The class with Dashka Slater changed my 'writing life!' Her lectures were concrete and offered me bits and pieces of advice, as well as excerpts from children's books, to solidify her points. This class offered me ways to find my focus, and I feel I could not have gotten this helpful information from any text book or 'how-to' book out there. I am so grateful to have had Dashka's concise viewpoints as well as the support of peers through the weekly postings. -- Natalie Hansen

"Dashka Slater is unpretencious, refined, encouraging and exacting. I'm a professional writer in a different field and was consistently impressed by how well Dashka understands the mechanisms of writing. She's an excellent editor, as well." -- Mona Kanin

"I really enjoyed this class. The assignments were thought-provoking and challenging, and the lectures offered practical tips on how to get started and build on what we were creating. Also, this particular group of students was amazing. We were all extremely involved in the class, consistently commenting on each others' work, and that encouraged me to keep working on my story." -- Sara Kruger

"Children's Picture Book Writing is a fabulous class for those who want to recapture their zest for writing and their pursuit to get published. It's also useful if you simply want to grow as a writer and perfect your craft. I left the class with a solid manuscript under my belt and a rip-roaring energy to hit the pavement once again in order to reach my goals. Dashka is a fabulous "guide" throughout the course. She has a way of pushing you to the next level week after week, to the point that--come the final days of class--you are flabbergasted by what you have been able to accomplish!" -- Christina Doremus

"This class touched on all the basic information I needed to get started writing my children's picture book. It was a joy to be involved, because the class, instructor, and the other students all motivated me to write. The chat sessions were excellent. The hour just flew by each week and I didn't want it to end. I highly recommend this course." -- Janet Martin

"If you have always wondered if you could write a picture book - if that idea you've been playing with forever could actually work - this is the class for you to find out. Starting from the beginning, the class will teach you the basics without being condescending in a very creative and supportive environment." -- Kristen Giang