How to Write Funny Picture Books
A workshop for picture book writers & author/illustrators of all experience levels.
"Super Informative, and clearly presented. The developmental stages with book examples were absolutely perfect. Thank you"
- Shelley
"Excellent presentation! I’ve attended other humor webinars before and this is by far the best one! Thank you, Natascha."
- Ann P.
Is there anything better than a really, really funny picture book?
Parents, youngsters, librarians and yes, publishing houses, love nothing more than picture books that crack kids up.
They speak to children in the universal language of belly laughs, giggles, snorts and chortles.
And they are always in high demand.
Right now, there's an editor sifting through a pile of picture book submissions just waiting for the manuscript that makes her laugh out loud.
Why shouldn't it be yours?
Join editor and author Natascha Biebow for How to Write Funny Picture Books, a comprehensive workshop for writers & illustrators that will teach you to craft picture books that tickle the funny bones of today's young readers.
This complete workshop (with lifetime access and an exclusive PDF handout packed with useful info) will take the mystery out of writing (and illustrating) funny picture books and give you a true understanding of what makes children laugh — and how to put that knowledge directly to work.
In this comprehensive class you'll learn:
- Why funny kids' books are important — both commercially and culturally.
- How humor fits in to overall child development.
- Why funny books resonate with kids & grown-ups.
- What children want in a funny picture book.
- Why publishing houses love humorous picture books.
Natascha will then take you on tour through each stage of early child development, revealing what youngsters find hilarious at each step:
- Babies (6–15 months. Surprise, funny faces & more.)
- Older babies and young toddlers (18–24 months. Silly and unexpected combinations & more.)
- Toddlers (2–3 years. First verbal jokes, self-discovery and more.)
- Preschoolers (3–5 years. Wordplay, slapstick, toilet humor, incongruous situations & more.)
- Grade schoolers (6+. Puns, riddles, irony & more.)
And then, Natascha applies her extensive experience as an author and editor to show you how to take this knowledge and put it to work immediately to create hilarious picture books of your own!
You'll also get a comprehensive PDF handout to accompany the session, that includes:
- Natascha's extensive list of picture book mentor texts.
- Humor's role in each stage of child development.
- Craft skills + Humor techniques. The keys to putting it all together.
This is a unique opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge you need to craft truly funny picture books that will delight children, grown-ups, agents and editors!
"What an informative and fun webinar! Natascha was a terrific speaker - she was clear, organized, and knew her stuff! She pulled together the basics of writing funny picture books and shared it in a way that was easily digested/understood."
- Deb S.
Your Instructor
Natascha is the founder of literary consultancy Blue Elephant Storyshaping and Editorial Director of Five Quills Press.
Her deep understanding of what makes young readers laugh — and why — has been honed over the past 25 years, and through her work with such award-winning authors and illustrators as Jane Clarke, Kes Gray, Garry Parsons, Marion Deuchars and Kate Petty.
Natascha is the author of The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons, illustrated by Steven Salerno, winner of the Irma Black Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature. Her other titles include Elephants Never Forget, and Is this My Nose?
Natascha has a BA in Developmental Psychology from Smith College and a Diploma in Montessori Early Childhood Education Pedagogy.
In 2018, Natascha was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for her services to children’s book writers and illustrators.
"WOW! Thanks so much for an awesome webinar, and so much information! I'm psyched!"
- Evelyn