With the click of a mouse, writers can find lots of good resources online. However, when I teach at writers’ conferences, I always recommend and bring along my two favorite resources: Writing Picture Books and The Children’s Writer’s Word Book.

Writing Picture Books Revised and Expanded Edition: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication by Ann Whitford Paul is a must have for anyone writing for children. This book was updated in 2018 and is the go-to resource for writers crafting stories for children ages two to eight. You’ll learn the unique set of skills it takes to bring your story to life by using tightly focused text and leaving room for the illustrator to be creative. The author helps you develop the skills you need by walking you through techniques and exercises specifically for picture book writers.

Here’s what you’ll find:
   • Instruction on generating ideas, creating characters, point-of-view, beginnings and endings, plotting, word count, rhyme, and more
   • Unique methods for using poetic techniques to enrich your writing
   • Hands-on revision exercises (get out your scissors, tape, and highlighters) to help identify problems and improve your picture book manuscripts
   • Updated tips for researching the changing picture book market, approaching publishers, working with an agent, and developing a platform
   • All new quizzes and examples from picture books throughout
   • New chapters cover issues such as page turns, agents, and self-publishing
Whether you’re just starting out as a picture book writer or have tried to get your work published, Writing Picture Books Revised and Expanded Edition is exacty what you need to create picture books that will appeal to young children and parents, as well as agents and editors.

The other resource I can’t write without is The Children’s Writer’s Word Book published by Writer’s Digest Books. In this revised and expanded 2nd edition, this book helps you determine if you’re using the right vocabulary and language for your audience. With its convenient organization, you can quickly find appropriate words for children of various ages and discover substitute words that might work even better.

Writing for children is fun, but fun does not mean easy. These two resources take some of the guesswork out of your writing and steer you on the correct path toward publication.

Here’s to Many Happy Writing Days!
Crystal Bowman

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