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Picture Book I

Coworkers having meeting at office; close up of hand writing in book
WRITING X 441.1

Learn the basics of writing picture books for children in this introductory workshop.

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Duration
As few as 10 weeks
Units
3.0
Current Formats
Online
Cost
Starting at $720.00

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What you can learn.

Complete exercises to improve fundamental craft skills
Explore characterization, story structure, setting, and point of view
Develop a writing voice that is uniquely your own
Complete a picture book manuscript draft
Identify potential publishers for your work

About This Course

Created for the beginning writer, this course explores the various genres within the category of children's picture books, including nonfiction, writing in rhyme, classics and concept books for young children. Writing exercises focus on improving fundamental craft skills, such as characterization, story structure, setting, voice and point-of-view. You are encouraged to expand your creative thinking in order to develop your own unique writing style (your voice), and a peer feedback group provides a nurturing atmosphere for discussion of each writer's work. The goal is to complete a draft of a picture book manuscript and a market list of potential publishers.

Winter 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Instructor:
Alexandra Alessandri
REG#
406140
Fee:
$720.00
Onlineformat icon
Updating...
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required. 

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Book: Writing Picture Books Revised and Expanded Edition: A Hands-On Guide From Story Creation to Publication by Ann Whitford Paul
Writer's Digest Books;
ISBN 978-1440353758

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PUBLIC SYLLABUS FOR THIS COURSE.

Spring 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Instructor:
Dianne White
REG#
407403
Fee:
$820.00
Onlineformat icon
Updating...
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required. 

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

Deadline
Refunds only available from February 02, 2026 to April 12, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Writing Picture Books: Writing Picture Books Revised and Expanded Edition: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication by Ann Whitford Paul
ISBN 978-1-4403-5375-8
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