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

6 Ways to Begin to Understand Voice and Find Your Own

6 Ways to Begin to Understand Voice and Find Your Own

7 Pointers for Writing Powerful Picture Books

7 Pointers for Writing Powerful Picture Books

Editors Are Looking for Your Authentic Voice

Editors Are Looking for Your Authentic Voice

How to Start Revising That First Draft

How to Start Revising That First Draft

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

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

Susan Campbell Bartoletti: We Make Meaning Through the Telling of Our Stories

Susan Campbell Bartoletti: We Make Meaning Through the Telling of Our Stories

Denise Fleming, Artist and Mentor

Denise Fleming, Artist and Mentor

Kate Garchinsky and Julie Zickefoose on Nature Writing for Kids

Kate Garchinsky and Julie Zickefoose on Nature Writing for Kids

Cynthia Leitich Smith & Uma Krishnaswami: A Conversation about Humor

Cynthia Leitich Smith & Uma Krishnaswami: A Conversation about Humor

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

Scholarships
Equity & Inclusion in Kidlit
Sustainability

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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