

Join our circle of storytellers and illustrators!
Explore every stage of picturebook making — from sparking story ideas and sketching roughs, all the way to creating finished illustrations.
Guided by award-winning authors and illustrators, we’ll look at character, pacing, plot, and composition — the building blocks of a great picturebook.

This rooftop – in the heart of Rome – is a happy and encouraging place, in which to discover new creative directions, find inspiration and connect with wonderful creative friends.



News / Novità: We’re starting picturebook workshops in ITALIAN 🇮🇹 and our first tutor is amazing
Davide Calì
Sabato 10 – Domenica 11 Ottobre 2026

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Tutors & Retreats 2026
Dorien Brouwers
Friday 17th – Wednesday 22nd April 2026
Make an attention-grabbing dummy book, learn about working with publishers and how to get your foot in door. Find out more:

Birgitta Sif
Friday 15th – Wednesday 20th May 2026
Find your illustration style, learn to create impactful book covers and bring your story to life with Birgitta Sif. Find out more:

Lizzy Stewart
Friday 30th October – Wednesday 4th November 2026 TBC

Learn techniques to enrich your visual storytelling and open up new creative avenues for yourself with Lizzy Stewart. Find out more:

Anna Doherty
Friday 4th – Wednesday 9th December 2026


Kind words about our retreats:

Birgitta’s 1:1 feedback skills were incredible – she seemed to know exactly which questions to ask to prompt learner reflection, helping me uncover how to improve my work .” – Sue

I’d just begun to form an idea of the book when I came. I struggled to convince myself that this simple idea could become a book. But during the retreat, not only was I able to create a clear storyline, but also make preliminary sketches for a dummy. ” – Mimi

The support, incredible insights and feedback from Diletta and Dorien was remarkable. In short, it was magic. I feel deep gratitude for getting to know and connect with such a wonderful, caring, inspiring, and talented group of people. ” – Amberlea




