Overview

A Two-Night Mini Online Course

Nonfiction picture books offer a unique way to present factual information in engaging and accessible ways for readers. Join celebrated nonfiction authors Mélina Mangal and Rob Sanders for this short course that connects writers to the endless possibilities for topics and forms in nonfiction picture books.

This program is a great fit if you’re looking for two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with the community, that is jammed packed with information to help you explore the great big world of nonfiction topics, structures, and presentation possibilities. If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through May 31, 2025.

• Tuesday, April 22, 2025 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
• Thursday, April 24, 2025 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
• Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat
• You’ll have access to the recordings through May 31, 2025.

Feedback Expected

• None included in the course. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.

It’s a Great Fit for…

• Writers who have an idea for a nonfiction project, are in the beginning stages of writing their nonfiction manuscript, or are in the trenches of revision. Read on to learn more.
• You love nonfiction and are eager to write nonfiction picture books. This course will give you an overview from ideas to form on the many possibilities for nonfiction picture books.
• You have an idea for, or you are working on a nature or science-themed picture book. Both Mélina and Rob can help you move forward with your ideas!
• You have an idea for, or you are working on a biography or social justice-themed picture book. Rob and Mélina’s award-winning biographies and social justice-themed picture books can provide a road map for you.
• You are looking for something short, sweet, and full of information about nonfiction picture books. If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through May 31, 2025.

Tentative Agenda

At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course.

Note: Sessions take place via Zoom. It is a good idea for you to install Zoom prior to the workshop. As a mini, this course will ask you to mute your microphones and hide your video to maximize time with the faculty lectures.

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 May 31, 2025.

• 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.

All Times are Eastern Time.

Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.

How It Impacts Kids

Nonfiction picture books offer so much to our young readers. They are an entryway into learning more about this great, wide world! This course will help you navigate the many possibilities to craft your own nonfiction picture book.

Testimonials from Our Community

“Rob Sanders has enormous depth of knowledge, and the gentleness not to deliver too much at once. He reads us, encourages, supports, and has more content and skills work each time. Melina Mangal is top notch, with clear, useful content and a lovely manner which opens us to learning.”

“Mélina’s information about research was very useful– amazing! Rob was very open and gave tips on how to move forward. Excellent talks and resources!”

“Keep the minis coming! They are accessible and packed with information!”

Related Resources

• 5 Questions Everyone Asks About Writing Nonfiction for Kids
• 3 Questions with Lesléa Newman and Rob Sanders about Making a Difference
• Amplify Black Storytellers Featuring Mélina Mangal