Students at Brainard Elementary will receive a presentation on The Elephants Come Home followed by a discussion on finding theme and heart in story.

The Elephants Come Home teacher’s guide:

Classroom Activities Link

Picture Book II is a workshop-style class used to discuss and polish your work-in-progress.

One evening per week (Wednesdays) from October 4 – December 13, 2023. 5 pm – 8 pm (PT) live via Zoom

“This workshop takes you beyond the picture book basics and teaches you to master the specific craft techniques used in creating successful picture books, including strong beginnings and endings, the power of the page turn, audience participation, engaging language, humor, and musicality. Short writing exercises help you develop a deeper understanding of each of these techniques and their purposes and prepare you to undertake your main project for the course: a picture book manuscript. You engage in an ongoing feedback process overseen by the instructor, which provides a “safe zone” for discussion of student work and helps you hone your own critique skills. The course goal is to complete a picture book manuscript.”

For details and enrollment, contact UCLA Extensions.

Students across the state of PA have chosen The Elephants Come Home: A True Story of Seven Elephants, Two People, and One Extraordinary Friendship as the primary level winner of the Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Awards for 2022-2023. Book and Author Luncheon at the 2023 Keystone State Literacy Association Conference in Hershey, PA.

Join me as I teach this class for the University of Denver UCOL

When: Winter 2024 (dates to come/asynchronous)

Class Title: Children’s Literature: From Picture Books to Books for Young Adults (PWRI 4540) is graduate students (4 credits):

“This course offers an introductory study of children’s literature, from toddler board books and easy readers to chapter books and books for young adults. It is designed primarily for students interested in writing for children and those planning to teach children’s literature, though new and soon-to-be parents would find it illuminating as well. Touching on all the major categories/levels and subgenres of children’s literature, students will learn to identify the unique characteristics of each and apply definable quality standards to assess a wide range of particular texts from both creative and analytical points of view. Note that, though students may do some creative writing, this is not a course in writing children’s literature.”

January 17, 2024, 5pm-8:00 pm PST, via Zoom and hosted by UCLA Extensions: Picture Book One – an Introduction to Picture Book Writing.

You have the dream—I’ve always wanted to write a children’s picture book. But … how? This inspiring class offers you practical tools to help you realize that dream. It includes writing exercises, examples of current picture books and behind-the-scenes stories and practical advice me, an award-winning author. By the end of this class you’ll have tools to guide you in this vibrant field.

For details and enrollment, contact UCLA Extensions.

Wednesday evenings from 5pm – 8pm live Zoom meeting.

Course Title: 391150: Picture Book I WRITING-X 441.1 (for my class, be sure to enroll with Kim Tomsic)

January 17 – March 20 (Wednesdays)  5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (PT) via live Zoom meetings

Created for the beginning writer, this course explores the various genres within the category of children’s picture books.

We will explore craft elements such as plot, pace, page turns, point of view, structure, rhythm, word choice, voice, and more so you can practice the skills that go into writing a picture book. We will scrutinize various types of picture books (i.e. fiction, nonfiction, concept books, biographies, board books, classics, etc.). Furthermore, we will build a supportive learning environment. Not only will you draft and polish manuscripts, but you will also learn how to use your knowledge of craft to conduct respectful, effective, and authentic peer critiques. Learning how to successfully give and receive feedback will not only help you revise and stretch your writing skills, but these skills will also prepare you to work with an editor. By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Write at least one complete picture book with page-turning intrigue and thoughtful structure
• Enhance Craft & Revision Skills
• Conduct Peer Critiques
• Utilize Industry Expertise
• Learn How to Query Agents
• Understand How to Work with an Editor

Venue: UCLA Writing Program (3 credits)

To enroll or for more information about the UCLA Writing Program, please visit UCLA Writing Program.

Date: TBD via Zoom and hosted by UCLA Extensions, Dianne White and Kim Tomsic will co-lead a three-hour, one-day seminar: Introduction to Picture Book Writing.

“You have the dream—I’ve always wanted to write a children’s picture book. But … how? This inspiring class offers you practical tools to help you realize that dream. It includes writing exercises, examples of current picture books and behind-the-scenes stories and practical advice from two award-winning authors. By the end of this class you’ll have tools to guide you in this vibrant field.”

For details and enrollment about class 391154 Intro to Picture Book Writing, contact UCLA Extensions. 

Free!