Course notes
110 pages
A downloadable PDF packed full of tricks, tips, and exercises to get you thinking and writing like Julia.
Coming soon
Julia Donaldson
Writing Children's Picture Books
Do you dream of writing children's picture books? Learn from the author who's sold more than anyone else.
The Course
Julia's industry secrets and creative tips will guide you from initial idea to final manuscript and how to get your children's picture book published.
Your Maestro
You couldn’t ask for a more qualified teacher. Julia’s books have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, won too many awards to list and been adapted into eight award-winning animated films. And she’s a former Children’s Laureate to boot. So soak up the wisdom and insight from this formidable writer and her frequent collaborators – including her agent, her editor and The Gruffalo illustrator, Axel Scheffler.
Lessons
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15 mins
Take a peek at the vast range of topics and styles.
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11 mins
Understand how a book is built and what each page is for
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19 mins
How to spark and develop original ideas children will love.
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15 mins
Using traditional stories as a jumping off point.
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14 mins
How to create original, relatable and memorable characters.
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13 mins
Building a brilliantly brutal baddie to challenge your hero.
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14 mins
Master the art of a satisfying, yet unpredictable story.
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14 mins
Why to put your hero on a journey – inside and out.
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14 mins
Weaving values and life lessons into your picture book story.
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10 mins
Charming children with wicked words and slick sounds that POP!
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15 mins
Learn how to create catchy choruses and repetition.
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21 mins
Nailing that rhyme and keeping in time.
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13 mins
How to craft conversation between characters and readers.
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14 mins
Use mischief and bottom burps to make children laugh.
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15 mins
Julia’s top tips for giving your story a satisfying conclusion.
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14 mins
Why and how to include number, letter and colour recognition.
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12 mins
Valuing representation and introducing children to other cultures.
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14 mins
Find out what to expect when pictures are added to your words.
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14 mins
Discover how Julia works with illustrator Axel Scheffler on books like The Gruffalo.
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15 mins
How to find the perfect artist to illustrate your story.
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18 mins
A case study of Julia’s book, from initial idea to live performance.
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15 mins
How to get an agent and the role they play in the process.
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15 mins
How to pitch your book to an editor and what happens next, featuring Alison Green.
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14 mins
Bringing your stories to life for book tours and school visits
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17 mins
What to expect if your story is transferred to stage or screen.
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1 mins
Well done – you’ve learned how to write a children’s picture book!
Get a free lesson
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