Everyone remembers a favorite picture book from their childhood. Examples of classic picture books are Goodnight Moon and Millions of Cats. Today's picture books emphasize the child's perspective and do not always have a lesson or moral attached. Some books are written just for having fun.
The standard definition for a picture books is: A picture book is 32 pages and generally for ages four to eight. Manuscripts are up to 1500 words with 1000 being the average length. Plots are simple with one main character who embodies the child's emotions, concerns and viewpoint. The illustrations play as great a role as the text in telling the story.
The picture book story must be able to stand on its own without the pictures. The text is almost always purchased separately from the art work.
There are three types of picture books:
1.Baby books — They are for infants and very young toddlers. They are lullabies, nursery rhymes or wordless picture books.
2.Toddler books —These are very simple stories for ages one to three, usually under 300 words. They are short, twelve pages average and are generally concept books that teach shapes, colors, numbers, etc. They can be board books, pop-up books or other novelty books.
3.Picture books — as previously described.
If you intend to write picture books you must know and understand the special needs of this audience. Read examples of outstanding picture books. Be aware of the language. Read the stories out loud and listen to the sounds. Are they pleasant sounding to the ear? Since picture books are meant to be read outloud by an adult to a child, vocabulary is not an issue but the words must sound appealing to the child. Each word must be carefully chosen. Study the values represented in children's picture books. They are often love, honesty, family, friendship and courage. Picture books are a good way to pass on values to children without preaching or being moralistic.
As you write your story ask yourself the following questions about your text:
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