May 6, 2026 - June 10, 2026
Online
$399Overview
An Online Course with Pre-recorded & Written Lectures, Writing Exercises, and Live Discussions with Q&A
Plotting a picture book can be tricky—balancing word count, page turns, and reader engagement is no small task. That’s why new and returning picture book writers benefit from the guidance of someone who has plenty of experience. Meet Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, author of fiction and nonfiction picture books, whose stories range from 50 words to 1000—all with clear, compelling plots.
In this course, you’ll explore the “Picture Book Alphabet” through pre-recorded and written lectures, weekly assignments, and LIVE Zoom sessions where you can ask questions, dive deeper into the material, and learn directly from Sudipta.
- Pre-recorded and written lectures released on Fridays before the next live class
- Live sessions via Zoom (with discussion and Q & A) on Wednesdays (May 6, 13, 20, 27 and June 10) from 7:30pm – 8:30pm Eastern [Note: No live session on June 3]
- You will have access to the materials (including recordings) until July 31, 2026
- An optional post-course consultation is available with Sudipta at an additional cost (details below)
Why This Workshop?
Are you ready to do a deep dive into picture book structure? If A is for ARC, and Z is for ZILLIONS, just imagine all of the learning that happens in between!
Get ready to read, write, and WORK on all things Picture Book Plotting, from A to Z.
This online course with Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen features pre-recorded and/or written lectures, plus assignments for each letter of the “Picture Book Alphabet,” with weekly LIVE Zoom sessions for all of your course-related questions. There will be check-ins and sharing of works-in-progress in the virtual classroom, along with assignments.
In this course, you will explore every aspect of picture book plotting, including:
- Narrative arc: beginnings, middles, endings
- Components: character, theme, setting, word play, humor, dialogue, description
- Illustration and page turns
- Repetition and word play
In addition, you will:
- Read lessons (Most written, with some pre-recorded video)
- Complete assignments
- Learn about writing query letters and pitching your picture book
- Analyze mentor text sets
- Participate in weekly LIVE Zoom Q & A sessions
This is primarily a self-paced program, with participant engagement happening through weekly Zoom sessions for questions and reflections related to the pre-recorded and written resources.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You want to write picture books. This in-depth course will ensure that you have a thorough understanding of how to plot a compelling picture book.
- You have written a picture book(s), but aren’t sure it’s ready to submit. Making time for this course means you will learn how to revise and strengthen your story.
- You’ve written a story for children but aren’t sure where it might fit on the shelf. This course will give you a deep understanding, including mentor texts of past and current picture books, and how they differ from other writing for children.
- You work well in a hybrid-learning model with expectations of engaging in all of the course content (including pre-recorded videos and written lectures), and attending the LIVE discussions to ask questions and share examples.
Do I need to have a picture book in progress to take this course? Not at all! If you are in the planning/idea stages, you will still gain valuable insight from this course. Please note that contributions in the virtual classroom and writing exercises can be adapted to fit your needs. The post-course critique is completely optional (for an additional charge); therefore, you do not need to submit the whole manuscript for feedback at any point if this is not where you are in your writing journey.
Looking for an In-Person Picture Book Retreat?
Check out All About Picture Books: A Retreat for Storytellers (hosted by Sudipta and Rob Sanders) at our Retreat Center on June 1-4.
Tentative Agenda
All Times are Eastern Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
This is primarily a self-paced program, with participant engagement happening through weekly Zoom sessions for questions and reflections related to the pre-recorded and written resources.
Pre-Workshop
- At registration: you will submit a brief survey of your goals, and a summary of where you are on your picture book journey.
- One week before class starts, you will be invited to join the virtual classroom where you will find our Community Standards, your course syllabus, and your first set of pre-recorded and written lectures.
Week 1
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Watch welcome video and read lectures on: narrative arc, beginnings & endings, urgency and tension, character
- Work on your first writing assignments
- Preview Community Standards
- Familiarize yourself with the discussion board
Wednesday, May 6 at 7:30 – 8:30pm Eastern: LIVE session via Zoom
- Introductions
- Review assignments
- Open Q & A for Resources
Week 2
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Watch this week’s videos and read lectures: dialogue, description, foreshadowing, character problem-solving, hooking the reader, marketing and pitching, humor
- Work on this week’s writing assignments
- Content released on Friday, May 9 by 9am Eastern
Wednesday, May 13 at 7:30 – 8:30pm Eastern: LIVE session via Zoom
- Open Q & A for Resources
- Sharing from exercise
Week 3
In the Virtual Classroom:
- Watch this week’s videos and read lectures: action, pacing, layout, outlining, analyzing mentor texts, variations on plot constructions
- Work on this week’s writing assignments
- Content released on Friday, May 16 by 9am Eastern
Wednesday, May 20 at 7:30 – 8:30pm Eastern: LIVE session via Zoom
- Open Q & A for Resources
- Sharing from exercise
Week 4
In the Virtual Classroom
- Watch this week’s videos and read lectures: writing good query letters, theme, settings, illustration, using repetition
- Work on this week’s writing assignments
- Content released by Friday, May 23 at 9am Eastern.
Wednesday, May 27 at 7:30 – 8:30pm Eastern: LIVE session via Zoom
- Open Q & A for Resources
- Sharing from exercise
Week 5
In the Virtual Classroom
- Watch this week’s videos and read lectures: Visuals, flight check, and final thoughts
- Work on this week’s writing assignments
- Content released by Friday, May 30 at 9am Eastern.
Wednesday, June 10 at 7:30 – 8:30pm Eastern: LIVE session via Zoom (Note: No Live Session on June 3rd)
- Open Q & A for Resources
- Sharing from exercise
- Post-course critique details (optional, at an additional cost)
Post-Course Critique Opportunity (at an Additional Cost)
OPTIONAL feedback will be available at an additional cost post-course. The cost for a post-course critique is $125, and sessions will be scheduled within 4-6 weeks of submission.
You will submit your most recent draft of your picture book manuscript to Sudipta. She will review and schedule a private session via Zoom to review ideas, suggestions, and next steps.
We will discuss this opportunity the final week of the course.
Resources
- 3 Questions for Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen about Revising Your Picture Book
- 3 Questions for Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen about Using Humor to Elevate Your Picture Book, Early Reader, or Chapter Book
- A-Z: 26 Ways to Learn the Craft of Picture Books, but How You Apply Them is Up to You
- Picture Books: To Rhyme or Not To Rhyme
- Short and Easy, Right? How Hard Can it Be to Write a Picture Book?
A Welcome from Sudipta:
About This Online Picture Book Writing Course
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?
In this online picture book writing workshop, you can expect this level of feedback from faculty:
-
- Weekly Q & A at the LIVE sessions to discuss questions related to written and recorded lectures.
- Weekly sharing and discussions in the virtual classroom.
- OPTIONAL feedback will be available at an additional cost post-course. After submitting your picture book manuscript, a private session will be scheduled via Zoom to review ideas, suggestions, and next steps. The cost for this optional feedback is $125, and sessions will be scheduled within 4-6 weeks of submission.
What Level of Commitment Do I Need to Make?
To get the most out of this online course for picture book writers, you should review the weekly recorded lectures and read the written lectures, attend the LIVE sessions with your questions, and complete the writing exercises. You’ll have access to all of the resources, and the recordings from the LIVE Q & A sessions through July 31, 2026.
We strive for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.
How Does This Course Support Our Mission?
Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Picture books are the first entry point for getting children engaged in story, inviting kids to immerse themselves in the stories they hear–and later, the ones they read. This course will help you learn the components of a strong picture book.
Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Workshop?
One week before class starts, you will be invited to join the virtual classroom where you will find our Community Standards, your course syllabus, and your first set of pre-recorded and written lectures.
