Writing the Modern Picture Book Biography
Explore an intriguing, ever-changing genre
"Thanks so much, Beth! Fantastic Learning Experience!!!!"
- Maureen H.
"Wonderfully organized presentation. Extremely informative, especially how modern biographies differ from a generation or more ago."
- Sherri W.
"This was absolutely fantastic, and for writing in general - not just biographies!! Thank you!!"
- Danna Z.
Want to Inspire, Enlighten & Educate a Generation of Young People?
You Should Be Writing Picture Book Biographies!
History's heroes and villains (and everyone in between) vibrantly come to life in one of kidlit's most beloved genres: the Picture Book Biography.
Even in a crowded market, publishers are always on the lookout for fresh, creative Picture Book Biographies. That's because they're the perfect way to introduce children to the people who have shaped our world, and those who are creating a better future.
But there's one big problem for writers:
The Picture Book Biography of today is very different from those we grew up on. Today's books are more creative in their storytelling and blaze new trails in structure, focus and scope.
And they dig much deeper into the corners of history that have been marginalized in the past.
It's an exciting time to write picture book biographies - if you know what publishers, teachers, librarians and parents are looking for right now.
In this comprehensive workshop, one of kidlit's top picture book biographers will personally guide you through the process of choosing a subject, researching and crafting a truly modern picture book bio.
Join award-winning author Beth Anderson for a 90+ minute session (with lifetime access and an exclusive PDF handout packed with useful info) that will give you the tools and knowledge you need to follow in her footsteps as a writer of successful Picture Book Biographies.
In this comprehensive class you'll learn:
- How today's Picture Book Biographies are different from those of the past.
- How to find a subject that is "story worthy".
- How to gather, organize and capture ideas.
- How to find the specific moments of your subject's life that will truly resonate.
- The modern Picture Book Biography's story arc.
- Characterization, setting, pacing, point of view, word choice and the craft essentials of the modern Picture Book Biography.
- How to stand out in a competitive marketplace.
In one powerful session, Beth will walk you through - step-by-step - the choices you need to make as you create a modern Picture Book Biography:
It's a simple, easy-to-follow approach that takes the mystery and confusion out of writing the Picture Book Biography you've dreamt of!
You'll also get a comprehensive PDF handout to accompany the session, that includes:
- Beth's step-by-step process taking you from finding a subject to finishing your manuscript.
- A curated Picture Book Biography reading list and authors to study.
- Beth's resource list of articles, social media groups & more.
This is a unique opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge you need to craft a truly modern, saleable Picture Book Biography.
"Really great webinar!!! So glad I joined in."
- Ekua H.
Your Instructor
In just a few years, Beth Anderson has carved out a significant niche as an author of vibrant, award-winning picture book biographies.
Her titles include:
Tad Lincoln’s Restless Wriggle: Pandemonium and Patience in the President’s House (Calkins Creek/Boyds Mills & Kane). Released October 2021.
“Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses: How James Kelly’s Nose Saved the New York City Subway (Boyds Mills & Kane/Calkins Creek)
Honors include Children’s Book Council/NSTA Best STEM Book, Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year
Lizzie Demands a Seat: Elizabeth Jennings Fights for Streetcar Rights (Calkins Creek)
Honors include CSMCL Best Multicultural Children’s Books of 2020, Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award for younger readers, Jane Addams Children’s Book Award finalist, JFK Presidential Library Dignity and Justice for All listed
An Inconvenient Alphabet: Ben Franklin and Noah Webster’s Spelling Revolution (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books)
Honors include School Library Journal: Fuse 8 – 2018 American History List,
Junior Library Guild Selection,
Colorado Book Awards Finalist
Revolutionary Prudence Wright: Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence (Calkins Creek/Astra Books for Young Readers - coming February 2022)
Franz’s Phantasmagorical Machine (Kids Can Press, coming May 2022)
"This presentation really inspired me about the possibilities to develop biography books. Thank you!!"
- Donna C.