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

Podcast: Courtney Pippin-Mathur

Podcast: Courtney Pippin-Mathur

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

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

First Pages, First Promises: A Two-Night Mini

First Pages, First Promises: A Two-Night Mini

Starts: September 26, 2023

School Visits: Spotlight on Students and Storytellers

School Visits: Spotlight on Students and Storytellers

Starts: October 3, 2023

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

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

Starts: October 4, 2023

Muslim Storytellers: A Crash Course in Children’s Book Publishing

Muslim Storytellers: A Crash Course in Children’s Book Publishing

Starts: October 17, 2023

Disability Representation in Books for Kids: A Two-Night Mini

Disability Representation in Books for Kids: A Two-Night Mini

Starts: October 23, 2023

Picture Book Character A – Z

Picture Book Character A – Z

Starts: October 27, 2023

Rainbow Retreat: An In-Community Experience for Creatives

Rainbow Retreat: An In-Community Experience for Creatives

Starts: November 2, 2023

2023 Jewish Symposium: Writing Jewish Novels, Finding Jewish Joy

2023 Jewish Symposium: Writing Jewish Novels, Finding Jewish Joy

Starts: November 12, 2023

Marketing Opportunities for Storytellers: A Two Night Mini

Marketing Opportunities for Storytellers: A Two Night Mini

Starts: November 28, 2023

Writing Poetry to Empower: A Two-Night Mini

Writing Poetry to Empower: A Two-Night Mini

Starts: December 11, 2023

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

Celebration Station: Spring 2023

Celebration Station: Spring 2023

Celebrating Hanh Bui’s Book Birthday!

Celebrating Hanh Bui’s Book Birthday!

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

Workshops for Writers & Illustrators

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

New to the Highlights Foundation? Try these:

About Children's Publishing | 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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