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Craft & Community for Writers and Illustrators Who Inspire Kids Through Story

Your stories matter., they can make a real difference for kids..

Picture books, chapter books, novels, poetry, and more: find support at the Highlights Foundation as you bring your stories onto the page and into the world.

Working Retreats

Learn, network, build community, and find time & space to create.

Online Courses

Hone your craft and build your community with mini or intensive courses.

In-Community Retreats and Programs

Find connected care, learning, and growth.

“ The Highlights Foundation shifted my writing from dream to reality… I finally understood the business and how to stand out in a crowded market. I’ve also benefited immeasurably from the Highlights Foundation’s online offerings. My craft has blossomed along with my confidence, and I’ve met incredible writers and friends.”

“How had I never known that the perfect writer’s retreat existed at the Highlights Foundation Campus? I had such a wonderful time finishing my novel.”

“The Highlights Foundation launched my writing career… I signed my first book contract shortly after [my first workshop], and within a year, I’d signed eight more contracts. The Highlights Foundation changed my life, and I’m forever thankful. “

“ I’d never really experienced such a feeling of community among writers and artists as I did at the workshops. It made me realize how many creative people share this love of storytelling, and how willing others are to share their insights.”

“ The Highlights Foundation is quite literally where the foundation of my professional writing career was laid. lt is where I learned the basics of craft, met my critique group, and got plugged into the kidlit community.”

“I have a two-book contract, and book two is due later this year.  I am inspired by being a part of the Highlights Foundation, and find that writing is easier, more enjoyable, and the quality is better because of what I am learning in the workshops .”

OUR MISSION

The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.

Helping Authors and Illustrators Inspire Kids Since 1985

From that first spark of an idea all the way to a finished book, it can be a long (and sometimes lonely) road to give shape to the stories within you.

That’s why at the Highlights Foundation, we start with what’s beyond your pages.

We start with the kids who will read them.

It’s an approach that’s ingrained in our DNA: our purpose lies in the young minds that will be educated, informed, and inspired by the stories you tell.

We positively impact those young minds by supporting you —the writers, the illustrators, and professionals who bring story to children, teens, and young adults.  We help you find craft and community through workshops, retreats, online courses, and resources that help you tell the best stories you can.

Because when you succeed in your mission, so do we.  And it’s kids who benefit most.

Whether you’re just starting out, or continuing to navigate the complexities of this industry—if you believe in the power of story for kids, we’re glad you’re here.

Tell Your Story

Picture Books

Early Readers & Chapter Books

Illustration

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Our retreat center.

Join us on our campus in the foothills of the Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains.

Upcoming Workshops

Chapter by Chapter: An Online Program for Chapter Book Writers

Working retreat: picture book authors and illustrators.

Marketing Opportunities for Storytellers: A Two Night Mini

Working Retreat: Revision

Stuck in the Middle: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Writers

Short, Sweet, Saleable: A Two-Night Mini Course for Picture Book Writers

See all programs.

About Our Programs

> Working Retreats > In-Community Retreats & Programs > Online Courses > On-Demand (Self-Paced Online) > The Whole Novel Workshop > Summer Camp > Free #HFGather Webinars

More Ways to Learn & Connect

> Explore by Genre & Format > Just starting? Learn About Children's Publishing

Visit On Your Own

> Personal Retreats > Custom Retreats

What Makes Us Different

Our Faculty Our Impact Our Campus Testimonials

Need help figuring out what's right for you?

Ask an ambassador !

Find All Upcoming Retreats & Workshops

Our Mission in Action

Share Your Story, Inspire a Child Scholarships Equity & Inclusion in Kidlit Partners & Sponsors

The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.  Learn more about our impact.

Get Involved

Donate Support Our Scholarship Program Sponsor a Cabin Sponsor Our Essential Conversations Support the Highlights Foundation

Need help deciding on a workshop?   Ask an ambassador !

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Children's Book Academy

These KidLit Tools Work.

Dr. Mira Reisberg and the Children's Book Academy have helped hard-working students all over the world publish close to 1,500 books. Explore our magical workbooks, playful prompts, breakthrough mentorship program, and brain-block-busting courses that you can start today. Take a peek!

16 products

Masterclasses

34 products

Writing and publishing can become a lonely and confusing journey, but Mira has guided me to stay on the right path.

I will without a doubt continue to recommend the Children's Book Academy to my peers.

A big thank you, Mira! The content is so well-organized and valuable.

Shop the look

Children's Book Academy has a proven track record in getting people published.

Close to 1,500 Books Published by Fab Students

Brilliant past students have written, illustrated, and won pretty much every KidLit award there is.

Mentoring and More!

Meet with Mira , the Kidlit Whisperer for a 1:1 mentoring session or join her 2025 small mentorship group!

Testimonials Galore

People LOVE CBA courses and materials—for good reason! Instant access, instant learning and annual mentorships.

Masterclasses and Mini-Courses

Mentorship (2025)

Meaty Masterclasses

Learn KidLit inside and out from the comfort of your home with Meaty Masterclasses and Mini-Courses.

WHATEVER, Writer's Block

Prompts you can use "write" away to get going on your KidLit career with these fab prompts for all levels.

Personal Feedback

Meet with Mira , the Kidlit Whisperer for a 1:1 mentoring session or join her awesome small mentorship group!

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