Children’s Literature and Children’s Book Illustration
Summer 2021: June 21 – July 30
Offering Children’s Literature Summer Workshops >
The first degree program of its kind in the world, Hollins’ well-respected program offers multiple options in the study, writing, and illustration of literature for children. Books such as Goodnight Moon by Hollins alumna Margaret Wise Brown start us on our path in life, and the books that children are reading now will shape our future world.
Our newest degree offering, Children’s Book Writing and Illustrating, is a unique program bringing together the best of both disciplines. All programs share courses and top-notch faculty and writers-in-residence so that students in each degree path learn from and work with each other in a collaborative, supportive environment.
Children’s Literature M.F.A. and Children’s Book Writing and Illustrating graduate program candidates talk about why, as one student explains, “It’s like no other environment I’ve ever been in.”
Programs Offered
Master of Arts in Children's Literature
M.A. in the scholarly study of the history and criticism of children’s literature, with the option to take some coursework in creative endeavors. 40 credits. More info >
Children’s Literature M.F.A.
M.F.A in writing for children and adolescents, with a grounding in the scholarship of children’s literature. 48 credits. More info >
Master of Fine Arts in Children's Book Writing & Illustrating
M.F.A. in writing and illustrating books for children and teens, including picture books, chapter books, illustrated novels, and graphic novels. 60 credits. More info >
Certificate in Children's Book Illustration
Certificate program in the illustration of books for children and adolescents. 24 credits. The certificate courses may be applied to the M.F.A. in Children’s Book Writing and Illustrating. More info >
Non-Degree Offerings
We welcome students not in pursuit of a degree, but of a greater understanding of the significance of children’s literature to the growth of the individual. Almost all courses in scholarly study and creative work are open to applicants wishing to take a few individual courses. More info >
New Financial Assistance Opportunities
Hollins now offers several new financial assistance opportunities, including assistance particularly for teachers and librarians.
Writer-in-Residence, Scholar-in-Residence and Visiting Illustrators
These visitors conduct workshops each summer, and meet individually with students. In addition, you’ll meet many other visiting scholars, writers and artists every summer. More about them and recent guest lecturers
The Margaret Wise Brown Prize
In 2016 Hollins inaugurated the first Margaret Wise Brown Prize for a picture book text, honoring Brown, a Hollins alumna from the class of 1932. The prize carries a $1,000 award and a bronze medal with an image of Brown on the front and the winner’s name and winning book title on the back. The 2021 winner was Meg Medina, for Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez and published by Candlewick Press. There was one Honor Book named: You Matter by author/illustrator Christian Robinson and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Children’s Literature Journal
Children’s Literature is the annual journal of the Modern Language Association Division on Children’s Literature and of the Children’s Literature Association. It was founded in 1972 by the late Francelia Butler and is now edited at Hollins by Julie Pfeiffer, with R.H.W. Dillard serving as editor-in-chief. Students in the Hollins M.A. program in children’s literature have the opportunity to apply for a summer internship with the journal. Visit the Children’s Literature Association website.
Our Faculty
Our faculty don’t just teach — they do. They are all working writers and artists or scholars active in the field, and sometimes all three. They will teach you to find your own voice, your style, your medium, your passion. In addition you’ll meet visiting scholars, writers and artists every summer.
News
The debut book by Rebekah Manley M.F.A. ’11, published in fall 2019 by Ulysses Press, is a hilarious take on dating horror stories. At its core, Alexandra and the Awful, Awkward, No Fun, Truly Bad Dates is a heartwarming tale that can be enjoyed and appreciated as a shared experience.
Two alumnae of our graduate programs in children’s literature and children’s book illustration are helping to promote the benefits of reading with children from birth with the publication of their new book. Copies of Slow Time, Hush Time by Jennifer Wood M.F.A. ’19 and Lucinda Rowe M.F.A. ’19, will be distributed for free to new mothers at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Netflix has ordered 10 episodes of Tiny Pretty Things, an hour-long series based on the novel by Dhonielle Clayton M.A. ’09 and Sona Charaipotra. The show is scheduled to premiere in 2020.
Her debut novel, The Ethan I Was Before, by Ali Standish, M.F.A. ’15, was given a starred review by Publishers Weekly stating that “Readers will be riveted.” Standish’s novel, August Isle, was released April 2019.
Meet the Director
Lisa Rowe Fraustino, director of the graduate programs in children’s literature; Ph.D., Binghamton University.
Her newest book, the middle-grade novel, The Hole in the Wall, won the 2010 Milkweed Prize for Children’s Literature. She is past president of the Children’s Literature Association, and is also the author of I Walk in Dread: The Diary of Deliverance Trembley, Witness to the Salem Witch Trials; The Hickory Chair; and Ash. As Lisa Meunier, she is the author of the forthcoming poetry chapbook, Hitching to Istanbul. http://lisarowefraustino.com/
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