Reviews (5)

Invaluable resource for children's fiction writers
I have read quite a few books on writing and illustrating for children, and in my opinion, this one is far and away the best. Uri Schulevitz communicates the essential elements of outstanding writing and illustration for children so clearly that I had one of those "light bulb" moments. He uses an abundance of examples (his own work and others) to explain what he means. Off and on for years, I have been working on several books for children, but certain aspects didn't seem to work. I knew my work needed refining, but I was unable to define specific solutions. Schulevitz has broken down the process so well that I have finally been able to clarify my story lines and flow. Although printing processes have changed immensely since this book was published (especially in pre-production such as scanning artwork), making that portion out-of-date, the other information is timeless. This is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in writing for children.

Make every picture tell a story
Shulevitz presents a clear, complete guide to the basics of creating a book for children. It starts with a brief discussion of plot, development, and resolution - maybe not what you remember about an illustratedchildren's book, but you know it when they're not well worked out. Given a story, the next step is in creating its pictures. Narrative illustration, the kind that contains a story and moves the reader through it, is a lot more than just the individual panels that make it up. Pictures may spotlight a few key events in the text, or they may take on the real load of the story-teller's task. It depends not only on the artistic decisions of the illustrator and writer (often different people), but also on the age range of the intended audience.
A book every children's book illustrator should have--and useful for writers and others too
This review is condensed from a longer review on my web site, The Purple Crayon.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Art    3. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    4. General    5. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    6. Techniques - General    7. Illustration & commercial art    8. Writing & editing guides    9. Writing skills   

Reviews (14)

More of a lion than a lamb...
When I decided to write this review I went to my shelves to count how many "how-to" books I had bought over the years before I came across this one.The answer is 106.Pity I didn't know earlier that what I was looking for could be found between the covers of Nancy Lamb's "Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children."
Pretty good reference
In switching from technical writing to writing for children I found this book to be a useful reference.The content and insights offered are generally outstanding.However, I found the distinction between related concepts (like Throughline and Premise for example) a bit unclear. Also, some of the exercises seemed to have been thrown onto the page without much thought, rather than carefully developed to aid the aspiring writer. Since I don't have access to writing classes, I made extensive notes and then re-sequenced the exercises so that they flowed naturally towards getting the reader started on writing a story. The book was terrific for helping me work that out. Recognizing that each writer's approach is different, it would have been nontheless helpful if the author had thought through the sequence and content of the exercisesa bit more.

Budding author's best companion-Tricia Levinson
As a budding author of children's stories, I am always searching for books on writing. I found this book in my local library. It was the cover that attracted me. The illustration said, here is an author that really understands the whimsical world children live in. After reading the book, I knew that I had to have a copy to use as a reference. Many of the books I've read have been boring or difficult to read. The text in this book is presented in an easy to read and easy to reference style.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Children's literature    3. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    4. Composition & Creative Writing - General    5. Language    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Reference    8. Writing Skills    9. Creative writing guides   

Reviews (19)

Detailed Info
Very detailed and necessary information for those interested in writing and publishing a childrens book.A wealth of information available at your fingertips 24/7.I would definitely recommend this book for those who are contemplating becoming involved in the childrens book industry.

Please don't speed-read his one.
This book answers questions we never thought to ask. No doubt editors everywhere will be pleased to read submissions that have followed these sugestions. Could be sub-titled "Reduce Rejction Slip Clutter". Please don't speed-read his one.

Good Idiot Book
Enjoyable reading, with great ideas, positive message that if you really want to publish, you can do it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Children's literature    3. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    4. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    5. Marketing    6. Publishing    7. Reference    8. Writing Skills    9. Advice on careers & achieving success    10. Creative writing guides    11. Language Arts & Disciplines / Publishing    12. Publishing industry   

Reviews (12)

No Waste of Time
I have recently read several books on this subject, and this one has been the most helpful and enjoyable thus far.It follows a logical, sequential order. *The Business of Writing for Children* answered every question I have posed and a few I hadn't yet formulated.It is concise and so left Mr. Shepard time for an occassional show of his sense of humor; without compromising more of mine than I would have liked to allow.Sense of humor or time, you wonder.The answer is both.

On Your Way to Writing!
If you have dreams of being a children's book author, this book can help get you there.The book clears up many myths about children's writing such as "picture books are easier to write than adult books" and "Children's books should always teach a lesson."Shepard's answers are straight forward and to the point.You get the tools you need to create successful stories, correct manuscript format, submission strategies and clear cut contract negotiations.
Mayra Calvani -- TCM REVIEWS
If you're thinking of writing, selling and promoting a children's book,The Business of Writing for Children is a title you'll definitely want to add to your permanent reference shelf. In it you'll find tips, useful information and resources on how to write children's fiction, learning what editors want to see in a manuscript, how to submit your queries and promote your book. The book's short length and concise, right-to-the-point approach make it an ideal first guide for beginners in the field.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Business/Economics    3. Children's literature    4. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    5. Entrepreneurship    6. Language    7. Language Arts & Disciplines    8. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    9. Marketing    10. Publishing    11. Business & Economics-Entrepreneurship    12. Children    13. Creative writing guides    14. English    15. Publishing industry    16. Children's literature -- Authorship   

Reviews (12)

Great Resource for Writers of Children's Books
This is well-organized and has all of the information one would need to access publishers. Agents and publicists, as well as writers, need to have this "encyclopedia" of resources. There is a wealth of information needed for sending book proposals and manuscripts.Just excellent!

The Most Important Tool for the Children's Book Genre
Professionals in the children's book genre have been relying on the yearly Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market for 18 years. This guide covers everything writers and/or illustrators would ever need to find a home for their work.
If you want to write for kids
If you want to write for kids, there's two things you need to do (i.e., other than writing your book!): join SCWBI and get this book. The book is full of great advice and contacts. A must-have for all children's writers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Children's literature    3. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    4. Directories    5. General    6. Language    7. Language Arts & Disciplines    8. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    9. Marketing    10. Publishers and publishing    11. Publishing    12. United States    13. English    14. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design    15. Publishing industry    16. Reference works    17. Writing & editing guides   

Editorial Review

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 Read more

Reviews (4)

Nice book
Good book for those wishing to know more about the field or not knowing where to start.When you get serious, you'll want to read some additional books on working with the publishing world.From what I've understood, very few agents will touch children's books.So, you'll likely be going it alone up until you really get established, if you do.That means you will be working directly with the publisher/editor yourself.As a result, you will need more information under your belt about the publishing world than what this book contains, but this is an excellent source to learn about everything else.It does include some starter info about the publishing end of things.

Very useful information
I found this book to be very useful as a source for writing better children's books.It includes specific style and writing techniques with examples to teach us to make a more powerful manuscript.I wish there were more books like this with even more ideas!

Good Start for Illustrators
Treld Pelkey Bicknell's 'How to Write and Illustrate Children's Books' is really more for illustrators of children's books then the writer's aspect of the book. It's a good source for that particular purpose. If you want a more indepth instruction on the children's book writing process I suggest Barbara Seuling's 'How to Write a Children's Book and Get It Published.' Bicknell's book is valuable for it's comprehensive topics and illustrations. The first part include topics of constructing a story from beginning to end (planning and plotting, story structure, dialogue). There's a section on getting to know your reader and choosing the right words. Plus other informative information like looking into the world of children and the influence of new writing. The second part is devoted to illustration and discusses getting to know your audience, the types of picture books (board, pop-ups, zig-zag, flap, half-flap, holes, pictorial consequences, long text, minimal text, wordless, picture strips). It combines pictures with interpeting a text and using your imagination. Building the porfolio follows in the creation process. The last part is devoted to getting published. Starting from making the book, preparing the roughs, the right style for the right job. The author tops it off with factual writing and researching, Fad & Novelty books and finding the right publisher. To find what's in the market I also suggest the 'Children's Book Writer and Illustrator's Market Book' as a directory in that field to find the right genre of which publisher to contact. This book is a handy source like the other two I mentioned. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Children's literature    3. Commercial - Illustration    4. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    5. Composition & Creative Writing - General    6. Illustrations    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Publishing    9. Reference    10. Writing Skills   

Reviews (3)

A. D. Tarbox, Freelance Reviewer for Midwest Book Review
CREATING CHARACTERS KIDS WILL LOVE is a wonderful resource for writers of children's books. The book gives a writer a lot to think about. The suggested exercises she gives in the book are numerous but valid in helping a writer zero in on making a character come to life. The recommended readings are also helpful so the writer can see fine examples of what Alphin is trying to get the writer to pay close attention to. I particulary liked her section on point of view. Alphin is an accomplished writer and her books include COUNTERFEIT SON, THE PROVING GROUND and GHOST CADET.
Writing Children As Characters
This is a very good source book for any one who wants to write for children, or have a main character that is a child. Love it--I'm sure you will, too!
What do you do when you don't feel like writing?You go online and review your favorite writing books on Amazon.com! Read more

Subjects:  1. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    2. Language    3. Language Arts & Disciplines    4. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    5. Linguistics   

Reviews (12)

You Can Write Children's Books
Everyone wants to write a children's book!THis is the manual that tells you how.

You Can Write Children's Books
Very well written book - also very upbeat - simple to understand the work up of plots, themes etc.A very encouraging book if you have a genuine interest in writing childrens.It made my writing much easier and clearer to write.

Great Information
I found this book very helpful in outlining the begining to end steps of writing, as well as submitting, stories for children. It is written in a layman's easy-to-absorb manner & lays everything out for the reader step by step. It is also very encouraging along the way! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Children's literature    3. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    4. Juvenile Literature    5. Language    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Marketing    9. Reference    10. Technique    11. Writing & editing guides    12. Writing skills   

Reviews (19)

Great Information
Very informative for those contemplating writing a childrens book.I am sure I will refer back to this book many times in the next couple of years.Easy to follow based on topic.

Great Resource
I have purchased about 10 "Dummies" books in my life, and this is by far the best of the bunch. This book is packed full of insight, inspiration and information. A must have for aspiring authors of children's books.

IT HELPED ME!
I was a struggling comedy writer when I decided that my writings would benefit none other than the little ones of society. So, I bought this book thinking it would be just a kick start in my kick-[...] career. Yet, as i read over the pages it was awe-inspiring. It helped me to finish my first book THE MORBID DEATH OF LITTLE SALLY PETERSON, which is still looking for a publisher.WOW I LOVE THIS BOOK! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Children's Literature - General    3. Children's literature    4. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    5. Composition & Creative Writing - General    6. Juvenile Literature    7. Language    8. Language Arts & Disciplines    9. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    10. Writing Skills    11. Creative writing guides    12. Reference / General   

Reviews (1)

Good Reading
This book is easy to read and lots of information for the beginning writer or those who are contemplating being a writer.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Children's Literature - General    3. Children's literature    4. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    5. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    6. Literary Criticism    7. Marketing    8. Publishing    9. Creative writing guides    10. Literary Criticism & Collections / Children's Literature   

Reviews (5)

"A child Shall Lead them"
I am so impressed with the humility, joy and delight of Adora, and the devoted attention her mother gave her.It not only is a book about inspiring other children to put their thoughts into written word, but a grand tool for anyone teaching our youth....Then there is the inspiration of calling all mothers to teach, instruct and inspire their children.I am sharing this book with a couple of teachers.I am 71 years young.I will look forward to seeing where Adora goes in her future.Peggy Lippitt

Great book
This book was great, the writting tips were helpful, and the stories were very good.I'd also like to add that the other review made by Leelikah is a bit rediculous.She wrote that Adora's writting was "childish and stupid" however Miss Leelikah must not know much about the author considering she was only SEVEN when she wrote the book! Now I understand you called yourself an aspiring author, and good for you but I'm sure you didn't have any book published when you turned 8! Adora is talented, she was reading chapter books by the time she was 3! Not many people can say that they were able to do that.So before writting a review for the book and calling the author childish and stupid it would probably help if you knew what you were talking about.

STUPID!!!
OMG, i am an aspiring author, but i absolutely deplore Adora for her extremely childish and STUPID writing. Ugh, it filled me with hatred so i burned the book. (It burned quite well though.)
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    2. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    3. General    4. Language    5. Language Arts & Disciplines   

Reviews (2)

An INCREDIBLE book!!!
This is the BEST book ever written on the art of writing for children and young adults - and I have read most of them!Suen provides essential insider information that gives aspiring authors the confidence to pursue their writing dreams.If you want to write for young people - whether infants or high schoolers - you must read this book!!!

A GREAT WAY TO HAVE THIS CHILDREN'S WRITER WORK WITH YOU!
Reading and using this book is almost the same as taking Anastasia's online Intensive Picture Book courses.In fact in some ways it's like taking IPB 3 !Anastasia leads writers a few steps further than many "how to write for children" books do.The exercises help you study and discover what works while they also set up habits of keeping a writer's journal for you to think about your writing process, and a reader's log to keep track of what you've read.There's something for everyone- from board books to YA, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.Make sure to check out the great info in marketing and in each appendix! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Children's literature    3. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    4. Composition & Creative Writing - General    5. Language    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Reference    8. Young adult literature   

Reviews (2)

A really wonderful resource for novice writers!!!
I have always loved creative writing, and I think that like me, anyone who enjoys writing entertains the thought of writing a book at one point or another. I began thumbing through this at a bookstore one afternoon and was sold on it in about 30 seconds. Good general inforamtion
This is a good book for helping a beginner writer think about all Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Children's literature    3. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    4. General    5. Juvenile Literature    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Publishing    9. Publishing Guides    10. Reference    11. Technique    12. Creative writing guides    13. Writing skills   

Reviews (1)

Pleased
I am pleased with my book and the response time for receiving it.I would order again!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Children's literature    3. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    4. Illustration of books    5. Language    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Publishing    9. English    10. Writing & editing guides   

Reviews (15)

Discovering something new.
This book has been a huge help giving words preferred for certain age/grade levels. It is easy to use and a great reference.

Children's Writer's Word Book
This book is a must for any and all childrens authors. It is full
Great Thesaurus for Grade-Level Vocabulary
This book is a super source for grade-level vocabulary in thesaurus format. I write curriculum materials for children, so I need to be sure my diction is grade-level appropriate. This books is a great resource to help me do this. I couldn't work without it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alphabet    2. Authorship    3. Books and reading    4. Children    5. Children's literature    6. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    7. English language    8. Glossaries, vocabularies, etc    9. Juvenile Literature    10. Reference    11. Writing Skills    12. Children's literature studies: general    13. Writing & editing guides   

Reviews (4)

My Books
I ordered a few books from amazon, because I am interested in writing, specifically children's books, and some other things I'm working on in my spare time. I got this book the other day, I'm still on chapter one, already have found it quite useful. Thanks!
Valuable Info!
The authors of this book come from the Bailey School Kids adventure series. These stories are great for kids aged 6-12, and are fun to read and generally have around 10,000 words each. I mention this because their success in this area establishes their credibility in writing a book for those aspiring to write and publish children's literature. Their book "Mermaids Don't Run Track" served as an inspiration for my first children's book, "Abby and the Bicycle Caper."
A pleasure to read, and helpful for new writers!
I purchased this book, along with Creating Characters Kids Will Love, at a local bookstore for full price, but you can apparently buy them both here as a set and save money.I recommend doing so!This are by far the best write-for-children books out there, and believe me, I own almost every one on the market!Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Children's literature    3. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    4. Composition & Creative Writing - General    5. Language    6. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    7. Reference    8. Writing Skills   

Reviews (1)

Great to begin your quest of becoming an Author
Has some questions that you answer in a workbook style to focus your skills and see if you truly have what it takes to begin the quest of getting published in the Children's book genre.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Children's literature    3. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    4. Composition & Creative Writing - General    5. Language    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Marketing    9. Creative writing guides   

Reviews (2)

All You Need to Know about Publishing Your Children's Book
OK, I admit to my double bias: I've written a book in the SquareOne series (How to Publish Your Novel), AND, as a result of becoming acquainted with THIS book, asked the author to consult with my Writer's Lifeline, Inc. She knows all there is to know about the field, and shares it with you in this exhaustive and well-organized book--from what exactly to send when you submit a children's book, to what exactly are the age-defined markets, to whether to include illustrations, and includes sample cover letters, a way of keeping track of submissions, and what to expect if you're lucky enough to make a sale. The author herself has sold 38 books without an agent. She's the source!

How to publish your childerns book.
I found it to be very informative and a great source for reference. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Books    2. Children's literature    3. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    4. General    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Language    7. Language Arts & Disciplines    8. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    9. Marketing    10. Publishing    11. Publishing industry    12. Writing & editing guides   

Reviews (1)

Great companion to the CWIM
This is a great book offering guidelines to publishers and agents and is an excellent companion to the CWIM.If you write kidlit and want to be published, get an agent or find out the latest guidelines for magazine and book publishers, this book often has more in its listings than the CWIM.It's great to confirm editor's names and other pertinent info. too.This is the first time I've ordered this book and I'm glad I did.In some ways, I like it even better than the CWIM (Children's writers/illustrators markets) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Children's literature    3. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    4. Directories    5. General    6. Illustrations    7. Marketing    8. Publishing    9. Reference    10. Religion    11. Reference / General    12. Writing & editing guides   

Reviews (5)

Okay for New Writers
Not very deep in it's explainations. Could provide much more detailed info. I would recommend this book only for new writers just starting out.

An excellent source for learning the craft of writing
I don't know what book Michigan Writer read, but I thought that Sherry Garland's book on writing was excellent.I'm far from a beginner (numerous magazine stories, chapter books, novels published), and I still learned new things from this book.I also found it inspiring -- here's where you learn what you need to know.That's a much better inspiration than reading a book about writing, smiling and punching the air and saying "Yeah!", and still not knowing what to do next.Sherry Garland is an award-winning author.Read her book and then do what she says.She's a pro!

Skims the surface; good start for beginners
This book is a good start if you were just hit with the "I want to write" voice.While it covers the basic elements in little detail, the beginning writer will read it then want to move on to books with more depth on character and scene construction.Of course, the novice will continue to read a zillion novels as they are the best text books.With due respect to Sherry Garland for she knows the fiction genre, it was not very inspiring.Then again, it's a book on the craft and not really meant to inspire.Nonetheless, any writing book could offer some glimspe of hope that one CAN make a good living writing for children and teens.Anything is possible if you only believe it first.If you want to stay inspired and are vulnerable to disappointment at this early stage of your exciting new writing career, don't read chapter nineteen.Wait until you've written your first manuscript and sent it out before learning the facts from this chapter.However, I did like how she suggests breaking down your writing goals into months, weeks, and days.See chapter seven. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Composition & Creative Writing - Children's Literature    3. Composition & Creative Writing - General    4. Juvenile Literature    5. Language    6. Publishing    7. Reference    8. Writing Skills    9. Young adult literature    10. Writing & editing guides