Overview

A Two-Night Mini Online Course

Picture books can be filled with Pride!  Join celebrated authors Lesléa Newman and Rob Sanders for this short course designed to bring LGBTQIA2S+ creators and their allies together to study the craft of picture books, and build confidence to create picture books with LGBTQIA2S+ characters and/or themes. The two 75-minute sessions will be filled with information, and will include an opportunity for Q&A (questions and answers). This course is for picture book writers of all experience levels, from those who are just beginning to those who are published.

• Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 7 pm-8:15 pm Eastern
  • Please note that with Q&A, this session may run until 8:30 pm. If you need to leave early, you will have access to the recording.
• Thursday, May 16, 2024, 7 pm-8:15 pm Eastern
  • Please note that with Q&A, this session may run until 8:30 pm. If you need to leave early, you will have access to the recording.
• Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat
• Recordings available until June 30, 2024

From the Faculty:

“Well, I hope that people who take our course realize, or re-realize or discover that their story, whatever story they’re writing, whether it’s history, like Rob often writes, or biography or fiction, or their own story, or verse: whatever it is, it’s important. And the world needs it. In fact, the world is incomplete without your story in it. So there is a special place for your story and we’re all waiting for it and you have the ability to write your story or draw your story. You may need some help from a mentor. We all need help from our friends and teachers, but your story is vital to the well-being of the universe and I can’t wait to hear it.”—Lesléa Newman

“I hope that students leave with confidence, excitement, inspiration and knowledge.”—Rob Sanders 

Feedback

• This course does not include feedback or critiques from the instructors. However, Lesléa and Rob will provide information about their critique services at the end of the two-night mini. Please note that their critique services are offered outside of this Highlights Foundation experience.

It’s a Great Fit If…

• You’re an aspiring or published picture book author and/or author/illustrator who is a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community or an ally.
• You are interested in writing picture books in any genre or style, such as fiction, nonfiction, prose, and poetry.
• You have an idea for a picture book with a LGBTQIA2S+ character and/or theme and want to develop it further.
• You want to discover how a picture book topic can be presented in a variety of ways.
• You’re looking for something short, sweet, and smart!

Tentative Agenda

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

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 June 30, 2024.

Please 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

Kids see themselves, their families, and their communities as part of a larger world through the pages of a picture book. These books encourage self-acceptance, empathy, and compassion, and resonate with a variety of family structures and identities.

Testimonials from Our Community

“Lesléa and Rob were both fantastic! Lesléa is always super professional and very knowledgeable about her craft. Rob was fun and interesting. His energy was contagious! They made an excellent team!”

“Lesléa brought a precision and wealth of knowledge to the table and Rob brought an excitement and openness that was infectious. There was a fantastic balance of craft, questions, and play. “

“It got me motivated to write again. I loved the fact that it was so interactive.”

“I knew I could not attend in person but I signed up because you offered the recording. Having that option was invaluable.”

“Keep the mini courses going for those of us that can’t attend at the Highlights Foundation Campus! It helps us stay in touch and keep our skills growing!!

Resources

• 3 Questions With Lesléa Newman and Rob Sanders About Writing Books That Make a Difference for Kids
• Writing the Rainbow: Rob Sanders and Lesléa Newman Talk About LGBTQIA+ Picture Books
• Inner Truths: Crafting LGBTQ+ Children’s Books – Lesléa Newman and Kyle Lukoff on the Reach Out and Read podcast.
• More LGBTQIA+ Picture Books: Why?
• Rediscovering Joy with Picture Books
• Kids Need Queer Books
• Watch a Lee & Low Books webinar: LGBTQ+ Children’s Books: A Conversation with Authors and download their list of books and resources
• The Gay History of America’s Classic Children’s Books (just for fun!)
• How LGBTQIA+ Book Bans Impact Kids and Teens (We Need Diverse Books Blog; by Karis Rogerson)
• Review: Sharice’s Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman (Social Justice Books; Reviewed by Debbie Reese)

Looking for an In-Person Experience?

Check out the Rainbow Retreat: An In-Community Retreat for Storytellers, October 31-November 3 at our Retreat Center.