Your child’s story, published and shared with the world.
Young authors write and illustrate their own 32-page picture book. We turn it into a real paperback with its own ISBN, and it joins the Global Library, where it helps other kids learn and dream.
On our way to make history!
At the CapitolEvery young person has ideas worth sharing.
We help kids see that their ideas have value, then give them a real way to share those ideas with the world.
For young authors
Invent a world, dream up characters, and write your story one page at a time. Draw your own pictures, or we’ll help bring them to life. Then see your name on the cover!
See what kids madeFor parents & guardians
A guided, step-by-step writing studio your child can use at their own pace. You can help as much or as little as you like. Every book is reviewed with care before it’s published.
Enroll for $50For schools & partners
Bring Global Library books to your classroom, library, or program, all written by young people for young people. You can also sponsor a young author or host a cohort.
Become a partnerFrom first idea to a book on the shelf
Five simple steps. Kids do the dreaming, and we take care of the publishing.
Enroll
Join the Author Apprentice Program for $50 through our secure store.
Open the studio
After checkout, head to the Writing Apprenticeship Picture Book Maker.
Write & draw
Build a world, create characters, and fill 32 pages. Include 10–15 illustrations (cover counts), drawn by your child or created by us.
We review
Our team personally reads every book with care before it goes to print.
Published!
About 2 weeks later: a printed paperback, a digital copy, and a spot in the Global Library.
More than a book. A place in the Global Library.
It’s called a membership because your child becomes part of something bigger. Their book is shared with other kids to spark their imaginations, too.
Want to create just for fun? Our free Creation Station games stay open to everyone, and free creations can become a free eBook.
- A published paperback with its own ISBN
- A digital copy to share with family and friends
- A guided, step-by-step picture book studio
- 10–15 illustrations: your child’s drawings or ours
- A personal review before publishing
- A spot in the Global Library, helping other kids
Already enrolled? Open the Picture Book Maker →
The Global Library
Every one of these books was written by young people. Your child’s book could be next.
Read “A Guide to Happiness”
Written by our elementary Youth Ambassadors. Read along and see what young authors can create.
Young authors become young leaders.
Our Youth Ambassadors have visited the Missouri Capitol, where Rep. Mark Sharp introduced them on the House floor. They’ve learned from their lawmakers how to turn ideas into real action. It all starts with believing their voice matters.
“Creativity is better than video games!”— Amara, 4th grade Youth Ambassador
Put kid-written books in more hands.
Partner with the Global Library and help young people see themselves as authors.
- 📚Receive Global Library booksStock your classroom, library, or program with books written by young people.
- 🎓Host a Youth Ambassador cohortYoung Ambassadors (grades 3–5) and Civic Leadership (middle school).
- 💛Sponsor a young authorHelp a child publish their first book, even if their family can’t cover the cost.
Some of our past and current partners include:
Good to know
Does my child need to be a strong writer?
Not at all. We welcome stories of any length. The studio offers gentle prompts whenever your child feels stuck.
Do I have to help?
Parent help is completely optional. Some families write together, and some kids go solo. Either way is wonderful.
What about the pictures?
Each book has 10–15 illustrations, including the cover. Your child can upload their own drawings, or we can create the illustrations. We only use your child’s drawings if they want us to.
What happens after I pay?
You’ll be sent to the Writing Apprenticeship Picture Book Maker to begin. When the book is finished, our team reviews it, and your printed paperback and digital copy are ready in about 2 weeks.
Is there a free option?
Yes! Our Creation Station games are free for everyone, and free creations can become a free eBook. The Author Membership adds a professionally published paperback with an ISBN.
Every story starts with one idea.
Give your young author the joy of holding their own published book.
Already enrolled? Open the Picture Book Maker →