FROM IDEA TO PUBLISHED IN JUST TWO WEEKS

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

What is Book Lab?

Young Publishers Book Lab is a boutique creative camp where students become writers, illustrators, designers, editors, and creative entrepreneurs.

Together, they'll experience the complete journey from idea to publication while creating a professionally printed anthology that showcases their work.

Who is this for?

Book Lab is perfect for kids ages 7-13 who love:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Drawing
  • Storytelling
  • Design
  • Creativity
  • Big ideas

How it works

  • WEEK 1 - Create

    • Brainstorming
    • Story development
    • Collaboration & Teamwork
    • Character & World creation
    • Illustration small groups
    • Creative writing small groups

  • WEEK 2 - Publish

    • Editing
    • Graphic Design
    • Layout & Formatting
    • Marketing for Launch
    • Content Creation
    • Launch Party Planning

  • LAUNCH PARTY

    • Receive copies of the finished book
    • Share in their creative journey
    • Participate in an author signing
    • Celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends
    • Take photos as officially published authors and illustrators

Book Lab Summer Sessions 2026

CAMP DETAILS

Location

Yellow Bird Art Studio, Seminole Heights

5118 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33603

Dates

Session 1: July 13–17 & July 20–24

Session 2: July 27–31 & August 3–7

Schedule

Monday-Friday
1:00 PM-4:00 PM

Healthy snack and water included daily

Pricing

$250 per week. Two weeks minimum required.

15% sibling discount available.

15% Discount Available on 2nd Session - sign up for both sessions and get the second at 15% off!

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PUBLISHER & FOUNDER

Mallory Silva is a Publisher & the Creative Director with Saxon Andrew Publishing, and the founder of Tampa Bay's Young Publishers Book Lab.

Mallory created Book Lab to give young creators the opportunity to experience the complete journey from idea to publication, transforming stories, artwork, and imagination into something real they can proudly hold in their hands.

A former teacher, coach, team mom, and lifelong advocate for Montessori education, Mallory believes children learn best through hands-on experiences, creative exploration, and meaningful collaboration.

Through Book Lab, she combines her passion for publishing, entrepreneurship, and education to help students build confidence, develop real-world skills, and discover the power of bringing big ideas to life.

CHIEF ILLUSTRATOR

Brenda Benson is the founder and owner of Lapa Loma Illustrations, a creative studio launched in 2023 that transforms meaningful stories into captivating picture books for young readers. 

Brenda followed her passion for art to New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Parsons The New School for Design. Over the past decade, she has worked as an illustrator and designer for companies including TOME nyc, Susanna Monaco, MFBG, and Bealls. 

After launching Lapa Loma Illustrations, Brenda illustrated and published two children's books: Polly's Comfy Cocoon and Nathan the Mad Scientist. She is currently partnering with Saxon Andrew Publishing on several creative projects, including Tampa Bay's Young Publishers Book Labs! 

Through Lapa Loma, Brenda loves bringing stories to life with whimsical, enchanting artwork that sparks imagination and wonder. She is passionate about inspiring young authors and illustrators to discover their unique creative voice and tell stories that matter.

Florence Hendrix Cusmyers

Florence is nine years old and her favorite creature that she has made is Perry the Platypus. She loves drawing, writing, going on roller coasters, and playing with her dog! Florence has loved getting to work with everyone on this Book Lab, from her teachers to her fellow publishers. She is so excited to be a young publisher and cannot wait to see all her and her friends hard work come to life in Kind of Like Home.

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Scarlett Grace Cusmyers

Scarlett is six and a half years old, and she loves her family so much! She loves going to amusement parks, sewing, and hanging out with her cousins. Scarlett's favorite part of Book Lab has been the friends she has made along the way. She is so proud of her fellow young publishers and cannot wait for everyone to see what they have been working so hard on these past couple weeks.

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Nathan Joseph Silva

Nathan is seven years old. His favorite creatures that he has made are the Fugglers. Nathan likes writing, drawing, playing with his kitten, and playing hockey. His favorite part about Book Lab has been working with his amazing teachers to expand his publishing knowledge. Nathan had so much fun creating his creatures and crocheting bracelets for all his friends. He is so excited for everyone to read Kind of Like Home!

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Joyce Marie Weaver

Joyce is nine years old and she likes to write and draw. She also likes to play with her neighbors. Her favorite thing to do is play flag football. Joyce's favorite creature she has made named Brownie. Her favorite part of Book Lab has been drawing all her creatures. Joyce cannot wait for everyone to read Kind of Like Home!

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Aria Luna Escarpanter

Aria is eleven years old and her favorite creature she made is the Kelkoiz. It is a dragon-like creature that has a bubble tail and is very colorful. Aria loves to play in the rain and hang out with her best friends for hours and hours. Her favorite part of Book Lab has been meeting a ton of creative people and doing different creative activities 'with them. Aria can't wait for school to start and is excited for everyone to read Kind of Like Home.

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Kids don't just learn about publishing at Book Lab. They become publishers.

Spots are limited and enrollment is now open.

ENROLL NOW

Questions?