There are general ‘rules’ concerning the writing of picture books. They exist because they are what have been found to work best for small children. If you are serious about becoming a published picture book author, pay attention to these rules.

Picture books should:

- tell a unique story: There are only a finite number of themes appropriate for a picture book, but a unique story or a unique take on a familiar theme is what makes the best picture books a success.

- have text and illustrations that work together to tell the story.

- contain a story that has a “multiple read” quality. Children don’t read picture books, adults do. So, these books need to appeal to both the children who are listening to them and the adults who are buying and reading them to their children.

Picture books should not:

- preach: The difference between teaching and preaching is in the discovery. Picture books often teach important concepts to children through the story's main character who learns something because of the events he encounters in the plot. Although the lesson is present in the story, a good picture book will never come right out and state what the lesson is, nor will it end off with a final line spelling out the moral of the story. Preaching, on the other hand, involves the writer telling children what to think and also expects children to blindly believe what the writer has said. By avoiding avoid preaching, you allow children to discover the lesson or concept for themselves and, in doing so, will empower them.

- have characters with cute names: Creativity is key in picture books. Children would much rather read about Llama Llama Red Pyjama or The Gruffalo than Sammy the Squirrel and Leo the Lion. Wouldn’t you?

- tell stories from an adult’s point of view: quite simply put, children don’t care about what adults care about. Remember that they are self-centered, live in the present and harbor wild imaginations – cater to your audience!

- have adults solve the problems: Picture books must empower children. Having an adult swoop in to save the day does not allow children to believe that they can grow, learn, and become independent. For a child to be interested in a story, they must be able to identify with the character – and they will not identify with, nor care about, an adult character who tells the main character what to do, how to behave, and what to think. Children have enough of this type of experience in their everyday lives without having to read about it too!

- talk down to children: Picture books are for children’s entertainment. Writers who simply provide an opportunity for children to have some fun are sending the message that they understand, appreciate, and respect children.

The publishing industry will not bend the rules for your story, no matter how good you feel it is. By adhering to existing guidelines for picture books, you’ll not only show that you have done your research but will increase your chances of being published.