How to Write & Illustrate Childrens Books and Get Them Published

Explores the art of storytelling and the basics of writing for children, including classic fiction, contemporary themes, picture books, book production, fads, nonfiction, and careers as a children's writer or illustrator.

Though bits and pieces are somewhat outdated ("backspace 10 characters for right-hand margin," a chapter on getting published recommends), this is a fine and quite British introduction to the art of writing and illustrating children's books. Nine writers, illustrators, editors, librarians, and educators present a chapter or two each on such subjects as storytelling, classic children's fiction, contemporary themes in children's literature, illustration, and production. The format doesn't allow much of a chance for any one aspect of the business of children's books to be explored deeply, but the authors' strong affinity for children and their literature will help any potential children's-book creator adopt the right frame of mind for the work. Authors of children's books, says Gabrielle Maunder, must not underestimate the intelligence of their readers. And illustrators, says Catherine Storr, should do more than simply add pictures to the text; "the illustrator all writers long to meet," she says, "is the one who can take the text and, without radically changing it ... enormously enrich it." Most important, agree all the contributors here, is the need for authors and illustrators alike to understand the mind of the child. Getting published and sold is one thing, says illustrator (and writer) Celia Berridge; but true success "is knowing that your book really works for children." --Jane Steinberg