Esther Hershenhorn: “Writing for Children” 2027

“Esther Hershenhorn’s Vermont Manuscript Workshop is an opportunity to work hard in a focused way with a goal of accomplishing a significant amount of work. The pleasure of doing this work in a bucolic environment with plenty of time for walks, wonderful meals, and the delight of a small group of children’s writers was absolutely priceless."

“Esther thought of everything – from the wonderful welcome to the last meeting that reinforced what we accomplished, what we learned and what our next steps should be. The entire week was so well organized and very thoughtful.”

In its eleventh year, this Writing for Children Manuscript Workshop, led by children’s book author/teacher/Writing Coach Esther Hershenhorn, gifts participating children’s book creators, no matter where they are in their Journeys, the opportunity to fine-tune both the chosen stories they’re telling and the Writers’ Stories they’re living.

“We are all looking for magic…

but indeed we have to wave the wand for ourself.”

—P.L. Travers

What You'll Explore

Grounded in the magical ways and wonders of Vermont’s beautiful Green Mountains, the workshop offers up to 6 children's book creators:

• Uninterrupted writing time from morning to night in a bounty of beautiful settings inside, outside, all around the town;

• Daily face-to-face writing feedback and coaching on a chosen work-in-progress with facilitator Esther Hershenhorn;

• Rich connections with fellow like-minded, like-hearted children’s book creators;

• Evening Read-aloud sessions;

• Drop-in visits – in person or via ZOOM - from Children’s Book World residents;

• Optional outings to maximize nearby Vermont resources, including Northshire Books in Manchester and local galleries;

• Focused “Food-for-Thought” Writer’s Journey conversations throughout each day’s three delicious 3-course meals.

What You'll Need

• A working manuscript on which to focus;

• A want and a need to take that manuscript to the necessary NEXT LEVEL, whatever that may be

• A willingness to connect, as Mary Poppins’ P.L. Travers advised – with their world, their story, themselves.

NOTE: To ensure a worthwhile experience, participants must email the facilitator Esther Hershenhorn samples of the work on which they wish to focus by April 15, 2027: if a picture book, please send the entire manuscript; if a chapter book, please send the beginning 10 pages plus a synopsis or description of the story.

About the Author

At age six, Esther Hershenhorn promised herself her name would one day be on a book — and it has, many times over. An award-winning children’s author, teacher and book coach, she’s spent her career helping writers of all ages find their stories. Over four days in the Green Mountains, she’ll guide you in writing for children — from first spark to polished page.

Esther Hershenhorn is a celebrated Chicago children’s author, teacher, workshop facilitator, and writing coach. She writes picture books, board books, poetry, and middle-grade fiction, and teaches adults how to write for children at the University of Chicago’s Writer’s Studio and Chicago’s Newberry Library.

Esther treasures her TeachingAuthor appositive, writing children’s books, teaching Writing for Children workshops at Chicago’s Newberry Library and the University of Chicago’s Graham School of Continuing Education and coaching children’s book creators. Her published books include Chicken Soup

by Heart (Simon & Schuster), winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award for Young Readers, Fancy That (Holiday House) and S is for Story (Sleeping Bear Press). She takes pride in her life-long advocacy of children’s book creators via her work with SCBWI in her home state of Illinois and around the world, as a former elected Board Member and now a Regional Advisor Emerita. A non-stop finder of Life’s Silver Linings, she subscribes to former Chicago Cubs Coach Joe Maddon’s mantra: “It’s all about the heartbeat.”

Visit www.estherhershenhorn.com to learn more of Esther’s story.

Visit www.teachingauthors.com to read her blog.

​

Starting Price — All-Inclusive

From $2,460 per person

Single occupancy · all-inclusive · 5 nights · best prepaid rate

•      Includes workshop instruction, lodging at The Landgrove Inn, three meals daily, the welcome reception, and gratuity (taxes additional)

•      5 nights lodging + full board at $312/night (single, prepaid) = $1,560

•      Workshop fee = $900

•      Bringing a companion? Add just $114/night for their lodging, meals and gratuity — see the FAQ. Also taking the workshop? Just add another workshop fee.

Prefer to spend a little less time away? You can check out on the final workshop day for 4 nights instead of 5 — subtract $312/night (single occupancy). See the FAQ.

What’s Included

A simple “show up and paint” package — full room and board, with everything handled:

•      Four days of instruction and programming

•      Lodging at The Landgrove

•      Three meals per day, including 3-course dinners

•      Welcome reception on the first night

•      Gratuity included (taxes additional)

All meals are shared together as a group — a big part of the Landgrove experience and what makes these retreats feel like a true creative community.

A Day at Landgrove

Arrival day

•      Check-in from 3 PM

•      Welcome reception (wine/beer + hors d’oeuvres) 5–6 PM

•      Introductory 3-course dinner 6–8 PM

Workshop days

•      Breakfast (communal) 8–9 AM

•      Morning drawing session

•      Lunch (communal) 12:30 PM

•      Afternoon drawing session

•      3-course dinner (communal) 6–8 PM

Departure day

•      Breakfast 8–9 AM

•      Check-out by 11 AM

The Landgrove Setting

You’ll stay in a peaceful historic inn surrounded by the Green Mountain National Forest — an inspiring setting that helps you slow down and settle into deep creative work. When you want to explore beyond the studio, you’re close to classic Vermont: Manchester (Southern Vermont Arts Center, Northshire Bookstore), Weston (Weston Theater Company, the Vermont Country Store), plus scenic drives and mountain towns nearby.

Our Cancellation Policy

This policy applies to both the Flexible and Prepaid rates.

If you cancel more than 60 days before your arrival:

• Refund: Receive a refund, less a $75 cancellation fee.

• Transfer: Transfer your deposit to another workshop at no additional charge.

If you cancel 31–60 days before your arrival:

• Refund: Receive a refund, less a $250 cancellation fee.

• Credit: Receive a credit toward a future stay, with no change or cancellation fee.

If you cancel 30 DAYS OR LESS before your arrival:

• Refund: Receive a refund, less a $500 cancellation fee.

• Credit: Receive a credit toward a future stay, with a $250 change fee.

Because our workshops require us to make commitments to our artists well in advance, our cancellation policy helps ensure that we can fairly compensate our artists. We appreciate your understanding and support of the artists who make these workshops possible.

Mini-FAQ

Can I check out earlier?

Yes. The package runs through the morning after the final workshop day, but you’re welcome to check out one day earlier—on the final workshop day, and thereby subtract $312 for the last night. Check-out of your room is by 9 AM if doing so, before the morning workshop session. When inputting your dates to book, just change your check-out date to one day earlier.

Can my partner or a friend come along?

Absolutely — companions are welcome and very much part of the experience. The second guest in your room is booked as a companion, with lodging, all meals and gratuity included, for $114/night more than going solo. Many spouses and friends join just for the stay — exploring the forest, nearby towns, the pool, or a book by the tavern fire — while still sharing every meal.

Can my partner or friend also take the workshop?

If your companion also wants to paint, add “Additional Workshop Registration” at checkout, or contact us.

What about dietary needs?

Add any dietary requirements in the Special Requests field at checkout and we’ll prepare accordingly. All meals are shared together as a group.

How do I get there?

The nearest airports are Albany, Hartford, Boston, and Rutland VT. Train stations are in Albany NY and Brattleboro VT (recommend Albany if travelling from NYC). For transit from an airport or train station we recommend Mountain Drivers (802.772.5223, mtndrivers.com).

What should I bring?

The supply list is included will be provided ahead of the workshop and covers everything you’ll need to bring. Tables and studio space are provided.

How many students?

Workshops are intentionally small — this one is capped at 15 — for real personal attention and a close-knit group.

Can Vermont locals attend without staying at the inn?

If you're a local and would want to commute to the workshop daily, we will take bookings for up to two workshop participants until 60 days before the workshop (within 60 days we open all available workshop spots for locals). The cost for local attendees is the workshop fee, plus one of the following meal plan options (including gratuity):

• Workshop Lunches ($27.50/day)

• Workshop Lunches & 3-Course Dinners ($81.00/day)

Ready to Book?

Book This Workshop, use the booking widget on this page, or give us a ring at 802.824.6674.