Writing for Children’s Poetry Anthologies
Date: Thursday, June 6, 2024
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM (EST)
Format: Virtual workshop on Zoom
Instructors: Georgia Heard and Rebecca Kai Dotlich with guest poets and anthology editors Matt Forrest Esenwine and Charles Waters
Join us for an online workshop designed specifically for children's poets seeking to write poems for anthologies. Over the course of one evening, we will explore essential techniques, strategies, and best practices for crafting poetry that stands out in anthology submissions. Led by Georgia Heard and Rebecca Kai Dotlich, who are both successful children's poets, with Georgia having the additional expertise as an experienced anthology editor, and Rebecca having the reputation for being one of the most anthologized poets in the field! They’ll be joined by guest poets and poetry anthology editors Matt Forest Esenwine and Charles Waters. This workshop will provide insights and practical guidance to give participants an inside glimpse into the children’s poetry anthology process.
Whether you're a beginning children’s poet or an experienced writer looking to expand your publishing portfolio, this workshop offers valuable insights and support to help you navigate the world of children's poetry anthologies with confidence and success. Join us and take the next step toward achieving your anthology publication goals!
Guest Poets and Anthologists
Matt Forrest Esenwine is the author of more than a dozen children's books including the Kirkus-starred Flashlight Night (Astra Young Readers, 2017) and I Am Today (POW! Kids Books, 2022), recipient of the 2023 NH State Literary Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature. His poetry can be found in numerous anthologies like The National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry (National Geographic Kids Books, 2015); the Donald Hall tribute, Except for Love (Encircle, 2019); and two of his own forthcoming anthologies. Connect with Matt and order personally-signed books at MattForrest.com.
Charles Waters is a children's poet, author and anthologist. With Irene Latham he's co-curated two anthologies: The Mistakes That Made Us: Confessions from 20 Poets (Carolrhoda/Lerner, 2024) and If I Could Choose a Best Day: Poems of Possibility (Candlewick, 2025), and For The Win: Poems About Pivotal Moments in the Lives of Phenomenal Athletes (Carolrhoda/Lerner, 2026).
Cancellation Policy: Please be advised that we cannot accommodate cancellation or refund requests for The Poet’s Studio courses.
Guest: Matt Forrest Esenwine
Matt Forrest Esenwine is the author of more than a dozen children's books including the Kirkus-starred Flashlight Night (Astra Young Readers, 2017) and I Am Today(POW! Kids Books, 2022), recipient of the 2023 NH State Literary Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature. His poetry can be found in numerous anthologies like The National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry (National Geographic Kids Books, 2015); the Donald Hall tribute, Except for Love (Encircle, 2019); and two of his own forthcoming anthologies. Connect with Matt and order personally-signed books at MattForrest.com.
Guest: Charles Waters
Charles Waters is a children's poet, author and anthologist. With Irene Latham he's co-curated two anthologies: The Mistakes That Made Us: Confessions from 20 Poets (Carolrhoda/Lerner, 2024) and If I Could Choose a Best Day: Poems of Possibility (Candlewick, 2025), and For The Win: Poems About Pivotal Moments in the Lives of Phenomenal Athletes (Carolrhoda/Lerner, 2026).
Instructor: Georgia Heard
Georgia Heard received the 2023 Excellence in Poetry for Children Award which honors a living American poet for their aggregate work for children ages 3-13. She is the founder of The Poet’s Studio and has taught at Poet’s House, Teachers College, Columbia University, Gothenburg University, and in schools around the world. She is a graduate of the Columbia University Writers’ Workshop.
She is a founding member of the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project and the author of 19 books. Her most recent poetry book & journal is A Field Guide to the Heart: Poems of Love, Comfort & Hope (co-authored with Rebecca Kai Dotlich), and an anthology of poetry The Woman In This Poem: Women’s Voices in Poetry. She is also the author of several children’s poetry books including Welcome to the Wonder House (Random House), My Thoughts Are Clouds: Poems for Mindfulness (Macmillan), and Boom! Bellow! Bleat! Animal Poems for Two Or More Voices (Astra Books for Young Readers).
Instructor: Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Rebecca Kai Dotlich’s poetry has appeared in anthologies, periodicals, and magazines, and she has authored dozens of children’s books. Rebecca teaches poetry workshops to writers, teachers, and students across the country. To learn more about Rebecca, check out her website www.rebeccakaidotlich.com, and follow her on Instagram @rebeccakaipoet and Twitter @Rebeccakai