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Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication
Create engaging stories for the youngest readers!
Writing picture books takes a unique set of skills. After all, you only have thirty-two pages to bring your story to life for readers ages two to eight, and the adults in their lives. Your text must be tightly focused yet leave room for illustrations to tell part of the story. And, of course, picture books should be a joy to read aloud.
Award-winning author Ann Whitford Paul helps you develop the skills you need by walking you through techniques and exercises specifically for picture book writers. You'll Whether you're just starting out as a picture book writer or have tried unsuccessfully to get your work published, Writing Picture Books is just what you need to craft picture books that will appeal to young readers and parents, agents, and editors.
Writing picture books takes a unique set of skills. After all, you only have thirty-two pages to bring your story to life for readers ages two to eight, and the adults in their lives. Your text must be tightly focused yet leave room for illustrations to tell part of the story. And, of course, picture books should be a joy to read aloud.
Award-winning author Ann Whitford Paul helps you develop the skills you need by walking you through techniques and exercises specifically for picture book writers. You'll Whether you're just starting out as a picture book writer or have tried unsuccessfully to get your work published, Writing Picture Books is just what you need to craft picture books that will appeal to young readers and parents, agents, and editors.
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2009
About the author
Ann Whitford Paul
42 books48 followersANN WHITFORD PAUL, author of 'TWAS THE LATE NIGHT OF CHRISTMAS has always been crazy for Christmas, but overwhelmed by it, too. Afterwards she is worn-out and dreams that someone like Mrs. Saint Nick could help her out with the resulting chaos and mess.
Ann graduated from the University of Wisconsin and Columbia University School of Social Work. She became inspired to write picture books after years of bedtime reading to her four children. She's published 19 different award-winning books. Now she gets story ideas from her three grandchildren. For ten years she taught picture book writing through UCLA Extension. She still enjoys teaching how to write picture books. When she isn't writing or teaching, she loves listening to her cat purr, watching spiders spin their webs and following snails' trails.
You can learn more about her, download writing tips and classroom activities, and contact her through her web-site: www.annwhitfordpaul.net
Ann graduated from the University of Wisconsin and Columbia University School of Social Work. She became inspired to write picture books after years of bedtime reading to her four children. She's published 19 different award-winning books. Now she gets story ideas from her three grandchildren. For ten years she taught picture book writing through UCLA Extension. She still enjoys teaching how to write picture books. When she isn't writing or teaching, she loves listening to her cat purr, watching spiders spin their webs and following snails' trails.
You can learn more about her, download writing tips and classroom activities, and contact her through her web-site: www.annwhitfordpaul.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
March 8, 2019
I’ll be using this for my
2019 Read Harder Challenge
Task #9. A book published prior to 1 January 2019, with fewer than 100 reviews on Goodreads
If you’re an aspiring children’s books writer and/or illustrator and want to know more about the craft and about sharing your work; if you’re a sceptic, highbrow reader who thinks picture books are an easy-peasy affair, not worthy of your attention; OR if you’re like me, owning quite a few picture books and having used them for years and years teaching tiny humans English as a second language without ever thinking more critically about this type of creative endeavour, then yeah, this book is for you… and me!
You don’t have to be writing or thinking about writing a picture book to be getting more out of Ann Whitford Paul’s richly informative text, because there’s a lot more to it than “HOWTOs” from the first draft and final submission to an editor. For starters, an impressive list of examples of works depending on the type of book you’re interested in: character-driven stories; funny, serious, or sad stories; rhymey, punny poems; or question and answer type of books. You will learn what makes a picture book great or not-so-great, that there are books children will love and adults will dread reading aloud for the nth time, likewise books grownups will find highly instructive, but a 3-5-yo will want to hear none of it.
For every step of the way there are running examples, bits of stories – some of them quite amusing – purposefully written by Ann Whitford Paul to highlight each creative approach and challenges faced when writing picture books.
I particularly loved the way the author stresses the importance of reading poetry:
The idea of becoming a picture-book scholar is a fine excuse to acquire picture books only for yourself!
*Thanks to NetGalley & F+W Media for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication RELEASED NOV 13, 2018.*
2019 Read Harder Challenge
Task #9. A book published prior to 1 January 2019, with fewer than 100 reviews on Goodreads
“The best characters stay with readers and listeners long after childhood—”
If you’re an aspiring children’s books writer and/or illustrator and want to know more about the craft and about sharing your work; if you’re a sceptic, highbrow reader who thinks picture books are an easy-peasy affair, not worthy of your attention; OR if you’re like me, owning quite a few picture books and having used them for years and years teaching tiny humans English as a second language without ever thinking more critically about this type of creative endeavour, then yeah, this book is for you… and me!
You don’t have to be writing or thinking about writing a picture book to be getting more out of Ann Whitford Paul’s richly informative text, because there’s a lot more to it than “HOWTOs” from the first draft and final submission to an editor. For starters, an impressive list of examples of works depending on the type of book you’re interested in: character-driven stories; funny, serious, or sad stories; rhymey, punny poems; or question and answer type of books. You will learn what makes a picture book great or not-so-great, that there are books children will love and adults will dread reading aloud for the nth time, likewise books grownups will find highly instructive, but a 3-5-yo will want to hear none of it.
“It stands to reason then that children are wise enough to figure out what a story is about without an explicitly stated moral. We’re in the business of writing engaging stories, not teaching lessons. Leave that to educators.”
For every step of the way there are running examples, bits of stories – some of them quite amusing – purposefully written by Ann Whitford Paul to highlight each creative approach and challenges faced when writing picture books.
I particularly loved the way the author stresses the importance of reading poetry:
“The more poets you read, no matter what genre or age they write for, the more poetic your writing will become. Almost all of the picture books listed in the bibliography are there because not only do they tell a good story but the author writes lyrically.”
The idea of becoming a picture-book scholar is a fine excuse to acquire picture books only for yourself!
*Thanks to NetGalley & F+W Media for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication RELEASED NOV 13, 2018.*
November 4, 2019
I used this book to take a deep dive into studying how to write picture books & it was a great companion. The writing is honest, positive, clear & warm --felt like being in a class with a very experienced professor and fellow learners. There were a number of concepts, like page-turns, poetic language, and a clever rubric for making sure important structural elements appear where they should at the beginning of a story, that I probably should have learned when I in college for children's writing (I took a picture book-writing course, even!) but somehow failed to. In particular, I appreciate the assignments at the end of each chapter and how you're invited to look at your own manuscript using the author's techniques. The main critique I have perhaps reflects more on the state of publishing and the struggles of our society: this book is so culturally white. From an unthinking use of "exotic animals & exotic locales" in her examples (think: Babar, Curious George, and others from the colonial canon) to marking books about non-white characters as "moving" or "powerful" in an distancing/othering way, to supporting the false idea that, if your characters are animals they don't represent specific races. Umm, no, they totally do. It was super clear to me as a kid that animals, when personified, represented white people --usually because they were doing culturally white activities and moving in the world in culturally (usually upper or upper-middle class) white ways. So, readers-of-color who feel sensitive to this type of thing: beware. Otherwise, a solid read.
August 5, 2013
A handy guide to writing picture books. I learned a few things I didn't know that are specific to the genre and style of writing, and these new tips will most certainly help with future publication endeavors. However, I was a little off-put by Whitford Paul's tone on occasion - there were some moments when I felt like I was being talked down to.
August 4, 2011
If you don't have access to a picture book writing class, or even if you do, this is the book for you. Step by step, Ann Whitford Paul leads one on the journey of writing a picture book, from how to generate ideas to how to target publishers and promote your book. Each chapter ends with an exercise for the budding writer to try on their manuscript. A couple chapters into the book I thought I should takes notes. By the end I figured out that this is a book to own. It's full of resources, tips and ideas that I'll return to again and again while writing.
January 31, 2020
This book is packed with great tips on how to create mostly children's books but one can apply the tips to story writing in general.
February 16, 2024
It's always tough for me to rate "craft" books but I think beginners, or any seasoned writer who wants to brush up on picture book basics, would really get a lot of out of this. I highly recommend picking this up if you want to write picture books and don't know where to start!
December 24, 2022
This kept popping up as THE picture book book you should have. I was apprehensive as the books Ann Whitford Paul writes are nothing like what I write, but those concerns were quickly put to rest. Her advice is easily adaptable to whatever kind of picture book writer you want to be. She cites actual picture books as examples and encourages you to reference and study the ones you are drawn to as well as dislike. There are helpful exercises at the end of each chapter, and I love my writing exercises. Overall, well worth its high praise.
November 27, 2022
Essential!
August 27, 2019
Helpful and encouraging throughout, with all kinds of leads and suggestions on other places to look for wisdom about the world of picture books. This has been a fantastic jumping-off point for my efforts to polish a handful of manuscripts and start sending them out into the world.
April 4, 2021
So incredibly helpful!
August 22, 2022
Finally Finished--excellent reference book!
December 23, 2018
QOTD: What is your favorite picture book from your childhood?
I have been planning to write a picture book for a very long time and have it illustrated by my son. This book was a fantastic source of information and insight. It gave me the right tools to help me write a better story and directed me to so many children writer resources. I still have a way to go before I see my book on a bookshelf, but at least I have a much better idea how to get it there. If you are also interested in writing for children, please get a copy of this book. You will not regret it.
Thank you to F. W. Media for sending me a copy of this wonderful book.
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August 17, 2020
This book is sensational!
The author approaches the daunting task of publishing a children's book and makes it approachable.
Her exercises are realistic and helpful.
This guide is now a welcome, constant reference!
The author approaches the daunting task of publishing a children's book and makes it approachable.
Her exercises are realistic and helpful.
This guide is now a welcome, constant reference!
May 22, 2020
Simply put, if you want to write picture books for children, you need this book.
I've been re-reading some favorite books on writing while staying close to home. This one got me thinking about ways to improve some older manuscripts I have waiting in the files. Hooray!!
I've been re-reading some favorite books on writing while staying close to home. This one got me thinking about ways to improve some older manuscripts I have waiting in the files. Hooray!!
January 11, 2024
I read most of this book. It was laid out in a digestible way and I’m going to be referencing it a LOT while writing. (I read the latest, revised addition) such a good resource!
December 28, 2022
An excellent guide that includes many examples, writing exercises and quizzes. If you do not want to want picture books, it will also help you if you review books, or if you have an interest in publishing.
June 27, 2022
This book has been super helpful in getting me started. Ann Whitford Paul breaks down just how complicated the simple act of writing a picture book can be with this easy to read guide. She has a friendly reassuring voice and plenty of examples. The activities she suggests to improve your skills may seem like a waist of time but they are honestly very helpful in understanding what your story may be lacking, and how it can be improved. Many of the exercises she suggests - such as creating dummy books - are routine habits of successful published picture book authors.
If you're new to the craft of writing picture books, and you'd like a novice buddy to learn with, please visit my blog: pbjellytalez.blogspot.com. I'm breaking down a few of my favorite books, as suggested by Ann Whitford Paul in "Writing Picture Books". I decided to post my picture book breakdowns in order to help others, and perhaps myself by starting a discussion. I'm breaking books published in the past ten years by authors, who are not also illustrators. I'm having a blast learning what works and what doesn't in these stories, as well as why. Please come join me in the discussion. No book bashing allowed. Just good clean writing fun.
Writing Picture Books is one that you will always been "currently reading" as a it's useful to have on hand throughout the writing process.
If you're new to the craft of writing picture books, and you'd like a novice buddy to learn with, please visit my blog: pbjellytalez.blogspot.com. I'm breaking down a few of my favorite books, as suggested by Ann Whitford Paul in "Writing Picture Books". I decided to post my picture book breakdowns in order to help others, and perhaps myself by starting a discussion. I'm breaking books published in the past ten years by authors, who are not also illustrators. I'm having a blast learning what works and what doesn't in these stories, as well as why. Please come join me in the discussion. No book bashing allowed. Just good clean writing fun.
Writing Picture Books is one that you will always been "currently reading" as a it's useful to have on hand throughout the writing process.
December 11, 2018
WRITING PICTURE BOOKS is a title I expect to be referring to over the next many months. It is set out with some solid factual advice about picture book structure in the beginning, and about picture book publishing at the end. In the middle each chapter gives you a different aspect of the book to consider and work on – from structure and prose style to naming characters and an accommodating the split audience of child and parent.
The book is designed for a person with a draft manuscript or at least a well-developed idea and leans towards preparing for trade publication although self-publishing is also discussed. Depending on the readers background some topics might be reasonable familiar and others completely new, but all are contextualized with practical advice for creating a successful picture book manuscript.
I found this book extremely helpful for helping me begin to critically review and imprive my story and anticipate referring to it often.
Review copy courtesy of NetGalley.
The book is designed for a person with a draft manuscript or at least a well-developed idea and leans towards preparing for trade publication although self-publishing is also discussed. Depending on the readers background some topics might be reasonable familiar and others completely new, but all are contextualized with practical advice for creating a successful picture book manuscript.
I found this book extremely helpful for helping me begin to critically review and imprive my story and anticipate referring to it often.
Review copy courtesy of NetGalley.
May 3, 2022
There is so much to unpack, practice, and apply. You will be a participant in developing these writing skills. My recommendation would be to start with this guide and then follow her links and check out the resources that are included.
Ann involves you as a participant, a companion writer, working toward the goal of getting published and tips to stand out to publishers and editors. It includes manageable chapters and examples with explanations. The end of chapter assignments are great application opportunities and as you go through you are to be applying these ideas to your piece of writing as well. You are essentially following a hands-on guide through a series of activities to actively apply to your work in progress. You will also be analyzing other published books and then practicing those skills in the activities and applying to your writing.
Ann involves you as a participant, a companion writer, working toward the goal of getting published and tips to stand out to publishers and editors. It includes manageable chapters and examples with explanations. The end of chapter assignments are great application opportunities and as you go through you are to be applying these ideas to your piece of writing as well. You are essentially following a hands-on guide through a series of activities to actively apply to your work in progress. You will also be analyzing other published books and then practicing those skills in the activities and applying to your writing.
April 21, 2016
A detailed guide to the many aspects of writing picture books. From analyzing existing texts to trying exercises for identifying and practising various techniques the author offers different filters through which to evaluate what makes a picture book work and what doesn't and how to apply it to a writer's own work. It covers everything from children as readers, story structure, creating characters, scenes, pacing, language choice, creating a dummy to sharing and submitting your story. Positive and encouraging in tone, it is also realistic about the ups and downs of writing picture books and seeing them through to publication. A useful tool for any aspiring picture book writer.
June 26, 2020
This comprehensive instruction guide specifically for writing picture books is outstanding! Packed with valuable information, it covers every aspect of writing for young children—from story structure to making a mock-up book to submitting a manuscript for publication and everything in between. Personally, I found it perfect for improving an existing manuscript and was amazed at how the finished story shone in comparison. I will certainly be using this book with every future picture book story and thoroughly recommend it to all picture book writers!
March 30, 2013
I don't review many books about writing: there are many good ones available for many different purposes, from the general to the very specific. But Writing Picture Books is such a comprehensive and useful book for anyone working in this genre, from beginners to published authors, that I have found myself recommending it often in emails and at conferences.
Here is a more detailed review: http://www.underdown.org/writing-pict...
Here is a more detailed review: http://www.underdown.org/writing-pict...
December 30, 2018
Writing picture books revised and expanded edition, by Ann Whitford Paul is a brilliant resource for anyone interested, or in the process of writing a picture book.
This book covers everything you could ask for from the first seeds of thought to publication and beyond.
Excellent book and very well written.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book covers everything you could ask for from the first seeds of thought to publication and beyond.
Excellent book and very well written.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 20, 2022
Writing Picture Books by children’s author, Ann Whitford Paul, is a handbook for those interested in writing picture books or just simply learning more about the writing of picture books, you may want to give this book a go. Paul is the author of several poems and children’s books, including, If Animals Kissed Goodnight and If Animals Said I Love You. To learn more about her, visit her website, https://annwhitfordpaul.com/.
March 7, 2021
Better than most of these guides. Some really practical advice, and none of the questionable (downright incorrect) guidance from the likes of this one.
Unlike some other guides, I don't think the author missed any aspect of the industry. An excellent, thorough, and well-updated book.
Unlike some other guides, I don't think the author missed any aspect of the industry. An excellent, thorough, and well-updated book.
January 3, 2022
Paul follows through on her title's promise. It truly is "A Hands-On Guide [to writing picture books] from Story Creation to Publication."
This is a treasure trove of practical helps, a necessary resource especially for writers new to the picture book genre.
I borrowed the paperback from the library and will be purchasing a copy for my personal library to refer to often.
This is a treasure trove of practical helps, a necessary resource especially for writers new to the picture book genre.
I borrowed the paperback from the library and will be purchasing a copy for my personal library to refer to often.
May 9, 2014
This book has been a great resource to me time and again. Great basic information about every aspect of picture books, from ideas and topics to rhyming and making a dummy. I love this book and will continue to use it.
November 27, 2018
Writing Practice Books Revised and Expanded Edition by Ann Whitford Paul is a great, useful book! Great tips and advice.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of Writing Practice Books in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of Writing Practice Books in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2019
Excellent
I love this book! I was especially looking forward to the poetry chapter because my favorite picture books have that flow, and some wind me into singing through the story. All of the information, & ideas are gems.
I love this book! I was especially looking forward to the poetry chapter because my favorite picture books have that flow, and some wind me into singing through the story. All of the information, & ideas are gems.
January 6, 2022
Let's just say this book is ALWAYS in my travel bag. Best Picture Book Craft book I've read thus far! I go back to it over and over again, whether beginning a new story, revising, or when I'm stuck.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews