Many people assume that a picture book is the easy to write. They are fooled by the reduced number of words and simple story lines. The truth is, that picture books, if done correctly, are probably the most difficult type of writing. For those interested in writing picture books, I have found a great resource on marisamontes.com.
This informative page covers interesting notes on picture books such as:
The best rule on writing in any genre is that there are no rigid rules. All rules on writing can be, and have been, broken.
Even though the rules can be broken, you still need to have a good grasp on the basic conventions, elements, and structure that make a good book. This is true whether you’re writing a short story, a long or short novel, or picture book.
The page also covers the types of stories to write, and what editors are looking for in a picture book.
The structure portion of the page covers:
1. Story
2. Character
3. Conflict
4. Character Wants
5. Eve Bunting’s Formula for writing
This page also covers:
Things to consider before you begin a picture book:
What is my book about?
What is the situation at the beginning of your story?
What is your character’s problem?
What will be resolved by the end of the story?
Preachy test: Are you trying to teach a lesson?
Is the central theme of your story kidlike?
Does it have a kidlike resolution?
Does an adult solve the character’s problem?
I would recommend this page to anyone interested in writing picture books or working on improving their existing stories.
While searching her site, I discovered that Ms. Montes passed away in August. I discovered this poem in her “Getting Published” portion of her website. I think it’s a beautiful legacy to someone who cared deeply for writing.
Write like nobody’s reading;
Read like time is forever;
Dance like nobody’s watching;
Love like you can’t be hurt;
Sing like nobody’s listening;
Live like it’s Heaven on Earth.
Happy Writing,
Suzanne Santillan
Writing on the Sidewalk
Writing on the sidewalk 
Thank you, Sue! This is indeed a great resource – lots of excellent consolidated tips. I especially liked Ms. Montes’s comment, “Writing a picture book is 10% science and 90% art.” So very true.
I loved that line too! I also thought it was nice to see all of that great information on one page, no pesky searching.
Sue