Do you take children's picture book authors seriously?

Now there's a question - do you take picture book authors seriously?
I'm inclined to think some people feel it's easy to write and illustrate a picture book.
    "How easy to write only a few dozen to a hundred words, instead of thousands", someone recently stated to me.
I answered, it's more difficult than it may first seem. A children's picture book needs the same basic elements an adults book needs;
   -  a main character with whom the reader can identify with.
   -  a plot with interest that gives the main character a struggle that needs resolving, along with being a  problem or difficulty a very young one could understand.
   -  a completely satisfying conclusion that brings the story to an ending, maybe with a twist.
   -  enough action and depth to bring page turning excitement throughout.
   -  written in a way that has impact when it's read aloud to younger ones.
   -  illustrations that capture the imagination, are varied and add to the story, or even tell part of the story.

All these elements should join seamlessly together and produce cries of read it again. Only then will you know you have a good picture book.
Oh! and you have to do this in only a few dozen to a hundred words!

So what are your thoughts on writing or reading children's picture books?
Are children's picture book authors to be taken seriously?
 Paula

My latest ebook is published!

My latest children's picture ebook - Pipsy the Penguin - is published on Amazon!
I'm really excited about this little rhyming book, I had lots of fun writing it.
I think children pick up on the rhythm and flow of rhyming books and it's one of my favourite types to write. Rhyme and rhythm are one of the ways many caregivers can help kids develop the skills required for learning to read, whilst having fun.
I also think the best picture books are always the ones where the text and the illustrations tell the story together and this is something I always try to do.
Pipsy the pengin joins my 5 others, 3 of which are consistantly in the top 100 in their genre.

Let me know what you think of the cover art, as I do the artwork for the cover and all other illustrations myself. I've added a page from the story, for you to see too!
Paula

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pipsy-Penguin-Childrens-Picture-ebook/dp/B0075YGM42

www.tothewillowgarden.co.uk

Get my new picture book FREE!

 My children's picture ebook "Little Chicks First Day!" is on free for one day.

On 22nd January 2012 you can download it onto your Kindle, Kindle for PC, ipad or iphone completely the free!

Let me know what you think of the artwork. If you like it, hit 'like' or give me a review. Thanks.

Paula xxx

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Chicks-Childrens-Picture-ebook/dp/B005KMQXKE

www.tothewillowgarden.co.uk