Writing picture books for young readers is hard work. A picture book writer has 32 pages - less when you factor in title page, copyright, and acknowledgements - to tell a complete story in under 1000 words. You want to write a story with a relatable main character that your 
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young readers can relate to, and that their parents will accept as a decent role model or anti-hero. In those 500 to 1000 words you need a full beginning, middle, and end with a satisfying conclusion and a surprise ending 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.
Picture books are short, fun, and compact. Very compact!
Well, perhaps you're an experienced poet or short story writer. That's great! That's a wonderful place to start. However, there are things you need to consider when writing for kids that you may not think about when writing poetry or short stories for adults. One such thin is the reading level of your target audience. The word choice for creating the proper 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 several picture books. She even has a writing contest named after her.
In "Writing Picture Books", Paul provides matter-of-fact writing tips in an easy to follow conversational way. You don't need to break out an encycopedia to read this book. It's like she's used to talking to folks with adult ADHD. Paul provides encouragement and know how on ways to read picture books like with eyes of a writer, and what to bring with you (mentally) to a writing conference.
"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.
I have incorporated many of her suggestions into my picture book breakdowns. If you are interested in seeing understanding what works and what doesn't in popular published works, feel free to subscribe to this blog, or just click out on the other pages.
"Writing Picture Books" by Ann Whitford Paul can be found through my Amazon link here. Thank you in advanced for giving her a chance.
Let's get's started writing together.
I'll see you on the next page!
Other Books by Ann Whitford Paul
If Animals Celebrated Christmas