Writing Irresistible Picture Books

This essential guide for aspiring picture book authors delivers the hard truths about today's competitive children's book market, explaining why those 600 words need to work harder than ever. Drawing from her experience as a publishing insider, Mary Kole dismantles the myth that picture books are simple to write, offering instead a masterclass in tight, impactful storytelling where every syllable must earn its place on the page. She provides a comprehensive toolkit for crafting narratives that resonate with both young children and the adults who read to them, moving beyond didactic tales to explore character, emotional truth, and visual storytelling.

What sets this resource apart is its foundation in groundbreaking market research, giving writers a clear-eyed view of what agents and editors are actually looking for. Kole’s advice is both practical and inspiring, focusing on the alchemy of words and illustrations to create a truly irresistible read-aloud experience. This is the definitive craft book for any serious writer aiming to navigate the vibrant world of contemporary kidlit and create a picture book that stands out.