Writers will learn the writing and revision process that will lead them to creating more salable picture book manuscripts. Respected picture book author Ann Whitford Paul covers researching the picture books market, creating characters, point of view, plotting, tips on writing rhyme, and more - all the lessons writers need to write great picture books that will appeal to both editors and agents, as well as young readers and parents.
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About the Author
Ann Whitford Paul became inspired to write picture books after years of bedtime reading to her four children. She writes picture books, poetry and early readers. Her books have won numerous awards and recognition including a place on The New York Times Notable Books List, Carl Sandburg Award for Children's Literature, Bank Street College Best Books list, Notable Science and Social Studies Books, National Parenting Centers Seal of Approval," and Recognition of Merit from the George C. Stone Center for Children's Books of the Claremont Graduate University, and they've been nominated for numerous state reading awards.
When not busy typing at her computer or teaching picture book writing at UCLA Extension, Ann can most often be found taking a long walk. Her hobbies include cooking, quilting, and knitting. She also loves to watch spiders spin their webs, snails paint their trails, and cats play with yarn.
She lives in Los Angeles and hopes you'll check out her Web site at www.annwhitfordpaul.net."
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More About the Author
Ann Whitford Paul 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.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 39 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you're trying to write picture books, you've got to have this book!
July 4, 2009
Format:Paperback
I took a class presented by Ann Whitford Paul at last year's LA SCBWI conference. I found her to be an excellent teacher and very knowledgeable. I was pleased to buy a number of her books and have her sign them.
I was delighted to see that she had written a book specifically for PB writers. It is very well laid out and clearly written. She includes examples of everything she is talking about and includes the names of recently or classic published picture books that are excellent examples to refer to. I highly recommend getting the books you're not familiar with out of the library and read them, referring back to this book for Ann's comments.
At the end of every chapter, Ann includes a preview of what the next chapter is about, and a "Before You Go On" list of suggested activities to do with your manuscript, so you can improve it before you read further.
I have many books on writing for children, but this is the best one by far. Thank you, Ann, for sharing your knowledge with us.
I was delighted to see that she had written a book specifically for PB writers. It is very well laid out and clearly written. She includes examples of everything she is talking about and includes the names of recently or classic published picture books that are excellent examples to refer to. I highly recommend getting the books you're not familiar with out of the library and read them, referring back to this book for Ann's comments.
At the end of every chapter, Ann includes a preview of what the next chapter is about, and a "Before You Go On" list of suggested activities to do with your manuscript, so you can improve it before you read further.
I have many books on writing for children, but this is the best one by far. Thank you, Ann, for sharing your knowledge with us.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
There are many books about how to write for children, but most of them try to cover board books to young adult novels, even how to illustrate. Thankfully, this book focuses on picture book writing and does an excellent job of it.
This much-needed book is well-organized and well-written by an author/teacher who knows her trade. It's truly a gem. It explains each step in a detailed, easy-to-understand manner and makes creating a manuscript that will sell in today's market seem possible. I know I'll use it over and over.
I've read almost every book available on writing and illustrating for children, taken writing courses, attended many conferences and make my living in the field. This is the best book I've read on writing picture books. I finally understand things about writing that I never quite understood before.
My only criticisms are that I found a few typos and I couldn't find a credit line for the illustrator. I'm sure these issues will be corrected in future editions.
This much-needed book is well-organized and well-written by an author/teacher who knows her trade. It's truly a gem. It explains each step in a detailed, easy-to-understand manner and makes creating a manuscript that will sell in today's market seem possible. I know I'll use it over and over.
I've read almost every book available on writing and illustrating for children, taken writing courses, attended many conferences and make my living in the field. This is the best book I've read on writing picture books. I finally understand things about writing that I never quite understood before.
My only criticisms are that I found a few typos and I couldn't find a credit line for the illustrator. I'm sure these issues will be corrected in future editions.
17 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By K. Zook
Format:Paperback
This book is one of the few books on writing that I have found to be highly effective in producing results! When I was only half way through reading it, I had already come up with two new ideas for children's books and three ways to revise/improve ongoing manuscripts I've been working on. The book is exceptionally well-written, personal yet professional, with many practical, useful ideas for how to improve your writing and become an objective critic of your own work. I absolutely love this book and rave about it to everyone! From great descriptions of well-written children's books that are helpful to writers to effective measures to take with our writing to make it stand-out to relating writing to the needs of children and parents, this book has plenty to offer for the aspiring and experienced author. I highly recommend it!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chock full of good info.
Esp. for people who haven't written creatively for awhile (since college or high school!). It gives you a refresher course in some of the building blocks of writing. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Nina Whim
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a resource!
I am the published author of a series of early chapter books and had recently tried my hand at writing a picture book. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Lynn D. Garthwaite
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally found the book I was looking for
I am interesting in learning how to write children's books. It sounded easy to do before I started, but the more I look into it the more I find I need to learn. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Jewelry_junkie
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Book I Have Found
I have never taken a writing class but I suspect that this book is all I need. The chapters are well-organized with excellent pointers and "homework assignments. Read more
Published 10 months ago by booklover2012
4.0 out of 5 stars
Writing Children's Picture books
This book is everything I needed years ago! Absolutely the perfect companion for such writing challenges as picture books! Written clearly and concise. Is there a sequel?
Published 13 months ago by Shaundra
5.0 out of 5 stars
Useful for Nonfiction Picture Book Writers
As an aspiring writer of children's nonfiction picture books, I often find books about writing to be too focused on fiction. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Kirsten Larson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Writing Book
This was an excellent book on instruting the beginning writer. It is written on a level that all interested persons can understand. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Doris Murdoch
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best guide ever for writing children's picture books
This a must-read comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to write picture books. What a great tool to have a source devoted solely to the creation of picture books. Read more
Published 20 months ago by K. Winnick
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Thorough and Inspiring Guide
There are many books about writing for children, but this is the only one that specifically addresses the form, structure and special demands of the picture book so thoroughly. Read more
Published 20 months ago by E.D. Writer
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Excellent Resource for Picture Book Writers
I'm a children's book editor, and I review books about writing and publishing regularly on my site, The Purple Crayon. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Harold Underdown
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