Children's Book Workshop : FALL 2026 (October / Sunday Cohort)

$650.00

Have you ever wanted to write your very own children’s book? Now is your chance!

In this seven week workshop, we will dive into the magical world of children’s books together.

By the end of the course, you will have completed a manuscript of your own!!

Every class will take place 11 AM - 1 PM EST LIVE on zoom.

WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE REALM OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Come to class with your favorite children’s book! We will explore why we feel so connected to these stories - and what that reveals about their role in our lives and culture. We will also briefly touch on the history of children’s literature.
HOMEWORK:CONNECTING WITH YOUR INNER CHILD - Journal about the books you loved growing up. What kind of stories would have truly supported and inspired you?

WEEK 2: BUILDING A BOOK FROM THE GROUND UP

We will cover the fundamentals: format, structure, character development, and an overview of the publishing landscape. We will also explore the unique relationship between text and illustration in children’s books, and how that shapes the writing process.
HOMEWORK:WARMING UP TO WRITING - Develop a concept for a children’s book using one of the structures we discussed.

WEEK 3: IDEAS ARE HATS

In the third week will discuss the big question : where do ideas come from? Through a series of guided exercises, we will come up with three different story concepts and begin to discover what excites you most.

HOMEWORK:DIVING IN - Choose one concept to develop for the remainder of the course.

WEEK 4: THE ART OF THE OUTLINE

I’ll walk you through the evolution of one of my books - from early drafts to final artwork. Then we will discuss the importance of an outline, and how to put one together. Then we will share our concepts for the children’s books we would like to explore.
HOMEWORK:INTO THE WOODS: Write the outline for your book.

WEEK 5: A BOOK TAKES A VILLAGE

A collaborative workshop day focused on sharing outlines and offering helpful, thoughtful feedback.
HOMEWORK:EMBRACING IMPERFECTIONS: Jump into writing your manuscript based on your outline. It does not need to be perfect. Write, write, write!

WEEK 6: ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS

In this special week, each participant will have a 20 minute private session with me to review your manuscript. Receive personalized feedback, and ask questions.
HOMEWORK:WRITE WITHOUT FEAR: Complete your first manuscript draft.

WEEK 7: STORY TIME

We will come together to share our work! Each participant will have 15 minutes to read and receive feedback (optional but encourage. Before we part, I will share next steps for getting your work out into the world!
CONGRATULATIONS! You now have your very own children’s book manuscript!
NEW: After you have completed the Children’s Book Workshop, you will have access to “The Magic Portal.”
In the Magic Portal, you will be able to sign up for one-on-one sessions with me where we can discuss your manuscript, explore new ideas, or discuss career goals. The Magic Portal will be accessible to you forever!

This course is designed as a supportive and respectful space for writers of all levels and backgrounds.

While we briefly touch on illustration, this is primarily a writing focused course, centered on developing a children’s book manuscript.

No experience with writing is required!
Our focus will be on substance, structure, and the emotional core of your story - not copyediting or line level polish.
Participants must be 18 years or older.
This course is focused on the creative process, not publication. Participation does not guarantee agent representation or publication opportunities.
Writers will be encouraged (but not required) to share their work in a supportive group setting.
Live attendance on zoom is strongly encouraged, as much of the value comes from discussion and feedback.
Please come prepared to write, revise, and engage with others’ work thoughtfully.
All sales are final.
Class size is intentionally limited to ensure each participant receives meaningful feedback.
All classes are recorded and shared amongst the students. By applying to the workshop, you consent to being recorded.

$650 flat fee for the 7 week workshop.
OPTIONAL ADD ON : One-hour one-on-one follow up session with Esmé Shapiro to discuss your manuscript in depth for an additional $200.
Payment Plans are available upon request.

Quantity:

Join Us!