Write Picture Books that Change Lives w/the Magic of SEL

Understanding & Implementing Social Emotional Learning in Your Next Picture Book Manuscript

Something Remarkable is Happening in Our Classrooms:



In schools incorporating Social Emotional Learning (SEL), aggression is declining, empathy is increasing and students are thriving.

As SEL becomes a bigger piece of our educational landscape, the need for books that incorporate SEL's core principles is increasing dramatically.

How dramatic? According to a November 2022 report, sales of titles for children under 10 that address emotions are up almost 40%.

School Library Journal put it succinctly:


If you've been looking for the tools to write meaningful, impactful picture books - and become part of a rapidly growing market - this is your moment.

SEL picture books introduce readers to a wider world than the one they've grown up knowing, while focusing on the emotions and experiences that connect us all.

Pat Zietlow Miller has masterfully incorporated SEL into her award-winning books, creating powerful change and spreading important messages of kindness, empathy and courage.

In this all-new workshop, she will teach you exactly what you need to know to write picture books that incorporate the core concepts of SEL.

In this comprehensive class you'll learn:

  • What SEL is, and why it's so significant.
  • How to know if SEL Picture Books are right for you.
  • Five key SEL themes that can be used in your next picture book project.
  • How to approach SEL topics in an engaging, thoughtful way without lecturing.
  • How to combine big and small story elements for maximum effectiveness.
  • The 3 crucial things your SEL picture book must convey - and how to instill them into your manuscript.

You'll also get a full PDF handout to accompany the session, that includes:

  • Important workshop notes.
  • An extensive reading list of SEL picture books to read and study.


This is a rare chance to learn directly from a master at adding emotion, heart and compassion to picture book manuscripts.


Your Instructor


Pat Zietlow Miller
Pat Zietlow Miller

Thanks to her remarkable ability to imbue her work with emotion, compassion and heart, Pat Zietlow Miller has made a huge splash in the picture book world, with 23 books to her credit.

Pat is a NY Times Bestselling picture author and recipient of numerous awards.

Her first book, Sophie's Squash, won the Golden Kite Award for best picture book text. It also won an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor, a Charlotte Zolotow Honor and a Crystal Kite Award.

Be Kind spent 10 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and garnered glowing reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal and many others.

She is among the most prominent authors in the burgeoning SEL picture book field.


Here's What's Included:


  Full Workshop & Handouts
Available in days
days after you enroll

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