Storytelling vs. Story Showing

Balancing Illustration and Text in Picture Books

In this 45-minute video presentation, New York Times Bestselling author-illustrator LeUyen Pham discusses the critical balance between text and illustration in picture books, both as an author/illustrator and as an illustrator only. She addresses the need to match the style of illustrations to the particular story, whether or not every story needs an illustration sub-text, and what she wishes authors knew about leaving room for illustrators to contribute their artistic vision. LeUyen shows the different between art and illustration and gives a behind-the-scenes looks at her Caldecott Honor Book BEAR CAME ALONG.


"LeUyen Pham's experience and success as an illustrator provided great insight into the expectations and the process of illustration. I am learning so much! LeUyen offers up very relevant and useful information!" - Tracy K.

"LeUyen was really motivating as a speaker because she's SO prolific! I like her aesthetics and was interested to see her process." - Alexandra A.

"LeUyen Pham was so full of information!" - Paula P.


Your Instructor


LeUyen Pham
LeUyen Pham

New York Times Bestselling LeUyen Pham (pronounced ``win``) is the creator of nearly 100 books for children, including the best-selling series The Princess In Black, written by Shannon and Dean Hale, Grace for President, written by Kelly DiPucchio, God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Freckleface Strawberry series by Julianne Moore, and the Vampirina Ballerina series, written by Anne Marie Pace and now a Disney Channel series. Her own books include Big Sister, Little Sister, A Piece of Cake, and The Bear Who Wasn’t There. She lives in California with her happy family and one crazy little cat.


Course Curriculum


  Storytelling vs. Story Showing Content
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

"LeUyen gave solid information and advice about the illustration side of PBs. She was warm, helpful, and fabulous."

- L.D. Arwood

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