jailala's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul is an excellent reference book for anyone looking into the world of picture book writing.
Coming from a background of both writing and Early Childhood Education (ECE) I was thrilled to read Paul's take on the difficult world of picture books. So many do not understand that writing picture books is an incredibly important, highly difficult task. Anyone who has ever had to read to children knows just how much. This book is informative and serious while being down-to-Earth and easy to read. It opens up many avenues for you to focus on and think deeply about while never discouraging you.
I have written many adult and young adult stories but I've always peeked curiously over the fence at picture books without knowing how to sneak into that secret garden. As a parent and a member of the ECE crowd, I've wondered if I shouldn't give it a go but have always been daunted by just where to start. Do I just wait for inspiration to strike like lightning?
Thanks to Paul's book I have my key to the gate and a willing, helpful guide to lead me down the path all while letting me explore the garden around me.
Just like a good picture book.
Coming from a background of both writing and Early Childhood Education (ECE) I was thrilled to read Paul's take on the difficult world of picture books. So many do not understand that writing picture books is an incredibly important, highly difficult task. Anyone who has ever had to read to children knows just how much. This book is informative and serious while being down-to-Earth and easy to read. It opens up many avenues for you to focus on and think deeply about while never discouraging you.
I have written many adult and young adult stories but I've always peeked curiously over the fence at picture books without knowing how to sneak into that secret garden. As a parent and a member of the ECE crowd, I've wondered if I shouldn't give it a go but have always been daunted by just where to start. Do I just wait for inspiration to strike like lightning?
Thanks to Paul's book I have my key to the gate and a willing, helpful guide to lead me down the path all while letting me explore the garden around me.
Just like a good picture book.
pandacat42's review against another edition
4.0
Plenty of solid advice. There were parts I was able to skip over because I really didn’t need a refresher on similes, metaphors, and personification (among others concepts). I also felt like there were parts where some of the authors advice was a bit indulgent when it came to using examples of her own work. Altogether worth the read.
heidimrogers's review against another edition
5.0
This is hands-down THE best resource and most helpful thing I've read/listened to/heard as far as writing picture books is concerned. It will be a great reference tool as well.
octospark's review against another edition
4.0
I loved it so much, it's such an informative and entertaining hands-on approach to getting Picture Books down to a science, but it felt a little like it would never end.
deborahrosegreen's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
4.0
I was expecting it to discuss picture books for adults as well, but it's just children's. What I've learned from reading this will be very helpful for my Children's Fiction module next year!
kylemarie's review
4.0
Really helpful resource. Wonderful exercises to improve your manuscript. I enjoyed the details around the publishing industry, but I have to drop the rating for lack of detail for self publishing. She specifies where to look for agents and publishers, but not how to find an illustrator or book dealer. I still highly recommend this book to anyone interested in writing for children.