February 9, 2026 @ 7:00 pm - February 11, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
Online
$59Overview
A Two-Night Mini Online Course
Picture book authors can learn a lot from mentor texts—and even more from mentor sets.
A mentor text is a book you read to learn and explore craft, style, and skill. A mentor set goes a step further—its a group of books you read that show different ways to tell a similar story.
Think of using mentor texts as reading like a writer: studying what works, how it works, and why it connects with readers. These mentors can help inspire and unlock ideas, helping authors to enrich their work. But how do you use them for maximum effect?
Join celebrated author and educator Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow for a two-night mini course packed with strategies for dissecting mentor texts and applying what you learn to your own work. This short, info-rich program offers two 75-minute sessions filled with practical insights, examples, and inspiration, perfect for writers who want big takeaways in a short amount of time.
- Monday, February 9, 2026
- Wednesday, February 11, 2026
- Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat.
- You’ll have access to the recordings through March 31, 2026.
Why This Workshop?
Just beginning your journey to writing picture books—or feeling stuck in your own work? It might be time for you to turn to mentor texts.
If you are unsure how to get the most from the use of mentors, join celebrated author and educator Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow to learn strategies for dissecting mentor texts in order to think more deeply about your own writing from concept to the line level.
This short course on ways to improve your writing with an insightful review of picture books, with key details like:
- Sharpening your reading skills as a picture book author;
- What to look for in a text that is similar (but not the same) as your work;
- What to look for in a text that is very different from your own, but shares secrets to overall picture book success,
- And more!
Just a reminder: If you can’t attend live, no problem! The sessions will be recorded and sent to you.
It’s a Great Fit For…
- You are just starting your journey as a writer of picture books and you’re looking for steps to improve your own writing through reading and understanding successful picture books.
- You’re looking to develop a set of mentors for the craft, style, or rhythm you are seeking in your own writing.
- You’re looking for something short, sweet, and smart! This isn’t a full course, but two presentations with loads of information about understanding how reading picture books can help you become a better writer of picture books.
Tentative Agenda
At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course. All Times are Eastern Time.
Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Monday, February 9, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
- What does it mean to read like a writer?
- Tools to approach a mentor text
- Page by page review of a mentor text or two chosen by Jamilah
- Mentor sets
- Try This at Home exercise
- Q & A
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
- Identifying a book that encourages re-reads
- Word choice, style and clarity
- Finding the delight and surprise
- Diversifying your bookshelf – widening your critical lens
- Q&A
Learn More About This Picture Book Mini Course
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?
Feedback Expected
- None included in the course. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.
Will The Workshop Sessions Be Recorded?
IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE:
- If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through March 31, 2026.
- Please note that if you cannot attend live but you’d like to receive recording links by email, you must register for this course. Recordings are not sold separately; they are only available to those who register.
- Please also note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session, you will not receive recordings immediately. You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session, usually within 24 hours.
What Level of Commitment Should Expect During the Workshop?
Please Note:
If you’re unable to attend the session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recording (with closed captioning) through March 31, 2026.
The Highlights Foundation strives 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 Workshop 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. When kids learn writing, they learn that readers are writers. Join them on this journey to improve your own stories.
