How to Write a Children's Picture Book: Learning from The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Corduroy, Where the Wild Things Are, The Carrot Seed, Good Night, Gorilla, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, and Other Favorite Stories (Paperback)

~ Eve Heidi Bine-Stock (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...engaging... ground-breaking." -- Dr. Ramzi Salti, Lecturer, Stanford University, Division of Literatures, Cultures and Languages

Authors will look at their own writing with new perspective. -- Judith Ross Enderle and Stephanie Jacob Gordon,
Writers Ink

Product Description

This volume emphasizes an aspect of children's picture books that has not yet been thoroughly investigated: structure. Both concept books and picture storybooks employ very distinctive structures that, once mastered, can be applied to any picture book you wish to write. When so many of the best picture books employ the same structures, it is important to analyze these structures, understand why they work, and learn how to incorporate them into your own writing. This volume helps you do all that. You will see that no matter how carefully you labor over the tone, word choice, plot, character, setting, theme and style of your picture book, you must have a thorough grasp of its structure if you wish your book to succeed. Indeed, you will find that an expert command of structure is the key to writing a successful children's picture book.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: E & E Publishing (January 26, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971989885
• ISBN-13: 978-0971989887
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #161,194 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Constant Companion, January 1, 2007

By	Carol Coven Grannick - See all my reviews

Eve Heidi Bine-Stock's HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK (VOLUMES I, II and III)is a constant companion and rich resource in the planning and revision of picture books. The deconstruction of picture books, and the detailed classification of crucial characteristics - using classic picture books to illustrate each detailed point - make these books invaluable. Although I particularly use Volume I and II in the planning stage of a new manuscript, all three volumes are again by my side during each revision, and each step of each revision. There is no question in my mind that these books are the biggest resource in pushing my writing to the next level. The volumes are not read-once-and-put-aside books; they are books you will want on your writing desk for constant reference.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anyone who writes for children needs this book!, April 19, 2004

By A Customer

Eve Bine-Stock has written a completely useful book. She's gone beyond all the ordinary advise found elsewhere and examined the actual structure of a picture story book. Her method of diagramming a story and reducing it to its essential elements will prove invaluable to those who craft tales for children. In years to come, many writers will be able to look back and attribute their success to the simple and effective methods she outlines here. Highly recommended!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must-have" for any aspiring children's picturebook writer, June 7, 2004

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

How To Write A Children's Picture Book focuses especially upon structure as the key to creating a memorable and entertaining treasure for children to read, share, and learn from. Distinguishing between picturebooks and picture storybooks, and closely examining such enduring children's classics as "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "Where The Wild Things Are", How To Write A Children's Picture Book is a highly useful and focused guide that dissects the nuts and bolts of writing with a keen eye toward higher achievement and quality. A "must-have" for any aspiring children's picturebook writer.