September 13 - September 16
Highlights Foundation Campus
$1299Overview
In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat
Picture book writers and illustrators: set aside time to focus on your picture book project! Here is a special retreat just for you. Join fiction and nonfiction author Darcy Pattison, author/illustrator Leslie Helakoski, and their guests including Aram Kim and Matt Phipps to immerse yourself in all things picture books. You’ll enjoy presentations, read alouds, small group discussions of your work, and so much more. In addition to the support from your faculty and fellow creatives, you’ll have ample time to work on your stories. We recommend bringing several stories at various parts of the drafting and revision processes.
- This is an in-person retreat for picture book writers and illustrators who have at least one draft of a picture book manuscript, or a dummy (mocked-up picture book).
- Small group discussions will help move along your project towards a finished state.
- Lodging and meals are included.
- No submission required.
- Begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Saturday, September 13, 2025
- Ends after lunch on Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Truly outstanding experience across the board. Feeling empowered and inspired!
Picture Book Language,
Creating Picture Book Dummies,
& Charting Picture Books
with Darcy Pattison and Leslie Helakoski
Connections
- Hands on dummy (mocked-up picture book) session with Aram Kim
- First pages review with editor Matthew Phipps
- Working Retreat Time
- Roundtable Discussion Groups
- 1:1 Consultations
- Q&As
It really gave me the focus I needed, to sort out my stories and make a strategy for submissions.
Why This Retreat?
All creatives need time and space to accomplish their goals. We invite picture book creatives to gather in a community of fellow writers and illustrators, and spend time focused on crafting picture books.
At the heart of this working retreat is the “work.”
Days will be spent on individual projects, whether that means sketching in the Art Coop, drafting new words on the porch of your cabin, or finally getting to the revisions that your work-in-progress needs.
By your side throughout the retreat you’ll hear from fiction and nonfiction author Darcy Pattison, author/illustrator Leslie Helakoski, and their guests including Aram Kim and Matt Phipps. Each guest will offer one presentation and one informal session (see tentative agenda for more details.) In a round table group, we ask you to bring copies of a work-in-progress for discussion. You’ll receive feedback from both Darcy and Leslie about your story, as well as opinions from your classmates.
Feedback Expected
- Each author and/or illustrator will meet with a faculty mentor for a consultation of their stories. Consultations will include time to discuss where you are in your stories, and ideas for moving forward with drafting, revisions, and/or submissions. No written feedback will be provided.
- You’ll receive feedback from faculty and fellow storytellers about your story, during round table group discussions of your work-in-progress.
- There will be informal feedback opportunities and time to share work during generative creative exercises, and as you connect with fellow attendees.
- There will be an optional first page review with editor Matt Phipps.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are a picture book creative, at any level, in any style. This workshop is open to picture book writers and illustrators who are just beginning and those who have more experience. Of most importance is at least one completed draft of a manuscript or dummy (mocked up picture book.)
- You write or illustrate for fiction or nonfiction picture books. With faculty and guests who write and draw in a variety of mediums and genres, you are sure to connect with a faculty member who can help move your project to a new level.
- You enjoy discussing stories with fellow picture book creatives. Bring your up-to-date manuscript to be read aloud during our facilitated roundtable discussions. You’ll gather ideas and feedback about your story in this supportive environment.
- You’d like a retreat where you can get to work. This retreat is not based on lecture. It’s time to work on your own projects, with the added immersive experience of presentations, generative writing exercises, and time to connect with fellow creatives over meals and informal gatherings.
Detailed Agenda
All Times are Eastern Time.
Pre-Workshop
- You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards).
- We encourage you to bring projects with you to the retreat at various stages in-progress, as you will have time to draft, revise, research, and polish your work during independent time.
- You will bring one project for our time in round table discussion. There will be a round table discussion of your work-in-progress.
Day One: Saturday, September 13, 2025
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
- 5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner
- Introductions will take place over appetizers. Please bring your favorite picture book to use as part of your introduction.
- Following dinner: Expectations and goals for our time together
Day Two: Sunday, September 14, 2025
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #1 with Darcy Pattison and Leslie Helakoski
- Roundtable discussions of your work in progress (Part One)
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- 1:1 Consultations
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Informal gathering fireside (weather permitting)
Day Three: Monday, September 15, 2025
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #2 with Darcy Pattison and Leslie Helakoski
- Roundtable discussions (Part Two)
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Dummy making session with Aram Kim
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Optional first pages session with editor Matt Phipps
Day Four: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Morning
- Breakfast
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- Presentation #3
- Final round table meetings
Afternoon
- Lunch & farewells
Commitment Required for the Best Experience
As an in-person event at our Retreat Center, you’ll have a chance to step away from everyday life to experience the retreat. It is important to recognize that this is not a “jam-packed” workshop; rather it is a Working Retreat that combines opportunities for learning with ample time to retreat and work on your own projects.
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 It Impacts Kids
Picture books are a beloved part of many children’s lives. This workshop is meant to support and inspire you as you craft a picture book for children.
Testimonials from Our Community
“Really went above what was expected — offering mini-sessions on various topics, surprise picture book readings, and being available for any kind of questions or discussions.”
“I’ve participated in many events, conferences, and retreats over my professional career, and this was one of the most well-run. Essentially all of our personal needs were met, and the professional staff and writers/illustrators were wonderful.”
“The cottage was perfect, the surroundings peaceful and relaxing. I was able to find a balance of work and play. So much thought and consideration has gone into providing an inspiring, rejuvenating environment.”
Related Resources
- How Do You Know If You’ve Written a Picture Book?
- Word Choices: Writing Picture Books That Soar
- Short and Easy, Right? How Hard Can It Be to Write a Picture Book?
- 9 Picture Book Topics to Avoid
- 3 Tips for Writing Funny Picture Books
- 7 Pointers for Writing Powerful Picture Books
- Get it Right with Research for Your Nonfiction Picture Book
