THE ICE PICK

How to Write and Sell Children’s Picture Books, by Jean E. Karl, Writer’s Digest Books, 1994, ISBN 0-89879-643-1, 183 pages, $14.39.

If you are interested in learning how to write a picture book for children, this is an excellent place to start.

The first two chapters lead the beginner into the field of writing in general. As Karl states, more experienced authors interested in writing picture books may prefer starting with chapter three, which explains the various kinds of picture books comprising alphabet, counting, and story books, as well as nonfiction, poetry, novelty books, and essay or concept books. The latter are books on topics like dealing with fears, learning new things, going to bed at night, etc.

Divided into ten chapters, which Karl calls "skills," the book explains in detail how to write a picture book, including the basics of plot, character, background, and using patterns. She tells how to write the first draft, revise your work, and get feedback from adults and children. Practical advice includes handling a surprise when the answer is revealed in the illustration and keeping a clean first draft--to compare with revisions if you must return to your earlier version.

The last three chapters deal with marketing and publishing, and contain such details as what to say in a cover letter. The information on formatting a manuscript for submission is indexed, but scattered, and I should have liked a sample page shown.

Aside from that, I found the book to be very helpful, and one of the few books available on the subject of writing picture books for children.

Reviewed by: Diana Carolyn Ice, © 2001 Diana Carolyn Ice, All Rights Reserved. Former editor and librarian, D.C. Ice is an author and monthly book review columnist for SF & Fantasy Workshop.

{Published in AuthorShowcase, Sept. 2001.}