June 1 - June 4
Highlights Foundation Campus
$1299Overview
In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat
Picture books speak to young readers like nothing else. Whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction; lyrical, humorous, serious, or anything in between, this retreat is meant for you. Join fiction and nonfiction picture book authors Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Rob Sanders along with their guest Kaz Windness to immerse yourself in all things picture books. You’ll enjoy presentations, read alouds, one-to-one consultations, 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 enthusiasts in any genre, at any stage of their picture book creation.
- 1:1 consultations will help you decide which ideas to grow, and what comes next on your publication journey.
- No submission required.
- Lodging and meals are included.
- Begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Sunday, June 1, 2025
- Ends after lunch on Wednesday, June 4, 2025
There were so many positive experiences- connections with other writers that look like they will last beyond the retreat, finally working through some of my writing road blocks, and feeling joyful again when I sit down to write.
Presentation
with Rob Sanders
Presentation
with Sudipta Bardhan Quallen
Connections
- Storyboarding with special guest Kaz Windness
- Working Retreat Time
- 1:1 Consultations
- Q & As about craft and publishing
Why This Retreat?
Picture books can make all the difference for young readers. If you’re writing (or want to write) a picture book, this is the workshop for you. Celebrated fiction and nonfiction writers Rob Sanders and Sudipta Bardhan Quallen will take you from ideas through picture books structures. Kaz Windness will visit as a special guest to share strategies for storyboarding your picture book with you.
They invite you to bring all of your questions, and any stories that you have in progress, no matter what stage or shape they are in. You’ll work together during daily presentations, and through hands-on exercises as a group, then move into independent writing and retreat time. In addition, you’ll have a 1:1 consultation with a faculty member to discuss your questions and move forward with a work in progress.
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.
- There will be informal feedback opportunities and time to share work during generative creative exercises, and as you connect with fellow attendees.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are a picture book creative, at any level, in any style. The faculty has experience with picture books of all kinds and will be supportive no matter your needs.
- You enjoy discussing stories with fellow picture book creatives. Fellow attendees are focused on crafting picture books which means you are in good company!
- 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.
Day One: Sunday, June 1, 2025
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
- 5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner
- Following dinner: Expectations and goals for our time together, plus a read aloud!
Day Two: Monday, June 2, 2025
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #1 with Sudipta Bardhan Quallen
- Writing exercise #1
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- 1:1 Consultations
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Informal gathering fireside (weather permitting)
- Evening read aloud
Day Three: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #2 with Rob Sanders
- Writing exercise #2
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- Storyboarding with Kaz Windness
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Open mic & sharing
Day Four: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Morning
- Breakfast
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- Writing exercise #3
- Closing read aloud and final questions
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
“Truly outstanding experience across the board. Feeling empowered and inspired!”
“I’ve been writing along, but it’s hard to carry on in isolation, and I left the retreat feeling so energized by being among other picture book creators, in a community where this is a totally normal thing to do. I learned so much, and I hope to return to Highlights.”
“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.”
