All About Picture Books: A Retreat for Storytellers

In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat

Picture books have a special way of reaching young readers, and this retreat is designed for writers who want to explore that magic in depth. Whether your work is fiction or nonfiction, lyrical, humorous, serious, or something in between, you are welcome to join fiction and nonfiction picture book authors Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Rob Sanders, along with guest author/illustrator Lala Watkins, for an immersive experience centered on picture books.

Throughout the retreat, you’ll take part in presentations, read-alouds, small group discussions, 1:1 consultations, and hands-on creative exercises. Just as importantly, you’ll have generous time to focus on your own writing. We encourage you to bring several stories at different stages of drafting and revision so you can make the most of the experience.

This in-person retreat is open to picture book enthusiasts in any genre and at any stage of the creative process. No submission is required, and lodging and meals are included.

Begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Ends after lunch on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Rob Sanders and Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen will guide you from initial ideas through picture book structure, while Lala Watkins will share insight into how to leave space for the illustrator’s voice, even if you are also an illustrator. The program is designed to help you deepen your understanding of the form while continuing to move your own projects forward.

You’ll bring your questions, your works-in-progress, and any ideas you’re ready to develop. Daily presentations and group exercises will lead into independent writing and retreat time, giving you space to create while still benefiting from the support of experienced faculty. A 1:1 consultation with a faculty member will offer time to discuss your work and consider next steps for drafting, revision, and/or submission. You’ll also have the opportunity to share revisions in an informal small-group roundtable.

It’s a Great Fit If…

• You are a picture book creative at any level or in any style, and want guidance that meets you where you are.
• You enjoy talking about stories with other picture book creatives and want to be in community with people focused on the same craft.
• You’re looking for a retreat that gives you real time to work, rather than a lecture-heavy workshop.

Each author and/or illustrator will meet with a faculty mentor for a consultation about their stories. These conversations will include where you are in the process and ideas for moving ahead with drafting, revisions, and/or submissions. No written feedback will be provided.

There will also be informal roundtable discussions about the changes you’ve made to your work-in-progress, along with opportunities to share work during generative exercises and while connecting with fellow attendees.

Held in person at the Retreat Center, this experience is intended to offer a true pause from everyday life. It is not a jam-packed workshop, but a Working Retreat that balances learning with substantial time to retreat and focus on your own projects.

Boyds Mills is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment. Community Standards will be available before the workshop, and respectful engagement is expected from all participants, including faculty and staff.

Its mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Picture books are a cherished part of many children’s lives, and this workshop is here to support and inspire you as you create for young readers.