July 28 @ 7:00 pm - July 30 @ 7:00 pm
Online
$59Overview
A Two-Night Online Course
Between picture books and middle grade lies a magical, momentum-building space where new readers fall in love with reading on their own. The books in this space can be fiction, nonfiction, highly illustrated, and/or much more! In just two sessions, you’ll explore how to begin your chapter book or early reader that builds reading confidence and offers an emotional hook (and humor) for independent readers.
Join Kaz Windness to begin your chapter book or early reader, with a focused look at character and how to build on your own strengths in crafting a story. This two-session program is designed to help storytellers find a path forward for their ideas and includes a lecture each night, plus hands-on exercises, and time for your questions.
- Tuesday, July 28, 2026 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
- Thursday, July 30, 2026 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
- Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat
- Recordings available until August 31, 2026
Join Kaz on Campus for A Chapter Book Retreat!
After you’ve taken the course, continue learning with Kaz, Vicky Fang, and special guest Anne Appert on-campus this fall. Join us for Early Readers and Chapter Books: A Creative Retreat!
Why This Workshop?
Perhaps you remember the early days of your own reading journey? Or you work with kids who are falling in love with reading independently? The shelves might be filled with Frog and Toad or Worm & Caterpillar? With the I CAN READ series or Jada Jones?
This two-session chapter book workshop explores the magic behind those stories, and how you can write your own chapter book or early reader.
With award-winning author/illustrator Kaz Windness guiding the way, you will:
- Gain clarity on where your idea fits—early reader, highly illustrated chapter book, transitional chapter book, or a blend.
- Take a look at character development, learning how to craft characters that newly independent readers connect with emotionally (and laugh with, too).
- Identify your unique storytelling strengths and explore how to build on them in this format.
- Participate in hands-on writing exercises designed to help you start your story.
- and more!
By the end of our time together, you won’t just understand the chapter book and early reader category, you’ll have writing exercises to help you develop a character and gain confidence in your storytelling for this special age group of readers!
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are interested in writing for newly independent readers. This is a great course for beginners who want to understand more about chapter books and early readers as they explore this exciting time of independence for readers!
- You are a picture book or middle grade author. Curious about writing chapter books or early readers? In this short course you’ll see the cross over between these audiences (and the differences).
- You have an idea for a chapter book or early reader but aren’t sure where or how to start.
- You’re looking for something short, sweet, and smart! This is not a full workshop; these are short sessions meant to get you motivated to start writing your chapter book or early reader.
Tentative Agenda
At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course. If you can make live sessions or would prefer to watch the replays, access will be provided to those who sign up.
Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail. All Times are Eastern Time.
Part 1: Tuesday, July 28, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
- What is (and isn’t) an early reader?
- What is (and isn’t) a chapter book? (And do they all need to be series?)
- What can we learn from visual storytelling strategies for this age group?
- Try this: Remember a time when…
- Q&A
Part 2: Thursday, July 30, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm EST)
- What makes a stand out character for a chapter book or early reader?
- Let’s talk heart.
- Let’s talk humor.
- Try it: Review your “remember when” prompt and consider a character of heart and humor
- Q&A
About This Online Chapter Book Workshop
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?
- There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.
Will The Sessions Be Recorded? Can I Access the Recordings?
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 August 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.
How Does This Online 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. Independent readers have a special place in this mission where kids take reading into their own hands!
Can I Connect with Other Participants During the Workshop?
There will be limited interactivity within the chat. There will also be Q&A portions.
