Some things are easier to do than they look. A well written children’s book appears simple, but simple takes work. Writing books for children is very different than other genres, because the ultimate audience is kids, but it also must appeal to publishers, editors, consumers and librarians who are all adults. During this course taught over four weeks participants will discover the wide variety of styles and formats of current books, develop writing skills, get an inside look at publishing and have a chance to play with their writing. This is an entertaining and informative class for anyone with a love of children's literature and an interest in writing or illustrating books.

Michael Elsohn Ross is the award-winning author of over 40 books for young people including his young adult biography, Salvador Dali and the Surrealists. Snug as a Bug is a Bank Street College, Best Book of the Year, while Cricketology, a Scientific American Young Reader's award winner is one of his eight books in the popular “Backyard Buddies” series.

His work as a naturalist and environmental educator in Yosemite National Park has inspired him to write books that invite kids to wonder and explore. He has taught writing workshops at several California State University campuses, the University of Hawaii, and Merced College. Class will meet on May 3, 10, 17 and 24, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuition is $47 and scholarships are available. For registration information, contact the Mariposa County Arts Council at 966- 3155 or email: info@arts-mariposa. org.

This program is funded in part by the California Arts Council with arts license plate revenues, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.