EVENTS Picture Book Retreat 2025
The 13th edition of the Picture Book retreat is coming soon this July and
Illustrator Coordinator Tita Berredo shares everything about it with us!
I am incredibly proud and excited to be one of the organisers of the 13th edition of the Picture Book Retreat, an event that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and the magic of storytelling. In a world where artistic expression is more important than ever, gatherings like this provide a vital space for creators to connect, learn, and grow.
The SCBWI Picture Book Retreat is crafted for both writers and illustrators, or author/illustrators, with a perfectly balanced approach to storytelling in all its forms. Every workshop and exercise is designed to invite you to explore your creative process and develop your craft. Workshops will focus on essential elements like story structure, narrative flow, and pagination. Critique groups provide space for refining your work, and quiet morning writing sessions foster focus and inspiration. Plus, there’s plenty of time for self-directed writing to explore and develop your ideas at your own pace.
Attendees will have the valuable opportunity to engage in one-on-one sessions with industry professionals, receiving tailored advice on their picture books in progress and career development. Throughout the retreat, there are ample chances for impromptu networking with visiting speakers, SCBWI faculty, and fellow members—both pre-published and published—creating an inspiring and supportive creative community.
This year we invite a solo main speaker, specifically chosen to bring both sides of picture book craft into one immersive experience. Whether writing and illustrating are considered together or separately, their expertise will provide valuable insight into the full creative process. We are immensely proud to welcome author-illustrator, and Hans Christian Andersen Award nominee, Leo Timmers!
Leo Timmers is a renowned author and illustrator celebrated for his vibrant and imaginative picture books. He studied advertising and graphic design, which laid the foundation for his career as an illustrator. Timmers debuted as a picture book author in 2000 with Happy with Me, earning the prestigious Bookfeather award for the most promising picture book debut. His works, such as Monkey on the Run, Gus’s Garage, and Where is the Dragon?, are characterized by playful storytelling and intricate illustrations, captivating readers of all ages. Timmers has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including recognition from the Flemish Leesjury multiple times. His books have been translated into 32 languages, and he was the first Flemish illustrator to have a book included in The New York Times' top ten books of the year. Timmers is nominated for the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award, one of the most prestigious honours in children's literature, recognising his lifelong contribution to the field.
In addition, my dear colleagues and friends Paul Morton, Natascha Biebow, Mike Brownlow, Gary Fabbri, and I will complete the programme with a great mix of talks and workshops. SCBWI's faculty members bring an extraordinary mix of talent, each offering unique skills that make this retreat a truly complete and balanced experience. From illustration to narrative craft, industry expertise to personal artistic journeys, their collective knowledge enriches every aspect of our time together.
Through workshops, insightful discussions, and dedicated writing and illustrating time, attendees will dive deep into the art of picture books. Whether you're polishing a manuscript, seeking inspiration, or hoping to learn from industry professionals, this retreat offers a space to grow and create in a supportive and enriching environment.
More than anything, I am thrilled and honoured to be part of this inspiring event. Watching creativity unfold in such a supportive environment is truly rewarding, and I can’t wait to see the ideas and collaborations that will emerge.
The Picture Book Retreat 2025 will be held at Holland House from the 11th to 14th July.
Tickets go live on Monday, 12th May - click here to go to tickets
Access the Picture Book Retreat webpage to find more about costs, schedule and other details.
Watch the video of the 10th anniversary of Picture Book Retreat.
Double click to watch in full screen.
*Header credit Ell Rose; Video Credit Tita Berredo
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Tita Berredo is the Illustrator Coordinator of SCBWI British Isles and the Art Director of Words & Pictures. She has a Master's degree in Children's Literature and Illustration from Goldsmiths UOL, and a background in social communications, marketing and publicity. www.titaberredo.com
Follow @titaberredo on Instagram and Twitter
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