts: November 14, 2024

Picture Book Resources

3 Questions for Merrill Rainey and Joe Cepeda About Creating Books for The Very Youngest Children

3 Questions for Merrill Rainey and Joe Cepeda About Creating Books for The Very Youngest Children

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

3 Questions for Valerie Bolling About Creating Impactful Beginnings and Endings for Your Picture Books

3 Questions for Valerie Bolling About Creating Impactful Beginnings and Endings for Your Picture Books

3 Questions for Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen About Revising Your Picture Book

3 Questions for Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen About Revising Your Picture Book

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.

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.