PRAISE FOR THE CHILDREN’S BOOK ACADEMY
Hear what past students have to say about some of our most popular courses!
*Need to add a video testimony for each course
I love this video testimonial from Yuyi Morales so much, I had to include it! Yuyi is also one of the brilliant contributors to The Craft and Business of Writing Picture Books, in which she shares how she went about writing her award winning book Just a Minute and has also contributed to other courses in the Picture Book Academy.
Craft and Business of Illustrating Children's Picture Books
The Craft and Business of Writing Children's Books hosted by the Children's Book Academy is one of the loveliest and most intimate writing intensives I’ve ever been a part of. From day one of the workshop, you’ll come away with a new respect for picture books and the writers and illustrators who bring them to life. The teachers are as funny and down-to-earth as they are professional. They are also extremely generous toward aspiring writers, going out of their way to nourish and encourage. Even with several educational books and a picture book (2015) under my belt, [they] showed me just how much there is to learn about picture books….Next stop: Chapter Books! ~ Rita Lorraine Hubbard, author of The Oldest Student and Hammering For Freedom
Having taken the Craft and Business of Writing Children's Course hosted by the Children's Book Academy, I can't say enough about it. There is so much information here, but there is also inspiration and support. The community that Mira has built up around this course is incredible, and something that I know I will carry with me as I continue on this journey. The course has given me the tools I need to craft a publishable story, and the confidence to take the next step. If you're considering signing up for a course with the Children’s Book Academy, you should absolutely do it! You won't regret it! ~ Lauren Soloy, author/illustrator of When Emily Was Small
The Craft and Business of Writing Children's Books hosted by the Children's Book Academy is one of the loveliest and most intimate writing intensives I’ve ever been a part of. From day one of the workshop, you’ll come away with a new respect for picture books and the writers and illustrators who bring them to life. The teachers are as funny and down-to-earth as they are professional. They are also extremely generous toward aspiring writers, going out of their way to nourish and encourage. Even with several educational books and a picture book (2015) under my belt, [they] showed me just how much there is to learn about picture books….Next stop: Chapter Books! ~ Rita Lorraine Hubbard, author of The Oldest Student and Hammering For Freedom
Having taken the Craft and Business of Writing Children's Course hosted by the Children's Book Academy, I can't say enough about it. There is so much information here, but there is also inspiration and support. The community that Mira has built up around this course is incredible, and something that I know I will carry with me as I continue on this journey. The course has given me the tools I need to craft a publishable story, and the confidence to take the next step. If you're considering signing up for a course with the Children’s Book Academy, you should absolutely do it! You won't regret it! ~ Lauren Soloy, author/illustrator of When Emily Was Small
The Hero's Art Journey
Due to life circumstances, I've been in what I'll refer to as "character building mode" for the past 5 years. But I'm back! Current focus is rebuilding my portfolio and now I think I've got some new tools that are helping me to pick up the pieces and find myself again. Life is good! Mira, thank you. You are appreciated! ~ Kary
The course has been a wonderful mix of 'everything'. Life happens and art happens, and this class is a wonderful catalyst for making art happen while life goes on it's busy-body little way ~ Kirsten, Illustrator
“There is so much material, including demos and interviews. I consider this course a “must have” experience. Most of all, it is highly affordable, and very convenient. The videos are very well done. The material is well organized and presented at just the right pace. I am very thankful to have found Mira because her gifts of instruction have helped me immensely.” ~ David Le Roy
The course has been a wonderful mix of 'everything'. Life happens and art happens, and this class is a wonderful catalyst for making art happen while life goes on it's busy-body little way ~ Kirsten, Illustrator
“There is so much material, including demos and interviews. I consider this course a “must have” experience. Most of all, it is highly affordable, and very convenient. The videos are very well done. The material is well organized and presented at just the right pace. I am very thankful to have found Mira because her gifts of instruction have helped me immensely.” ~ David Le Roy
The Chapter Book Alchemist
“I've taken two courses with Mira Reisberg's Children's Book Academy, although I had my doubts, at first, that an online class would be satisfying.... I wasn't disappointed. Even though I've had the good fortune and the pleasure of working with three top editors during my career, I learned a lot in each class and of course, there's always the joy of mastering a new writing form.” ~ Audrey Coulombis, author and Newbery Honoree
The Children's Book Academy Chapter Book Course is phenomenal. Not only have I learned the tools for creating a compelling chapter book, but I've also gained knowledge about the industry and insight into illustrating. The content of the course is rich, the critique groups are supportive and the teachers are responsive and helpful. I wrote an entire chapter book in the first four weeks of the course and I couldn't be more thrilled! ~ Kirstine Call, author of over 5 picture books.
The Chapter Book Alchemist was fantastic! I’m a dentist by profession and, as such, a newcomer to both the publishing industry’s writing and illustrating components. I’m in the process of writing and illustrating my first book and have started writing two others! I was so pleased with the knowledge, the professionalism, and the organized content of the course. “Thank you” isn’t quite enough to express my gratitude to Mira and Hillary for all their efforts to put together such a wonderful teaching experience. ~ Dr. Helena DeLuca
THE BEST INVESTMENT FOR YOUR WRITING CAREER (The Chapter Book Alchemist) ~ Jackie Wellington
The Chapter Book Alchemist class has been chock-full of useful information that will no doubt propel my work as a professional writer forward. But more than that, it’s given me a feeling that I’ve tapped into the right place, the right people, the right groove. It’s as if, at long last, I’ve found the golden key that unlocks the door to writing success. To experience such a generous source of support and knowledge in the field of children’s writing is truly a blessing. ~ Linda Moore Kurth
“I've taken two courses with Mira Reisberg's Children's Book Academy, although I had my doubts, at first, that an online class would be satisfying.... I wasn't disappointed. Even though I've had the good fortune and the pleasure of working with three top editors during my career, I learned a lot in each class and of course, there's always the joy of mastering a new writing form.” ~ Audrey Coulombis, author and Newbery Honoree
The Children's Book Academy Chapter Book Course is phenomenal. Not only have I learned the tools for creating a compelling chapter book, but I've also gained knowledge about the industry and insight into illustrating. The content of the course is rich, the critique groups are supportive and the teachers are responsive and helpful. I wrote an entire chapter book in the first four weeks of the course and I couldn't be more thrilled! ~ Kirstine Call, author of over 5 picture books.
The Chapter Book Alchemist was fantastic! I’m a dentist by profession and, as such, a newcomer to both the publishing industry’s writing and illustrating components. I’m in the process of writing and illustrating my first book and have started writing two others! I was so pleased with the knowledge, the professionalism, and the organized content of the course. “Thank you” isn’t quite enough to express my gratitude to Mira and Hillary for all their efforts to put together such a wonderful teaching experience. ~ Dr. Helena DeLuca
THE BEST INVESTMENT FOR YOUR WRITING CAREER (The Chapter Book Alchemist) ~ Jackie Wellington
The Chapter Book Alchemist class has been chock-full of useful information that will no doubt propel my work as a professional writer forward. But more than that, it’s given me a feeling that I’ve tapped into the right place, the right people, the right groove. It’s as if, at long last, I’ve found the golden key that unlocks the door to writing success. To experience such a generous source of support and knowledge in the field of children’s writing is truly a blessing. ~ Linda Moore Kurth
Middle Grade Mastery
Newbury award-winner Donna Barba Higuera, author of Lupé Wong Won't Dance and many other books. (Insert YouTube link)
Newbury award-winner Donna Barba Higuera, author of Lupé Wong Won't Dance and many other books. (Insert YouTube link)
Picture Book Slipper Camp
"I loved Picture Book Slipper Camp. I met some wonderful critique partners, learned a lot from the amazing instructors, and bettered my picture book manuscript with all the critiques. It is almost like hiring 5 editors to look at your work, and the closeness of the small class, and my listening to other revisions truly helped me in learning more about picture books!" ~ Shifa Safadi, multi-published author
Editing and Consultation Testimonials
Dr. Mira works with people at all levels from professional authors and illustrators who need help finessing and completing their stories or art to folks with an idea but no map or concept of how to write their story. She particularly enjoys working with people who need help editing their stories for brevity, consistency, better language choices, greater marketability, curriculum connections, age appropriateness, etc.
Mira consultations testimonials video: https://youtu.be/fSGh-IGKgpg
"Perhaps Mira Reisberg’s greatest gift is her spectacular intuition, and the ability to help distill a persons unique voice into stories and art. Mira does this with flair and passion, while staying grounded in expertise and knowledge. Mira truly is a picture book whisperer, and a marvelous resource for shaping, revising and editing anyone's work. I highly recommend her services." ~ Marie Olofsdotter
"Editing with Mira is not the fearsome experience one expects. Somehow Mira is able to chop the word count in half (almost) and it feels like a jolly good conversation. The unnecessary words float off and are forgotten like soap bubbles." ~ Kristin Abbott
"Mira has a gift for taking a very rough idea and helping people finesse that idea into a more detailed story map. During my picture book writing consultation with Mira, we brainstormed, looked at examples of picture books involving similar content to my idea, collaborated on mapping the plot structure, and compiled a list of possible publishers. It was an incredibly productive session, and yet the time flew by, because Mira has a way of guiding people into a creative mental space, where time is timeless and the ideas flow freely. Mira is a gifted writer, illustrator, and teacher, and I would definitely meet with her again for a picture book consultation." ~ Gayle Pittman, PhD
Mira consultations testimonials video: https://youtu.be/fSGh-IGKgpg
"Perhaps Mira Reisberg’s greatest gift is her spectacular intuition, and the ability to help distill a persons unique voice into stories and art. Mira does this with flair and passion, while staying grounded in expertise and knowledge. Mira truly is a picture book whisperer, and a marvelous resource for shaping, revising and editing anyone's work. I highly recommend her services." ~ Marie Olofsdotter
"Editing with Mira is not the fearsome experience one expects. Somehow Mira is able to chop the word count in half (almost) and it feels like a jolly good conversation. The unnecessary words float off and are forgotten like soap bubbles." ~ Kristin Abbott
"Mira has a gift for taking a very rough idea and helping people finesse that idea into a more detailed story map. During my picture book writing consultation with Mira, we brainstormed, looked at examples of picture books involving similar content to my idea, collaborated on mapping the plot structure, and compiled a list of possible publishers. It was an incredibly productive session, and yet the time flew by, because Mira has a way of guiding people into a creative mental space, where time is timeless and the ideas flow freely. Mira is a gifted writer, illustrator, and teacher, and I would definitely meet with her again for a picture book consultation." ~ Gayle Pittman, PhD
And Lastly Some Misc. :)
If you were still at NIU, I'd take anything you taught!!! I learned so much in your class...the way you guided the class discussions...I always walked out of there with a head full of new ideas and possibilities! ~ Ann Pasteur
Inspirational and informative! Dr. Mira Reisberg's class will teach you how to write with an illustrator's perspective ~ a must do for anyone compelled to write children's picture books. ~ Michele Ellington
In your quiet voice, you have gotten us to move out of our lazy, procrastinating or denial stages to create. Yes, we do have a fun group, and you are definitely, a great *coach* for beginner writers such as me. You make us move whether we like it or not. Mira is full of knowledge because of her previous writing/art experiences. Thank you for sharing them with us. You are a *natural* teaching adults. You empower us to fly, Coach Mira! I love it, I love it! Thank you ever so much! ~ Sandie Sing
Mira provided logical rationale for suggested changes, based on her extensive experience as well as her own innate knack for storytelling, both in words and in pictures. To learn about the writing process is one thing; to experience it is entirely another, and Mira coached me through it in a firm but compassionate way. Although each of us participating in the class is at different stages in the development of our work, Mira has been able to address our individual needs while moving us ahead with constant encouragement. I am so glad I took this class. Not only will I have a mock up ready to submit to publishers, but I will actually come out of this having had a transformative experience. I am learning to be more open to change while knowing that nothing is a waste—it’s all a learning experience, and perhaps something that can be used at a later time, in another project. ~ Omonivie Okhade
I have always wanted to write a children’s picture book. So when Mira’s class of Writing, Illustrating and Publishing a Children’s Picture Book became available I immediately signed up. This was exactly what I needed to start and finish my children’s book. I have learned the process of writing and how revisions and critiques help your book become better than what you imagined. Mira has been a great inspiration and has allowed openness and vulnerability in her class. Her honest approach and caring of each of her students is encouraging. She brings knowledge and experience to her class that is invaluable. This has been a wonderful class that has taught me valuable skills I will continue in the future. I now have a finished picture book that I feel confident in submitting to a publisher! ~ Carrie Thebo-Frost
I was looking for a workshop that would take my picture book illustrations to the next level. Mira Reisberg's workshop fit the bill perfectly. She shared her expertise in a fun way and knew just how to present challenges to each student to promote growth in their work. It was well worth the 200 miles I drove round trip every week to take it! ~ Kristen Schwartz
When I decided to re-embark on my life-long dream of becoming a children’s book author, I immediately encountered the same old problems – Lack of industry knowledge, a manuscript that needed to reach the next level, and no idea how to move forward. Upon the advice of a friend, I checked the local SCBWI website and found Dr. Mira Reisberg’s class: Illustrating, Writing, and Publishing Children’s Picture Books. It was like a gift from heaven! I had taken classes in the past, but Dr. Reisberg’s class was different... she knows what she is talking about!... I have gone from clueless inertia to a complete package ready for submission. Not only did Mira take my manuscript to the next level, she suggested a publishing house, gave me strategic advice, and helped me craft the dreaded cover letter. With her gentle wit and generous spirit, Mira has become more than a teacher to me…. If you are serious about improving your craft and eager to make fast progress, I highly recommend any class by Dr. Mira Reisberg ~ Jeanette Banicki
Recently, I participated in Mira Reisberg’s Writing and Illustrating Children’s Book class in Sacramento. I was immediately impressed with Mira’s warmth and her genuine interest in each class members’ background and history. I loved her passion for children’s books, art and writing, which was infectious. I was especially impressed with her ability to truly “listen” then offer just the right amount of insight backed up by her many years in the field. Mira has the ability to take each person’s skills, whether as beginners, intermediates or advanced to the next level, bringing out the very best in each writer or illustrator. Her classes included discussion of all children’s book genres, including publishing tips, then onto writing, then editing, editing, editing until the work was just right.... Because of her many years in the field, she is tremendously qualified to teach others. But more than that, her truly warm and friendly personality makes knowing Mira a true privilege. ~ Diane Perruzzi
Inspirational and informative! Dr. Mira Reisberg's class will teach you how to write with an illustrator's perspective ~ a must do for anyone compelled to write children's picture books. ~ Michele Ellington
In your quiet voice, you have gotten us to move out of our lazy, procrastinating or denial stages to create. Yes, we do have a fun group, and you are definitely, a great *coach* for beginner writers such as me. You make us move whether we like it or not. Mira is full of knowledge because of her previous writing/art experiences. Thank you for sharing them with us. You are a *natural* teaching adults. You empower us to fly, Coach Mira! I love it, I love it! Thank you ever so much! ~ Sandie Sing
Mira provided logical rationale for suggested changes, based on her extensive experience as well as her own innate knack for storytelling, both in words and in pictures. To learn about the writing process is one thing; to experience it is entirely another, and Mira coached me through it in a firm but compassionate way. Although each of us participating in the class is at different stages in the development of our work, Mira has been able to address our individual needs while moving us ahead with constant encouragement. I am so glad I took this class. Not only will I have a mock up ready to submit to publishers, but I will actually come out of this having had a transformative experience. I am learning to be more open to change while knowing that nothing is a waste—it’s all a learning experience, and perhaps something that can be used at a later time, in another project. ~ Omonivie Okhade
I have always wanted to write a children’s picture book. So when Mira’s class of Writing, Illustrating and Publishing a Children’s Picture Book became available I immediately signed up. This was exactly what I needed to start and finish my children’s book. I have learned the process of writing and how revisions and critiques help your book become better than what you imagined. Mira has been a great inspiration and has allowed openness and vulnerability in her class. Her honest approach and caring of each of her students is encouraging. She brings knowledge and experience to her class that is invaluable. This has been a wonderful class that has taught me valuable skills I will continue in the future. I now have a finished picture book that I feel confident in submitting to a publisher! ~ Carrie Thebo-Frost
I was looking for a workshop that would take my picture book illustrations to the next level. Mira Reisberg's workshop fit the bill perfectly. She shared her expertise in a fun way and knew just how to present challenges to each student to promote growth in their work. It was well worth the 200 miles I drove round trip every week to take it! ~ Kristen Schwartz
When I decided to re-embark on my life-long dream of becoming a children’s book author, I immediately encountered the same old problems – Lack of industry knowledge, a manuscript that needed to reach the next level, and no idea how to move forward. Upon the advice of a friend, I checked the local SCBWI website and found Dr. Mira Reisberg’s class: Illustrating, Writing, and Publishing Children’s Picture Books. It was like a gift from heaven! I had taken classes in the past, but Dr. Reisberg’s class was different... she knows what she is talking about!... I have gone from clueless inertia to a complete package ready for submission. Not only did Mira take my manuscript to the next level, she suggested a publishing house, gave me strategic advice, and helped me craft the dreaded cover letter. With her gentle wit and generous spirit, Mira has become more than a teacher to me…. If you are serious about improving your craft and eager to make fast progress, I highly recommend any class by Dr. Mira Reisberg ~ Jeanette Banicki
Recently, I participated in Mira Reisberg’s Writing and Illustrating Children’s Book class in Sacramento. I was immediately impressed with Mira’s warmth and her genuine interest in each class members’ background and history. I loved her passion for children’s books, art and writing, which was infectious. I was especially impressed with her ability to truly “listen” then offer just the right amount of insight backed up by her many years in the field. Mira has the ability to take each person’s skills, whether as beginners, intermediates or advanced to the next level, bringing out the very best in each writer or illustrator. Her classes included discussion of all children’s book genres, including publishing tips, then onto writing, then editing, editing, editing until the work was just right.... Because of her many years in the field, she is tremendously qualified to teach others. But more than that, her truly warm and friendly personality makes knowing Mira a true privilege. ~ Diane Perruzzi
