Creating Compelling Picture Books

NOTE: THIS PROGRAMME HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO 16 & 23 AUGUST 2025.

Promotions

Auto-applied, no promo code needed:

• 40% concession* rates for students and seniors
• 20% off buddy tickets

Request promo code via email to programmes@bookcouncil.sg to enjoy:

• 20% off past participants of SBC Academy
• 10% off for Kinokuniya Privilege Card members

* Please be prepared to present your student pass or senior citizen card on the day of the talk for verification purposes.

This course is eligible for SkillsFuture credit. Find out more here.

T o submit claim for this SkillsFuture course:

• Register and request for invoice
• Log in on MySkillsFuture with Singpass and go to ‘E-Services'
• Click on 'Check and Claim SkillsFuture Credit'
• Click on ‘Proceed to Submit a Claim'.
• Search for this course.
• The page will show your course details and the course run or course start date. Scroll down to key in payment details and upload supporting documents (Eventbrite e-receipt).
• Check the 'Terms & Conditions' checkbox.
• Click 'Submit'.

Email us at programmes@bookcouncil.sg with a screenshot of the approval once the claim is approved. Include details of how you will reimburse Singapore Book Council for any outstanding amounts.

Please note that the additional $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) is not applicable for this course.

Synopsis

A Workshop for Aspiring Author-Illustrators

Step into the magical world of picture book storytelling in this immersive workshop, where words and images come together to create something truly special. Guided by award-winning picture book creator, J.H. Low, participants will explore the unique language of picture books—from crafting compelling manuscripts and designing memorable characters to mastering the art of visual storytelling.

Through engaging activities, hands-on exercises, and lively discussions, participants will develop essential skills in story structure, illustration techniques, and narrative flow. With a blend of theory and practice, and peer and trainer feedback, participants will gain the confidence and expertise to bring their ideas to life.

Participants will leave with a complete picture book concept and the confidence to captivate young readers.

Course Objectives

• Participants will gain a firm grounding in the narrative language of picture books and how text and images work together
• Write a concise, engaging manuscript that appeals to young audiences

• Participants will produce at least one engaging manuscript that would appeal to young audiences
• Exercise participants' imagination and to create interesting storyboards that narrate their creative ideas

Learning Outcomes:

• By the end, participants will have the confidence and skills to create their own picture book, from concept to finished art.
• Analyse and apply the principles of picture book storytelling, integrating text and images effectively
• Design unique, expressive characters that enhance and support the narrative
• Develop and write an engaging picture book manuscript tailored for young readers

Programme Itinerary

Week 1 (16 August 2025) The Picture Book Language

Session One (3 hours)

• Introduction to the picturebook (30min)
• Comparative study of The Gruffalo & I Want My Hat Back (30min)
• The language of the picturebook. (30min)
• Layout & Composition: The Black Square Problem (45min)
• Layout & Composition: Jack & Jill Problem (45min)

LUNCH (Provided)

Session Two (3 hours)

• Introduction to manuscript writing and storyboarding for the picturebook (30min)
• Create a 8 double-page frames narrative with the motifs: ‘Cat, Rain, Sofa’ comprising a manuscript and a storyboard (90min)
• Review and critic session: Sharing by participants (60min)

Week 2 (23 August 2025) Character Design & Art Journaling

Session Three (3 hours)

• Recap Day One lesson (15min)
• Create a manuscript and a 12-frame storyboard for a short narrative with one of the following stimuli: (120min)

1. "The room was full of shadows, but none as dark as the corner where the old mirror stood."
2. "As the last train disappeared into the fog, a single figure stood at the station, waiting."
3. "She opened the book and found that the pages were blank, except for a small drawing that seemed to move."
4. "The strange footprints led deep into the forest, where no one had dared to go for years."

• Review and critic session: Sharing by participants (45min)

LUNCH (Provided)

Session Four (3 hours)

• Introduction to character design for the picture book (30min)
• Character design: Demonstration (30min)
• Hands-on character design by participants (60min)
• Sharing by participants (45min)
• Summary and closing (15min)

Programme Details:

Date: 16 & 23 August 2025, Saturdays

Time: 9.30 am - 5.00 pm

Venue: SBC Training Room, Goodman Arts Centre,

Blk E, #03-32 (Directions below at FAQ section)

About trainer:

J.H. Low is an award-winning author-illustrator of picture books. His book Lemonade Sky (2021) is featured in the prestigious White Raven catalogue 2021 and also won him the Hedwig Anuar Children's Book Award 2022. His recent publications include two graphic novels: Mr Goodchild (2021)and The Visitor (2022). Through these two books, J.H. Low explores existential issues with the picture book form and challenges conventional notion that the picture book is only for children’s consumption.

J.H. Low has a BA (Hons) in Fine Art, a MA in Children’s Book Illustration, and a PhD in Art.

Cancellation:

The programme can be cancelled or postponed two weeks before the programme date if the minimum number of eight (8) participants is not met. Participants will be fully refunded for workshops cancelled by us.

Participants who are unable to attend a workshop they have registered for are to inform us of the reason two weeks before the workshop date. They will be fully refunded in the event of extenuating and mitigating circumstances (E.g. illness, bereavement, accidents) . Those who inform us up to 5 working days before the workshop date will receive a 50% refund. Those who did not turn up at the workshop will not receive a refund.

Upon registration, you are deemed to have read and understood the cancellation and withdrawal policy and accept the terms contained therein.