The ABCs of Writing for Children: 114 Children's Authors and Illustrators Talk About the Art, the Business, the Craft & the Life of Writing Children's Literature (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Getting published in the field of children's literature is a difficult feat..." (more)
Key Phrases: folk keeper, middle grade novel, worst advice, New York, Aunt Eater, Ginger Wadsworth (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Featuring quotes and ideas from children's authors and illustrators, this book is more entertaining than informative. Most of the quotes are snappy and to the point. The range of topics is broad-writing tips, story starters, best advice, worst advice, first drafts and revisions, rejection, dialogue, plot, poetry, author/editor relationships, book signings, fan mail, book reviews, censorship, and much more. Various individuals are highlighted in two- to three-page features, and include Sid Fleischman, Zilpha Keatley Snyder, Rosemary Wells, Caroline Arnold, Lee Bennett Hopkins, and Thacher Hurd. Only 4 of the 46 chapters cover art and picture books. This book's one other weakness is its very slight coverage of critical areas such as science, history, social sciences, arts, etc. There is one chapter on nonfiction in general, one on biography, and one on poetry. The volume has an author index; a list of authors and illustrators featured, mentioning some of their work; and a resource list that includes periodicals and up-to-date Web sites. The lack of a subject index will make using the book slightly challenging, but it's still fun to read cover to cover or to dip into for those interested in the field or looking for a different way to introduce authors and illustrators to children.
Susannah Price, Boise Public Library, ID
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Have you ever dreamed of writing a best-selling children's book? Ever fantasize about what it's like to live the life of a published children's author? Although writing and illustrating books for children is not as easy as it looks, new authors and illustrators are being discovered--and published--all the time. Even if you're not planning a career in this field, learning how authors and illustrators work can lend new insights and appreciation to their art. The same ideas and inspirations that help authors and illustrators of children's books may encourage students, teachers, librarians and other creative artists in their literary efforts. In The ABCs of Writing for Children you'll learn many ‘do's and don'ts' for creating children's books. You'll see that what works for one author may not work for the next. No matter what your aspirations are, whether you want to enrich your reading, teach others to read and write more deeply, or nurture your own creative process, learning what works for others may work for you. Including: • Chris Crutcher • Karen Cushman • Sid Fleischman • Richard Peck • R.L. Stine • Rosemary Wells •Jane Yolen

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Linden Publishing (July 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884956289
• ISBN-13: 978-1884956287
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 3.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #254,297 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive reference focusing on diverse aspects writing books and stories for children of various ages, February 14, 2003

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

Expertly compiled and painstakingly organized by Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff , The ABCs Of Writing For Children: 114 Children's Authors And Illustrators Talk About The Art, The Business, The Craft And The Life Of Writing Children's Literature is a comprehensive reference focusing on diverse aspects writing books and stories for children of various ages, including the business aspects of being published in various forums and formats. Providing especially informative interviews and commentaries from such expert and seasoned published authors of children's literature as Ted Arnold, R.L. Stine, David Greenberg, Alexis O'Neill, Richard Peck, and so many others, The ABCs Of Writing For Children offers a complete grasp and all-inclusive analysis of the literary art and practical business of writing for a juvenile readership ranging from preschool to young adult. Included are lists of recommended books and periodicals, a glossary, resources, and an extensive index. A core addition to personal, professional, and scholastic "Writing & Publishing" reference collections and supple-mental reading lists, The ABCs Of Writing For Children is very strongly recommended for all aspiring children's authors whether they are writing poetry, short stories, novels, or other forms of creative literature for young readers.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful inside look at the life and work of children's authors, June 5, 2006

By	Jacqueline Golding, Ph.D. - See all my reviews

If you've ever wanted to learn from the experiences of successful children's authors, here's your chance. Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff has interviewed 114 authors about everything from coping with writer's block and rejection to author-editor relationships to funny and touching experiences in interaction with children and teachers. The interviews are grouped by subject, so that you can read everything this diverse group said about ways to start a story (for example) in one place. There are several great resource lists. There's also lots of encouragement for finding ways to write that are right for each individual. As I read The ABCs of Writing for Children, I felt as if I were right there with these friendly, genuine, enthusiastic people. This book is a wonderful inside look at the life and work of children's authors, packed full of information, support, and inspiration.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspires and Educates, October 1, 2003

By A Customer

Anyone who is thinking about writing for children can glean enough encouragement, inspiration and advice from Koehler-Pentacoff's compilation of author insights and anecdotes to get that writing engine started. As a wannabe children's author, I found direction within the pages that helped me to be both more realistic and hopeful about taking on the challenge. Helpful hints intermingle with humorous vignettes in an easily palatable format that can be digested nugget by nugget at numerous sittings or all at once. Reading about the experiences of published authors gives the novice writer a view into the process and offers other published authors pieces of wisdom and support.

As for the editing (slammed by another reviewer), I found it neither as neglected as suggested, nor as well done as one might desire; however, I feel only an editing elitist would allow this to interfere with the positives that can be gained from absorbing the content. Read this and reap...motivation and enlightenment.