Writing for Children - Picture Books Part 1

These lessons, by one of our most consistent FaithWriters' Challenge Champions, should not be missed. So we're making a permanent home for them here.

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Shann
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Re: Writing for Children - Picture Books Part 1

Post by Shann »

Thanks for that encouragement Joanne. I really need it! You're right too. I've never thought of it like that!
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pheeweed
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Re: Writing for Children - Picture Books Part 1

Post by pheeweed »

Is there still a standard length for picture books? When I researched it a few years ago, it was 32 pages, including coverplate and other things. I didn't come across the concept of leaving part for the illustrator, but that makes sense. I've written a book and a friend has illustrated it and we worked closely on the concept. She definitely added a lot to the book.

My granddaughter's favorite picture book was The Story About Ping, so I read it hundreds of times. What she loved was the repetition of words but also, what I call piling words on to words.
"Ping lived with his mother and his father and two sisters and three brothers and eleven aunts and seven uncles and forty-two cousins." I tried to copy that style because she loved it so much.
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Re: Writing for Children - Picture Books Part 1

Post by itsjoanne »

Phee - yes, 32 pages IS still standard, though occasionally books can be longer - but always in groups of 8 because of how they're laid out. The vast majority of debut books, at least, are 32 - but occasionally you will see 40. And yes, that generally includes the copyright page and coverplate.

I LOVED The Story About Ping as a child! Haven't read it in a VERY long time - I think it is time to check it out again. :)

Thanks for stopping by - AND for your comments!
pheeweed wrote:Is there still a standard length for picture books? When I researched it a few years ago, it was 32 pages, including coverplate and other things. I didn't come across the concept of leaving part for the illustrator, but that makes sense. I've written a book and a friend has illustrated it and we worked closely on the concept. She definitely added a lot to the book.

My granddaughter's favorite picture book was The Story About Ping, so I read it hundreds of times. What she loved was the repetition of words but also, what I call piling words on to words.
"Ping lived with his mother and his father and two sisters and three brothers and eleven aunts and seven uncles and forty-two cousins." I tried to copy that style because she loved it so much.
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