This 5-day course looks at what makes an effective picturebook for children. Aimed at all levels of experience, the Summer School explores characterisation, pacing, pagination, the interplay of text and image, composition and design as students produce their own dummy picturebook with the guidance of tutors in a friendly, relaxed and supportive environment.

Alongside the practical, studio based work, a series of lectures by leading internationally published illustrators will run throughout the week to inform and inspire.

Studio sessions are run on a one-to-one tutorial basis by experienced tutors from the MA Children's Book Illustration, so students from all backgrounds and experiences are welcome. However, we do ask that applicants have some previous drawing experience.

All bookings on the Summer School also include a place on the Something to Shout About conference on Saturday 3 August 2013.

Course tutors and speakers

Martin Salisbury is Professor of Illustration and Course Leader for the MA Children's Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. He has written widely on the subject of illustration for children, including 'Illustrating Children's Book Illustration' (A&C Black, 2004) and 'Play Pen: New Children's Book Illustration' (Laurence King, 2007), both of which are published worldwide. His most recent book, 'Children's Picturebooks: the Art of Visual Storytelling', was published by Laurence King in 2012.

Pam Smy has been a lecturer on the MA Children's Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art for the past five years and has illustrated children's books for a variety of UK publishers including Walker Books, Egmont, Frances Lincoln and David Fickling Books.

Marta Altes became an overnight success with her first picturebook 'No!' (Child's Play International, 2011) which was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. 'No!' and her subsequent books 'My Grandpa' and 'I am an Artist' (Macmillan Children's Books 2012 and 2013) have been translated into many languages. Experienced as a designer and illustrator in the UK and in Spain, Marta's illustration is used in editorial work, product design, chapterbooks and picturebooks. She also lectures part-time on the MA Children's Book Illustration course.

Emily Gravett is twice winner of the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal and the Nestlé Children's Book Prize Bronze Award for 'Wolves' and 'Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears'. An author/illustrator of unique talent and tremendous skill, she has a host of critically acclaimed books to her name, including 'Blue Chameleon', 'Wolf Won't Bite!' and 'Again!'. Emily lives in Brighton with her partner and their daughter.

Birgitta Sif had her first picturebook 'Oliver' published by Walker Books 2012 in Fall of 2012. Since then 'Oliver' has been published in many languages, including her home language Icelandic, where it received the Dimmalimm prize, the Icelandic Illustration Award. She has also illustrated the chapter book series, 'The Magnificent Moon Hare', by Sue Monroe, published by Egmont. Birgitta is currently working on her second book with Walker Books UK while living in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Ness Wood is an experienced designer and design historian. She specialises in both picture books and fiction and is currently working with Random House and David Fickling Books with many illustrators including award winners such as Anthony Browne, Mini Grey and Dave Shelton.

Dates: 29 July - 3 August 2013

Fees: £620 (including accommodation); £490 (without accommodation)

Entry requirements: All applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Some previous drawing experience necessary.

For general enquiries about the Summer School please contact alsssummerschool@anglia.ac.uk

For particular enquiries about course content or the conference, please email pam.smy@anglia.ac.uk