Apply for The Verge
Part craft lab. Part storytime strategy session.
All about building picture book characters kids (and librarians) can’t resist.
Characters That B.A.R.F is an informative and interactive workshop designed to help picture book authors create dynamic characters who leap off the page and linger long after the final spread. Together, we’ll explore how to move beyond description and into action—so readers experience your story rather than simply hearing about it.
In this session participants will:
We’ll also step beyond the manuscript. Writers will gain a behind-the-scenes look at what librarians consider when selecting books for storytime events—voice, rhythm, participation potential, emotional arc, and re-read value. You’ll leave with practical insight into how your craft choices impact a book’s life in schools and libraries.
Finally, we’ll share ideas for preparing for school visits—from shaping an engaging read-aloud experience to presenting yourself as an author with clarity and confidence.
Whether your work centers on bold personalities or quieter concepts, this workshop will help you craft picture books that connect—on the page, in the classroom, and on the storytime rug.
- Deepen their understanding of show vs. tell in the compressed world of picture books
- Strengthen pacing so every page turn earns its place
- Use dialogue with purpose—to reveal character and propel the story forward
- Examine how character-driven principles can elevate even concept or non-traditional narratives
- Experiment with implementing classic storytelling tactics in fresh, unexpected ways
We’ll also step beyond the manuscript. Writers will gain a behind-the-scenes look at what librarians consider when selecting books for storytime events—voice, rhythm, participation potential, emotional arc, and re-read value. You’ll leave with practical insight into how your craft choices impact a book’s life in schools and libraries.
Finally, we’ll share ideas for preparing for school visits—from shaping an engaging read-aloud experience to presenting yourself as an author with clarity and confidence.
Whether your work centers on bold personalities or quieter concepts, this workshop will help you craft picture books that connect—on the page, in the classroom, and on the storytime rug.
Bonus! Submission Opportunity
All registrants will have an exclusive opportunity to submit their work to agent Jackie Kruzie for a limited time after the event!
All registrants will have an exclusive opportunity to submit their work to agent Jackie Kruzie for a limited time after the event!
About Writing Barn Craft Webinars:
Industry professionals: authors, agents, editors, etc. facilitate these events. Price points are low and attendance is high, anywhere from 50-200+ attendees. Writing craft and industry engagement are explored. *REPLAYS are made available for all registrants 2 business days after the event and are available for a limited time.*
Jackie is a literary agent with Focused Artists, author, former librarian, and all-around book nerd. A self-proclaimed book dragon Jackie hoards books like buried treasure and has made a career out of creating and sharing her love of books with eager readers. Her work in libraries has a great impact on the stories she chooses to represent.She looks for picture books and board books that are fun read-a-louds perfect for storytime and loves fast-paced kid-focused books with no heavy moral. She is not the right fit for new baby or new pet books but would love a story featuring a modern grandparent that challenges stigmas.For middle grade and young adult, she looks for stories that put young readers in the driver’s seat and speak to those who feel invisible. She welcomes tough topics and loves books that expand a reader’s worldview. She is a glutton for speculative fiction (particularly witches) set in a contemporary world where abilities are not publicly known or understood. She is not the right fit for dystopian novels where a teenage chosen one is tasked with saving the world. Jackie’s full wish list can be found on MSWL and her website.
About Agent Jackie Kruzie
