PICTURE BOOK WONDERCAMP
PICTURE BOOK WONDERCAMP
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PLAY! EXPLORE! CONNECT!
FIND YOUR WONDER!
Picture Book Wondercamp is where you will find the kind of encouragement for your craft that you can only get when you’re away from the everyday hubbub and surrounded by generous mentors. Totally immerse yourself in picture books, play and tap into your inner WONDER.
Ready for a dynamic creative weekend? Join us and create that stand-out book that really connects with young readers!
This year we are thrilled to be joined by award-winning author illustrator Petr Horáček, and picture book editor Iman Khakoo of Hachette Children's Group.
Picture book writers and illustrators of all levels will refine their craft, spark new ideas, and connect with fellow creators during our welcoming weekend ‘summer camp’, complete with outdoor activities and fireside chats. Join us for a deep dive into the art of picture books through workshops, insightful discussions, and dedicated time to write and illustrate.
Whether you're polishing a manuscript, seeking inspiration, or hoping to learn from industry professionals, Picture Book Wondercamp offers a space to grow and create in a supportive and enriching environment.
Each morning, start the day with yoga or a walk in the beautiful countryside. Or join our optional early morning writing sessions designed to foster inspiration and focus.
Immerse yourself in creative workshops with our expert faculty to jump-start your picture book writing and illustrating. Connect and get exclusive insights into what an editor is looking for!
Evenings are open for critique sessions, designed to provide space for refining your work, as well as ad-hoc discussions on technique, marketing, craft and the children's publishing industry—all in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Our experienced professionals provide personalised 1-1 mentoring. There is also plenty of free time for exploring or developing your ideas at your own pace if you prefer.
Tap into your child-like wonder and play with fellow attendees in the quiz and paper airplane competition! Picture Book Wondercamp empowers you to set goals and keep connected and accountable until next time.
OUR MAIN SPEAKER
Author illustrator,
Petr Horáček
Petr Horáček was born in Prague and studied at the Academy of Fine Art. After graduating in 1994, he moved to live in England. His first two picture books were published in 2001, winning the 'Books for Children' Newcomer award. Since then he has won a string of other international prizes and distinctions, including shortlisting for the Week Junior Book Awards 2025 for Blue Monster; the Independent Booksellers Week book award in 2016 for The Mouse Who Reached the Sky; the Best Everyday Book for One-year Olds in the Myra Robertson Baby Book of the Year awards for Choo Choo; 'Parents' Best Book of the Year 2013 for Animal Opposites; shortlisting for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2012 for Puffin Peter; and Picture Book of the Year 2006 for the Dutch edition of A New House for Mouse. Petr tutors aspiring illustrators as well as holding workshops for children at literary festivals, bookshops and schools. He lives in Worcestershire, UK.
OUR INDUSTRY SPEAKER
Editor, Iman Khakoo
Iman Khakoo is currently Editor at Hachette Children’s Group. After graduating from the University of Cambridge with a BA and MPhil in History of Art, Iman decided to pursue a career in publishing and began her journey as an Editorial Trainee at PRH Children’s. She now works with a range of talented authors and illustrators on a diverse list of award-winning and bestselling publishing at HCG, specialising in preschool and picture books.
We acknowledge and thank Hachette Children's Group for their generosity in sponsoring Iman's place at this year's Wondercamp.
YOUR FACULTY TEAM
click each name below for more details
•Natascha Biebow, lots of ideas, many hats: mum, teacher, award-winning author (The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons), experienced picture book editor and expert, founder of Blue Elephant Storyshaping (coaching & mentoring service for children's book creators) and the Cook Up a Picture Book Courses, Editorial Director (Five Quills), and passionate about reading, elephants and chocolate.
•Paul Morton, a professional illustrator for over 35 years. Paul has worked in advertising as well as children's games and educational books. His first two authored and fully illustrated early readers feature a greedy, but ingenious, frog called Bug Belly (published by Five Quills).
•Mike Brownlow, is a best-selling author/illustrator of children’s books, including Little Robots, which became a much-loved animated TV show. His series the Ten Little books is on its sixteenth title, and has also been animated. This new production is called Ten Little… Who? and the first series began showing on Sky Kids and Now TV in May 2025. Mike has worked for many leading publishers and wrote one of the featured titles for World Book Day in 2019.
•Gary Fabbri, has worked as a writer & director in London and Stockholm for television channels such as NBC. CNBC, Fox Kids, Discovery, and Disney. He's written a series of books 'Back of the Net' with ABDO (US) and UG (Shed9 publishing Sweden).
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• Room and board, including all meals and snacks, starting with dinner Friday until breakfast Monday.
• Everyone gets a 20 minute 1-1 mentoring slot with a faculty member (pre-assigned).
• Optional Yoga every morning.
COST:
SINGLE ROOM - £540 pp (or £200 deposit) - balance of £340 payable by bank transfer by 31st May*)
TWIN ROOM - £485 pp (or £175 deposit) - balance of £310 payable by bank transfer by 31st May*)
Choose to pay the full price upfront or just the deposit. NB the deposit amount is non-refundable in either case. If you opt to pay the deposit, the balance is due by 31st May 2026—otherwise, you may forfeit both your place and your deposit. *Bank details will be provided in the confirmation email.
After selecting your ticket type, you’ll be asked to fill in buyer and attendee details. Don’t worry—your spot will remain secure whilst you complete the form. You’ll have up to 30 minutes to finish the process. Once your booking is confirmed, further details will be emailed to you.
ABOUT THE VENUE & HOW TO GET THERE:
ROOMS: there are a mix of single and twin rooms. There are no en-suite rooms, but shared bathrooms are very close by in the corridor. If you are happy to share a twin room, this will reduce your cost and enable more people to attend!
DIRECTIONS: See map at the foot of this page.
By Car: NB: the postcode for the car park is WR10 3ND (Kennel Bank) postcode for house is WR10 3NB
By Train: nearest British Rail station is Evesham. Then book a taxi or bus to Holland House.
Holland House, Main Street, Cropthorne, Pershore WR10 3NB
WHO IS IT FOR?
• Author, author/illustrator or illustrators interested in creating picture books? You’ve found your family!
• Completed manuscripts / dummies ready to submit? Come and level up!
• Published multiple books, but are eager for more? Join us!
READY TO JOIN US?
If you want to improve your craft and understand the nuances of today’s publishing industry, you won’t want to miss this opportunity! A stellar faculty will offer sessions on creativity, craft, revision, story-making, blending words and art, marketing, comps, and more!
Find your WONDER.
We look forward to seeing you in Cropthorne.
© 2026 Picture Book Wondercamp
Location
Holland House, Cropthorne, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 3NB