Writing Zoom: Children's Picture Books

Writing Children’s Picture Books: Learn the Craft
Four Zoom Sessions
Mon., Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024, 6:30-8:30 pm MT

How many times have you read a children’s picture book and thought, “This is so short and simple! How hard could it be to write one?” That’s exactly what award-winning children’s book author Denise Vega thought—until she tried. Now she knows the answer to that naïve question: very hard. Join Vega as she explores the art and craft of writing a good picture book as you develop an understanding of what makes a children’s picture book unique among other books for children. Learn how to critically evaluate existing picture books and understand why they work. Explore character development, story structure, language, rhythm, and the relationship between words and pictures, which usually means fewer words from the writer! Then, under Vega’s guidance, generate ideas for your own story and begin writing and revising as you give and receive light feedback in a supportive setting. Vega leads entertaining discussions about some of her favorite children’s books and authors and provides handouts and worksheets to guide you in your process. Feel free to have your favorite children’s picture books on hand to use with in-class exercises (preferably books that have been published in the last three years.) By the end of class, you have the beginning of—or perhaps even a completed—story and skills to critically evaluate your own future work.

Award-winning author Denise Vega has written and published a range of content for kids, including If Your Monster Won’t Go to Bed, illustrated by Zachariah Ohora, Adela’s Mariachi Band, illustrated by Erika Medina (August 2024), middle grade and young adult books, as well as stories, nonfiction, poems and activities for children’s magazines.