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Jump to section: Picture Book Writing Camp ◊ Teaching and Discussion Guides

Manuscript Critique / Picture Book Writing Camp

If you’re a pretender come sit by my fire
For we have some flax golden tales to spin.

—Shel Silverstein

As a fellow writer, I know just how hard it can be to bring a story to life. I strive to be a trusted and encouraging partner who will help you find the heart of your story. I have used my deep knowledge of children’s literature to guide writers of all ages through the writing process.

As we work with your story, I will consider your questions along with its various elements, such as the arc of your story, consistent characters, the setting, tension, and pacing. I will also pay careful attention to how your story sounds when read aloud—an important aspect of how picture books are shared.

I look forward to mentoring your story through the creation process and providing the vital feedback every story needs on its path to publication.

A video introduction to my critique service.

Testimonials

I truly appreciate your positive feedback and will incorporate! I love this story and appreciated having a new set of eyes to strengthen it. Thanks so much!

Thank you. Mona, for your very thoughtful, generous, and thorough critique. I appreciate it and found it very helpful.

Thank you, Mona! Good insights and food for thought with revision and/or new drafting.

Get your story to the finish line!

Only $99. Click Here

Manuscript Critique / Picture Book Writing Camp

You get:

Written Critique Manuscript Feedback
Story Element Analysis
Read Aloud Appraisal
Line Edit Suggestions
Analyze Story Strengths
Discuss Next Steps

Includes TWO comp PB titles and FOUR optional 1- Hour Weekly Zoom Writing Sessions.

Don’t struggle with your manuscript—get expert feedback to move forward!

As a picture book writer, poet, and teacher, my greatest strength is my knowledge of and passion for children’s literature. My superpower, though, is how much I believe the world needs your story.

I’d love to partner with you as a trusted and encouraging partner. I am now offering critiques for picture book manuscripts (up to 800 words; F,NF, Poetry).

Questions? Use my contact form.

I look forward to mentoring your story creation process and providing the vital feedback every story needs on its path to publication

Teaching and Discussion Guides

Let an experienced reading specialist
and author create a teaching guide
for your picture book!

Testimonial

I highly recommend Mona Voelkel's teacher guides. She wrote a teacher's guide for my picture book, Save the Trees and it's fantastic. Mona's teacher guides go above and beyond the typical curriculum supplement. It not only provides insightful discussion points but also encourages critical thinking and fosters a deeper understanding of the book. It's a valuable resource for any teacher striving to create a dynamic and enriching classroom environment.

Bring your picture book into the classroom!

$450. Click Here

Intro Price!

Teaching and Discussion Guides

Includes:

ELA Common Core Reading Lesson
ELA Common Core Writing Lesson
1 Curriculum Connection Activity (Art, Social Studies, Physical Education, Social-Emotional Learning, or Science
Storytime and Family Reading Night Flyer
Book-Related Quick Write