TESTIMONIALS

“A highlight of my whole career for sure. If you get the opportunity to go - GO!” - Read Rebecca Green’s blog post about her Milkwood retreat.

“Thank you so much for hosting such a wonderful retreat for librarians and educators. Conversing with peers, making new friends, walking through the countryside, and relishing your delicious meals — the retreat of my dreams. I will cherish it always.” — Maria Paz Alegre

“This weekend was truly transcendent.” — Jessixa Bagley

“Milkwood was a highlight for me, and even a life-changer. I’ll always cherish that experience!” — Sarah Baker

“It was the most magical weekend, one I think we all needed very much, and one whose magic will be part of me forever.” — Cece Bell

“I've never accomplished as much writing in such a short time as I did at Milkwood, and a large part of that was the loving care you all surrounded me with. I will be forever grateful.” — Kim Brubaker Bradley

“Wish there was language rich enough to transmit my utter gratitude for the fullness your generosity and expression in Milkwood has inspired. This magic still reverberates! Thank you!” — Cozbi Cabrera

“Milkwood is the place of dreams. I felt like a child in many ways, as my needs were addressed and that allowed space for connection, rest, and reflection. Truly a gift of an experience.” — Nidhi Chanani

“Thank you for allowing me to partake in your Milkwood magic. Being an educator these past few years has been incredibly trying. Spending time at Milkwood surrounded by your love and beauty was a salve for my heart, to say the least.” — Julie Colando

“Thank you for the incredible Milkwood experience. These last few days were unbelievably good for my soul. I feel so nourished by your creativity, kindness, and insights. The place you have created with your vision and generous hospitality is a marvel.” — Kate Meldau Cummings

“You have created a truly special place. A temple of sorts for creatives. A beautiful barn that is a work of art in and of itself, and then loaded with so many sweet and inspiring details. I knew it would be an amazing experience but I had no idea I would leave feeling so inspired and in awe of my luck in getting to experience Milkwood.” — Jenny DuPont

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the incredible days of art, friendship, peace, and utter joy that Milkwood gifted us. What you have created is such a labour of love and it shows at every turn. I will forever treasure the memories of misty mountains, the smell of woodsmoke and earth, the meals gathered round the kitchen and table, the art and stories shared in such a loving and supportive environment, the rainbow, the quacking of curious ducks. So many little treasures to tuck away for a rainy day.” — Katie Flindall

“I am still processing the wonderfulness of my time at Milkwood. Thank you for creating this place and this experience. It is an act of generosity and labor that defies understanding. What a gift it was in every way.” — Marla Frazee

“It's taken me all this time to start coming down from the high of being up at Milkwood and actually share my gratitude. It was such an impactful experience for me. Your hospitality and genuinely human nature, the camaraderie, talking about children, schools, books and so much more, eating phenomenal food, and a gorgeous environment for all of it!” — Jay Fung

“Thank you again for creating such a magical place. Milkwood was the highlight of my year. It was so peaceful and inspiring. I am so glad to have met new friends and spent time with old friends. It was such a special week. We were so lucky to have had that time together!” — Brook Gideon

“You've done such a beautiful thing for our kid lit community! That love will continue growing in unpredictable and amazing ways.” — Xelena Gonzalez

“Exquisite on so many levels - natural, aesthetic, culinary, creative, emotional, social. It was a rare, transformative moment where a designed experience made me realize how much more is possible than I thought.” — Josh Greenhut

“I find it hard to adequately express how I feel about my Milkwood experience. I fear it's easy to come off as overly effusive, or not nearly effusive enough! All that is to say, Milkwood was one of the best things I've ever done, I think that it may change all of our lives. It surely has changed mine.” — Caitlin Kuhwald 

“Everyone who comes to Milkwood says it’s magical and it’s hard to imagine what that actually is, until you stay here too. Your kindness, generosity, and welcoming presence were the first things I encountered when I arrived and the list of magical things just kept piling on all week. I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity.” — Renée Kurilla

“As someone who is entering the world of picture book illustration, it is so meaningful to see firsthand how much support, passion, talent, and kindness exists within this community. I will never forget our time together and will forever feel grateful for Milkwood and all of the amazing people who have passed through its doors!” — Grace LaPrade

“Our retreat was a highlight of my year. The work and connections I made there have already changed my life for the better!" — Elizabeth Lilly

“I was able to focus on my budding picture books for the first time ever. My Milkwood fellows offered camaraderie, advice, and guidance for the industry I find foreign and intimidating. It's no exaggeration to say Milkwood's changed my life.” — Stephanie Damplo Luke

“Our time together was the highlight of my year. I’m so grateful to have been able to draw, eat, walk, dance, paint, drink, sing, and laugh with all of you beautiful people!” — Corinna Luyken

“Thank you so much for creating such a magical experience for all of us.” — Vikram Madan

“Milkwood is a treasure. You offered us so, so much, I’m having trouble putting it into words.” — Juana Medina

“My time at Milkwood felt so magical. It was a delight and honor to spend a weekend with so many skilled and thoughtful artists and writers. I’ve returned to real life feeling inspired and energized.” — Andy Chou Musser

“It was a truly joyful, creative, and empowering time! Milkwood is like nowhere else!” — Rachel G. Payne

“What a great gift to have zero items on my list, to think at any moment, What do I want to do right now? To draw something for just the pleasure of it. And all the while to be taken care of so magnificently.” — Lynne Rae Perkins

“You’ve created something that I can’t quite begin to describe. Any superlative doesn’t do Milkwood justice.” — LeUyen Pham

“What a gift you’ve given the community, and I predict we will see reflections of its influence on many a future picture book!” — Katherine Roy

“With endless gratitude for the conjured magic that is Milkwood.” — Brian Selznick

“What an incredible universe you have built! I feel like all of my being was nourished in a way I have never experienced before. It was one of the greatest honors of my life to be there! You brought together an amazing group and I feel like I have made new friends for life. I come back to my studio today refreshed and ready to jump back in, a feeling I haven't felt in a while.” — Esmé Shapiro

“A wonderful weekend full of heart, humor, and horrendously delicious food. You have made such a beautiful space, and I am so thankful that I was able to share time with you.” — Jessie Sima

“Thank you both again for providing such a perfect place for both working and connecting. I had no idea what to expect, but the experience was just as magical as my many friends who have come to Milkwood promised me it would be. I still think about my time there with astonishing frequency.” — Dashka Slater

“What a gift our time at Milkwood was - to inhabit that space, the warmth, the loving thoughtfulness of every square inch, the library, the ducks, the friends, the amazing food. It was a singular moment in time and I’m forever grateful.” — Katie Yamasaki

“Thank you for the thought and care that went into our stay at Milkwood. It was a rare experience. My mind is humming and it feels as though I have a little more ballast for my creative life, as I return home.” — Darcy Zoells