Writing picture books for young readers is harder than most people think it is. You have 32 pages - less when you factor in title page, copyright, and acknowledgements - to tell a complete story in only 1000 words. You want to write a story with a relatable main character that your young readers can relate to, and that their parents will accept as a role model. In 1000 words or less you need a full beginning, middle, and end compelling enough to inspire illustrators, agents, and publishers - as well as educate and inspire your target audience. And it as to be something your readers will want to come back to again and again if you hope to sell anything after that.
There are plenty of books on the craft of writing, and tons of resources and workshops on how do all of the above, but my personal favorite for learning the basics of writing your first rough draft and fortifying your revisions is L
"Writing Picture Books" by Ann Whitford Paul. This book is an excellent source for first time picture book writers to learn the vocabulary of writing for young listeners too small to read. Ann Witford Paul offers loads of helpful suggestions for learning how to think like a picture book author.
In her book "Writing Picture Books" Paul introduces you to the vocabulary of picture book writing as well as best practices for rough drafts and revision.
Picture books are short fun and compact. So very very compact! There are things you need to consider when writing for kids that you may not think about when writing for adults - such as the reading level of your target audience, the energy of your book (Is this a high energy story full of dancing and adventure? Or is this a low energy bedtime story?)
Paul has written and successfully published all these different types of picture books, and she offers writing tips on ways to read picture books like a writer, and what to bring with you (mentally) to a writing conference.
I have incorporated may these suggestions into picture book breakdowns. Feel free to check them out. And if you're interested in Writing Picture, please use my Amazon link to get a copy of your own. It really helps me out!
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Other Books by Ann Whitford Paul
If Animals Celebrated Christmas