During the first half of this course, author Araceli Esparza will go through some idea generating writing exercises that will spark or build upon your picture book idea.
In the second half, youth services librarian Amanda Coppedge Bosky will share some examples of great read-aloud picture books and guide you through re-imagining your picture book dummy. We'll discuss using language to build tension and create surprises, how page turns act as "curtains" between scenes in your book, and more.
Araceli Esparza is a Chicana Poeta from the heartland. MFA graduate from Hamline University, with strong migrant farmer roots, she recently co-edited a poetry anthology with Flying Ketchup Press, The Very Edge Poems, and was a part of the statewide anthology Hope Is The Thing: Wisconsinites on Perseverance in a Pandemic published by the Wisconsin Historical Society. She was named Wisconsin's Most Influential Latina in 2018. Her recently released animated short that accompanies Araceli’s children’s poetry, won special recognition by the Milwaukee Press Club. Her work has been published in over 10 anthologies and several journals, and forthcoming Journal of Latina Critical Feminism. Araceli founded and runs the podcast and movement Midwest Mujeres. She is a speaker and builds bridges to donors and audiences to create a positive impact on marginalized communities.
Amanda Coppedge Bosky is a youth services librarian as well as a middle grade and young adult writer. She has spent nearly two decades reading picture books aloud to children in story time.
Arts + Literature Laboratory is located at 111 S. Livingston Street #100, Madison, Wisconsin, 53703.
Our galleries are open Tuesday through Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday noon to 5pm, and other programs take place throughout the week. Please check the events calendar and education section for details.