Do you dream of seeing your book on the shelf?
Picture Book Class
In-person and online, Taught by author Beth Bacon
Learn to create a book that’s ready for publication
For in-person classes contact the St. Louis Artists’ Guild.
Picture Book 101
In-person class for beginners Jan 15 – Mar 5
Picture Book Critique
In-person advanced class Jan 15 – Mar 5
Limited class size
$150 for 8 classes
via Zoom. Meets weekly.
Beth Bacon is the author of 8 traditionally published books for young readers. Many of her books, including I Hate Reading and The Book No One Wants To Read bring humor to the experiences of kids who are reluctant to read. Her book Covid-19 Helpers, winner of the EGHI Ebook Award, offers children a clear understanding of the global pandemic. Beth has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She also has an MA in Media Ecology from New York University and a BA in Literature from Harvard University.
Register today!
8-week class
Individual instruction
Peer support
For illustrators and/or authors
Follow Us
Students are saying…
This class was very valuable and time well spent. Beth did a great job!!
—K.B., Student Fall 2024
I’d recommend it. The interactions with class members help you see other perspectives.
—J. M., Student Fall 2024
Totally worth it — really reasonably priced for the amount I learned.
—K. B., Student Fall 2024
For writers and illustrators
Check out this 8-week syllabus
Class 1: Introduction
- The basics of picture book structure & storyboards.
- First pages: setting the tone, establishing character.
- Sharing of current ideas or manuscript/storyboard
Class 5: Theme & Message
-
- Deliver a message while avoiding preachiness.
- How to embed themes in narrative and page design.
- Simple stories with powerful emotions.
Class 2: Structure
-
- Analyzing story structure: Beginning, middle, and end.
- Picture book drama.
- The role of pacing & illustrations.
- Group critique of one manuscript.
Class 6: Visual Storytelling
- The interplay between text and illustrations.
- The role of the illustrator in expanding the narrative.
Class 3: Character & Dialog
- Crafting memorable, relatable characters
- The role of dialogue.
- Quotes, speech bubbles, fonts—oh my!
- To rhyme or not to rhyme.
Class 7: Polish Your Story
- Final group critique of each manuscript.
- The editing process and revision.
- Strategies for polishing and preparing manuscripts for submission.
Class 4: Language & Word Choice
- How to make language is both simple and evocative.
- The balance between text and illustration.
- Rhythm, meter, repetition, and flow.
Class 8: The Publishing Industry
- The submission process for picture book manuscripts.
- Self publish, traditional publish, or assisted self publish?
- Final feedback and reflections.
For writers and illustrators
Some of the books we study
After The Fall, Dan Santat
Big, Vashti Harrison
Locomotive, Brian Floca
Where The Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak
Find your voice
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Have refined their picture book manuscript and storyboard with peer and instructor feedback.
- Understand the fundamentals of picture book structure, page turns, illustration techniques, and story pacing.
- Cultivate a supportive community of writers with a shared interest in picture books.
Dollars
Week class
Achieve your goal
Full manuscript ready for submission in 8 weeks
