Telling Our Stories: Writing and Illustrating Children's Books with Authentic and Empowered Representation
Online | Wednesdays | 1-2:30pm | 16, 23, 30 September | 7, 14, 21 October
Nadine Kaadan is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator from Syria now living in London. She is published in several countries and languages and her mission is to champion empowered and inclusive representation in children’s books so that every child can see themselves in a story.
This six-week online course created by Nadine invites writers, illustrators, storytellers, and anyone passionate about children’s books to explore the world of picture books together. Whether your interest lies in writing, illustration, storytelling, or understanding the publishing industry, the course will guide you through the creative journey from idea to publication.
In addition to exploring how to create fun and engaging stories for young readers, a central focus of the course is cultural diversity and authentic representation in children’s literature. Together, we will explore how to create inclusive and visually meaningful picture books that reflect the richness of our communities, cultures, and lived experiences. In a market where many voices and identities remain underrepresented, the course encourages participants to create stories rooted in cultural heritage and pride — away from the white colonial narratives that still dominate much of children’s literature today.
Participants who already have manuscripts or illustration portfolios can elect to share within the group and receive personalised feedback on their work, while those starting from scratch will be supported in developing their ideas and creative voice along the way.
Through interactive discussions and visual presentations, the course will offer insight into the children’s publishing world and how to bring your work into it. Most importantly, it is a space to imagine, create, and contribute to a future where all children can see themselves authentically reflected in the stories they read.
Course Overview
All classes will be held through Zoom, accessed via the Teachable platform. Times listed are UK time. Classes will be recorded and shared with sign ups each week.
Wednesday 16 September | 1pm-2:30pm
Week 1: Picture Books
In the first week, we will explore the fundamentals of picture books: what makes a picture book, which age groups they are created for, and how the picture book market works today. We will look at important and meaningful picture books, as well as personal favourites, to understand what makes them memorable and resonate with young readers. Participants will also receive a curated reading list of recommended picture books throughout the course.
Wednesday 23 September | 1-2:30pm
Week 2: Developing Your Concept
In the second week of the course, we will explore finding creative ideas and various sources of inspiration for fun and meaningful picture books. We will look at how to develop a simple idea into a story, how to dive into your own cultural heritage through storytelling, and what makes a story stand out. Participants who already have a manuscript in mind are welcome to share it so we can work on edits and refining, while those still in the idea phase will take part in fun activities to help push their story further.
Wednesday 30 September | 1pm-2:30pm
Week 3: Characters Design
In week three, we will continue developing our stories while taking a closer look at character creation. We’ll explore what makes characters relatable, meaningful, and authentically represented. We will also look at memorable picture book characters and why they stay with us. Participants will also continue developing their own ideas and bringing their characters more fully to life.
Wednesday 7 October | 1pm-2:30pm
Week 4: Visual Storytelling
In week four, we will explore the visuals of picture books and the relationship between text and illustration. This is an important part of the process for both authors and illustrators, helping us understand how words and images work together to tell a meaningful story. We’ll also discuss what makes illustration feel authentic and thoughtful in a time shaped by AI.
Wednesday 14 October | 1pm-2:30pm
Week 5: Symbolism & Visual Storytelling
In week five, we will continue exploring visual storytelling and the relationship between illustrations and words, while looking more closely at symbolism and how images can tell a story beyond the text. We will also look at colour, mood, and how visual storytelling works within the publishing industry. Illustrators are welcome to bring their work for individual feedback.
Wednesday 21 October | 1pm-2:30pm
Week 6: Publishing & Beyond
In the final week, we will focus on how to take your story out into the world—how to write a strong pitch, submit your work to agents and publishers, and understand the publishing process. We’ll also look beyond publication, exploring what authors need to do once their book is out in the world.
Meet Your Tutor
Nadine Kaadan is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator from Syria now living in London. She is published in several countries and languages and her mission is to champion empowered and inclusive representation in children’s books so that every child can see themselves in a story.
Nadine’s work with young refugees in mitigating post-conflict trauma has captured the attention of CNN and the BBC, both of which have broadcast special features on her books ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘The Jasmine Sneeze’. She has been nominated for a Kate Greenaway Medal, and the Little Rebel Award. She is the 2019 winner of the Arab British Centre Award for Culture.
Nadine was selected as one of The BBC 100 Women 2020’s ‘most influential and inspiring women’, and was featured on their BBC 100 Women masterclass. In 2021, Nadine was commissioned by The Story Museum to be the writer of Amal Meets Alice, a procession event in Oxford that gathered over 100 performers with 8000 people joining on the day.
Her latest book, ‘The Kind Activity Book’, illustrated by Nadine and Axel Scheffler - illustrator of the Gruffalo - is published by Scholastic and part of its proceeds will be donated to The Three Peas - a charity NGO that supports Syrian refugees.
In 2025, Nadine was featured in Vogue Arabia, where she was described as an author and illustrator who tackles sensitive themes such as displacement and loss, while also challenging stereotypical views of the Arab world.
