Session 1
BACKGROUND - what a picture book is; how and why it works; what children look for; why we write picture books.

Session 2
IDEAS - universal concepts; experiences and emotions that relate to a young child's experiences; values and concepts that lead to understanding and growth; observation and note-taking. Turning your ideas into picture books.

Session 3
OUTLINING & PLOTTING - planning a story to clarify thinking; a brief plot summary; outlining; picture possibilities.

Session 4
CHARACTERS - a single main character; action and dialogue (showing, not telling); writing from the child's point of view; motivation. Know your main character, how he feels, what he thinks.

Session 5
SENSORY LANGUAGE - should have a lyrical quality; a rich vocabulary using exciting, varied language; use rhythm and sounds to enhance the language; avoiding description; using word images; economy of words.

Session 6 
BEGINNING - making a promise to the reader; the importance of a strong opening; establishing the main character and the story problem.
MIDDLE - developing a story, using action, dialogue; humor; keeping the reader interested, adding story tension; conflict.
END - the hero resolves the problem; ending on a happy or hopeful note; fulfilling the promise made at the beginning.

Session 7
THE DUMMY BOOK - laying out a picture book; revising for balance and pacing; keeping open space on the page; using one complete action per spread; changing of scenes; letting the story flow easily and move quickly.

Session 8
REVISING - In your final crafting, make every word count. Read it aloud to hear how it sounds. Use a checklist to be sure you have covered the main points in constructing your story.