Course notes
A downloadable PDF packed full of tricks, tips, and exercises to get you thinking and writing like Julia.
Do you dream of writing children's picture books? Learn from the author of The Gruffalo, who's sold more than 100M books.
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.
Check your inbox - your free lesson is on the way!
Please try again later
What to expect writing a picture book with author, Julia Donaldson
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.
Julia introduces the glorious world of picture books.
Take a peek at the vast range of topics and styles.
Understand how a book is built and what each page is for.
How to spark and develop original ideas children will love.
Using traditional stories as a jumping off point.
How to create original, relatable and memorable characters.
Building a brilliantly brutal baddie to challenge your hero.
Master the art of a satisfying, yet unpredictable story.
Why to put your hero on a journey – inside and out.
Weaving values and life lessons into your picture book story.
Charming children with wicked words and slick sounds that POP!
Learn how to create catchy choruses and repetition.
Nailing that rhyme and keeping in time.
How to craft conversation between characters and readers.
Use mischief and bottom burps to make children laugh.
Julia’s top tips for giving your story a satisfying conclusion.
Why and how to include number, letter and colour recognition.
Valuing representation and introducing children to other cultures.
Find out what to expect when pictures are added to your words.
Discover how Julia works with illustrator Axel Scheffler on books like The Gruffalo.
How to find the perfect artist to illustrate your story.
A case study of Julia’s book, from initial idea to live performance.
How to get an agent and the role they play in the process.
How to pitch your book to an editor and what happens next, featuring Alison Green.
Bringing your stories to life for book tours and school visits.
What to expect if your story is transferred to stage or screen.
Well done – you’ve learned how to write a children’s picture book!
Change or cancel your subscription at any time
$10 / month (billed annually)
Access every BBC Maestro course
$89
Select 1 course to own for life
A downloadable PDF packed full of tricks, tips, and exercises to get you thinking and writing like Julia.
I felt so motivated taking this course. It covers everything from initial idea inspiration, story development, language patterns and then finally on to the publishing processes.
- Kara Bee
I loved Julia’s presentation of the course. It was full of tips and ideas and gave a real insight into what it takes to be a successful writer of children’s picture books.
- Gabrielle Mccallion
Julia offers so many fascinating insights into her writing process. I could listen to her forever!
- Joanna
I absolutely love it! Thanks @bbcmaestro. Julia is super inspiring. The course is very clear and informative. I'm loving learning all about picture books from the Queen of rhythm and rhyme! Julia's books are firm favourites in our house and it's an honour to be her student.
- Sidra Ansari
Thinking of writing a children's picture book? Honestly, I can't praise this @bbcmaestro course highly enough. 25 modules, 6+ hours of learning from the very best in the business. I've learnt so much and come away with 3 exciting book ideas. Highly recommended.
- Tony Walsh
I'm enjoying the course. Lots of practical information with worksheets to print out to help with story-telling and characterisation and much more.
- Carol
I have almost finished the course would definitely recommend to anyone who is becoming a future illustrator or a children's book writer. Julia is such an inspiring coach and her voice is just music to my ears.
- Monika Kelly
Absolutely loved the videos. Easy to listen to, she is the perfect person to host this kind of presentation. Very informative and natural. Worth every penny.
- Keva Connolly
Julia is a wonderful instructor, the course is informative and challenges me to think in different ways that I had never considered. I just wish I had more free time to focus on it!
- Homera Khan
I really enjoyed this course and I was pleasantly surprised about the depth and usefulness of the content. Julia is a very engaging speaker and her experience and tips helped to round out a very informative course.
- Trevor Boyle
Julia was so generous with her tips and suggestions. She was absolutely brilliant, a pleasure to listen to. She gave me so many useful ideas for writing.
- Frances Mackay
I feel like I’m opening a treat cupboard and indulging. Every day I look forward to stealing some time for another class and am finding Julia totally enchanting.
- Marisa Lassman
BBC Maestro is a subscription-based streaming platform, created to educate and inspire people to explore their creativity. Through pre-recorded lessons and detailed course notes, anyone can learn a wide range of disciplines and follow in the footsteps of experts respected all over the world.
BBC Maestro offers single course purchases or an annual subscription.
Simply purchase an individual course or an All Courses pass and get access to easy-to-follow video lessons. Watch on your computer, tablet or mobile and learn on demand, wherever and whenever you like.
Our courses are beginner-friendly and you can watch as many times as you like, at your own pace.
BBC Maestro is currently available in the following territories: United Kingdom, Isle of Mann, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Australia, South Africa, Canada, India, Brazil, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, Singapore, New Zealand, Hong Kong, UAE and USA. We are planning on launching BBC Maestro in other territories in the future. Please subscribe to our mailing list and follow our social media channels for updates.
Yes, you can buy an annual subscription to get full access to all BBC Maestro courses, lessons and course notes for one year. Find out more
Yes, all our courses have English subtitles that can be accessed by clicking the CC button on the video player. We also have downloadable PDF course notes to go with each course, which offer more detailed information and tips.
No, all our courses are self-paced and no courses will be removed from the site or ‘expire’. If you have an all-access annual subscription, you can watch any content while your subscription is valid. If you don’t have an all-access subscription, but instead have bought one or more individual courses, the purchased content is yours to keep for life, and lessons can be watched as many times as you like.
Yes, you can see a full list of our current courses here.
We offer a 30-day money back guarantee for your first all-access annual subscription, if you aren't completely satisfied with your purchase. See our terms and conditions for details, or email [email protected].
You can choose between buying a single course as a one-off purchase, or you can sign up for an annual subscription which gives you access to all BBC Maestro courses for one year.
If you buy a single course, then it’s yours for life. You can watch the course as many times as you like, whenever you like. Our single courses include downloadable course notes to complement the video lessons.
Alternatively, if you buy an annual subscription to BBC Maestro, you can access every course for one year. You can watch each course as many times as you like within the year, and you’ll also be able to download the course notes for each course.
After one year you’ll have the option to renew your subscription, or you can choose not to renew once your subscription year is over. Subscriptions are billed annually, and we offer a 30-day money back guarantee to receive a full refund if you’re unhappy with your purchase.
Subscribers will have instant access to new courses as they are released. Please note that any courses in the Upcoming Courses section may be released outside of your annual subscription period. If you have any questions about an upcoming course, please email [email protected].
You can buy a gift card for any individual course or an All Courses Pass on our gift cards page. When you buy a gift card, you can choose to send the email with the gift card PDF attached to yourself or directly to the recipient. You can also choose to specify which date you would like the gift card email to send to your recipient.
Gift cards can be redeemed on the Gift Cards page. Once the card is redeemed, if the gift is for a single course the giftee will have lifetime access to the course and be able to re-watch as many times as they like. If the gift is for an All Courses Pass, the giftee will have one year’s access to all BBC Maestro courses, and immediate access to any new courses that are released within their yearly access period – from the date that they redeem their gift code.
Please note, anyone outside of our available regions will not be able to redeem a gift card.
Check your inbox - your free lesson is on the way!
Please try again later
What to expect writing a picture book with author, Julia Donaldson