Picture Book Courses

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.

Find A Picture Book Course

The Writing Shorter Retreat: Why (and How) Less Can Be More

The Writing Shorter Retreat: Why (and How) Less Can Be More

Starts: August 9, 2026

Picture Book Essentials: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Writers

Picture Book Essentials: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Writers

Starts: August 11, 2026

From Idea & Sketch to Dummy & Submission: An Author/Illustrator Online Course

From Idea & Sketch to Dummy & Submission: An Author/Illustrator Online Course

Starts: September 2, 2026

Rhyming Picture Books: From Forced to Verse

Rhyming Picture Books: From Forced to Verse

Starts: September 15, 2026

Picture Book Authors and Illustrators: A Generative Retreat

Picture Book Authors and Illustrators: A Generative Retreat

Starts: September 16, 2026

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 23, 2026

Purposeful Page Turns: Crafting Momentum in Picture Books

Purposeful Page Turns: Crafting Momentum in Picture Books

Starts: October 5, 2026

Diving Into Picture Books with Editor Matt Phipps

Diving Into Picture Books with Editor Matt Phipps

Starts: October 6, 2026

Worldbuilding 101 with Editor Emma D. Dryden

Worldbuilding 101 with Editor Emma D. Dryden

Starts: October 20, 2026

Picture Book Approaches: Concept Books, Biographies and More

Picture Book Approaches: Concept Books, Biographies and More

Starts: November 10, 2026

Picture Book Revision: Plot, Pacing, Character, and More!

Picture Book Revision: Plot, Pacing, Character, and More!

Starts: December 1, 2026

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Picture Book Resources

9 Quick Tips for Writing a Picture Book

9 Quick Tips for Writing a Picture Book

Why Less Can Be More: A Q&A on Shorter Novels & Picture Books in Today’s Market

Why Less Can Be More: A Q&A on Shorter Novels & Picture Books in Today’s Market

Picture Book Mentor Texts: A Q&A With Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Picture Book Mentor Texts: A Q&A With Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Now More Than Ever: On Writing Disabled Characters

Now More Than Ever: On Writing Disabled Characters

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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.

Stories from Our Boyds Mills Alumni

Celebration Station: Spring 2026

Celebration Station: Spring 2026

Celebration Station: Fall/Winter 2025-26

Celebration Station: Fall/Winter 2025-26

4 Verse Novelists Enjoy Success Thanks to Cordelia Jensen & Boyds Mills

4 Verse Novelists Enjoy Success Thanks to Cordelia Jensen & Boyds Mills

Celebration Station: Summer 2025

Celebration Station: Summer 2025

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