Tell Your Story: Picture Books

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.

Picture Book Resources

A-Z: 26 Ways to Learn the Craft of Picture Books, But How You Apply Them Is Up To You

A-Z: 26 Ways to Learn the Craft of Picture Books, But How You Apply Them Is Up To You

12 Nonfiction Picture Books with Emotional Resonance

12 Nonfiction Picture Books with Emotional Resonance

Rediscovering Joy with Picture Books

Rediscovering Joy with Picture Books

These are your people, and this is your place

These are your people, and this is your place

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."

Picture Book Courses and Workshops

Writing the Rainbow: Crafting Picture Books With LGBTQIA+ Themes

Writing the Rainbow: Crafting Picture Books With LGBTQIA+ Themes

Starts: June 2, 2023

Picture Book Beginnings & Endings: A Two Night Mini

Picture Book Beginnings & Endings: A Two Night Mini

Starts: June 12, 2023

Writing for the Educational Market

Writing for the Educational Market

Starts: June 21, 2023

Summer Camp in Fiction: Explore, Play, and Inspire

Summer Camp in Fiction: Explore, Play, and Inspire

Starts: July 7, 2023

Picture Book Essentials: A Two-Night Mini

Picture Book Essentials: A Two-Night Mini

Starts: July 18, 2023

Writing and Illustrating Science & Nature for Kids and Teens

Writing and Illustrating Science & Nature for Kids and Teens

Starts: August 12, 2023

PJ Library: Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators of Jewish Picture Books

PJ Library: Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators of Jewish Picture Books

Starts: August 27, 2023

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 20, 2023

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

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

Starts: October 4, 2023

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

From Just Do It to Just Did It!

From Just Do It to Just Did It!

Congratulations to the 2023 ALA Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2023 ALA Award Winners

Sara Gómez Woolley, 2022 Resident Artist: #WhatIFound @HighlightsFound

Sara Gómez Woolley, 2022 Resident Artist: #WhatIFound @HighlightsFound

Uplifting Indigenous Storytellers on #GivingTuesday

Uplifting Indigenous Storytellers on #GivingTuesday

Workshops for Writers & Illustrators

> Online
> In-Person
> On-Demand (Self-Paced Online)

New to the Highlights Foundation? Try these:

The Crash Course | The Whole Novel Workshop | Summer Camp

Questions?

Need help deciding on a workshop?  Ask an ambassador!

Visiting Our Campus

Our campus (The Barn at Boyds Mills) is tucked away in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.  It's a few hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, but worlds away from everyday life.

Line drawing of the Barn at Boyds Mills

Our Mission in Action

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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.

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