THE CHILDREN'S BOOK ACADEMY
  • Home
  • WRITING
    • Craft & Business of Writing Childrens Picture Books
    • The Chapter Book Alchemist
    • New!! Middle Grade Mastery Instant Access
    • Mastering Graphic Novels
    • 2022 Kidlit Palooza >
      • 2022 Palooza Program
      • 2022 Palooza Faculty
  • ILLUSTRATION
    • NEW!! Craft & Business of Illustrating Children's Books Instant Access
    • Never a Dull Moment Workshop
  • TECH
  • About Us
    • Why Us?
    • Meet the Faculty, Lives & GT Judges
    • Testimonials
    • Books by Students
    • Our Bookshop
    • As Seen In
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Blogfish
  • MN Course Access
  • Community
    • Our Bookshop
    • Come Play With Us!
    • Resources
    • Course Scholarships >
      • Yuyi Morales Picture Book Scholarship
      • Andrea Davis Pinkney MG CB Mastery Scholarship
      • Rafael Lopez Illustrating Childrens Books Scholarships
      • Larissa Marantz Merit & Need Scholarship

5 Qualities of an Irresistible Picture Book

9/26/2014

13 Comments

 
Picture
Howdy! As a new addition to the Blogettes, I’ll be sharing my adventures in kid-lit from the perspective of a children's book buyer, bookseller, and a lifelong lover of children's books. I'll show you how book buyers (or at least this book buyer) choose what fills their store's shelves and how much of an impact bookstores and passionate booksellers can have on the sales of your book.

I’ve always been a “book person”. My mother tells me that my very first outing as an infant was to the library, so, in the same way that some people may dip their baby’s feet in the ocean, I’ve always had my nose in a book. At 16, after months of hounding the management at my local independent bookstore, they finally caved and gave me my first bookselling job. Although my personal reading tastes have grown over the years to include a little from most every genre, I never outgrew my love for the magic of children’s books. I’ve since worked as the Children’s Section Manager at the Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver, and as an educator in various locales and capacities. Now things have come full-circle for me and I am back in my hometown of Albuquerque, working as the Children’s Book Buyer for Page 1 Books, a fantastic local indie store here. It’s a wonderful thing to spend my days connecting people (especially young people) with books!

The question I'm now asked most often is how I choose which books make it to the shelf, especially with all the fantastic new picture books on the market. I’ve found that when meeting with reps, looking through catalogs and reading ARCs, it really boils down to five qualities that will determine whether I take a chance on a new picture book.

5 Qualities of an Irresistible Picture Book


1.    Read-Aloud Potential


The first thing I do when presented with a new picture book is read it aloud. Usually I'll read to myself or corner whichever unfortunate co-worker happens to be nearby, but I've been known to use my Saturday Storytime kids as guinea pigs to gauge reactions to a new book. It’s incredible to me how many books created for the pre-reading set really do not hold up well to being read aloud. Whether a narrative or concept book, if the language and pacing don’t grab me, I can be fairly certain that they aren’t going to grab the parents and educators who will ultimately be purchasing and reading these books.

Picture
2.   Dynamic Illustrations

Illustrations are a BIG deal for me. I look for illustrations that do more than illustrate the words on the page. Beautiful images that add to the story or even create a second narrative will make the difference between an OK book and one that I just have to purchase for the store and then handsell like crazy. It’s no secret that well-done illustrations can add layers of meaning to a story, or even tell a story on their own. I’m a big fan of books like Wiesner’s Mr. Wuffles or Becker’s Journey and Quest, which have nearly no words and still stand up to either shared storytelling aloud or hours of independent exploration. Dynamic illustrations will stimulate even the youngest imaginations and help pre-readers make important connections between the images and text. One more thing: I know that many authors can be hesitant to hand over their manuscript to a professional illustrator, but please don’t try to do them yourself if that is not your area of expertise. The illustrations really can make or break a book!

3.   Language

I’ve already mentioned how tremendously important pacing and language are to the success of a picture book. Successful language will be clever, age-appropriate and will beg to be read again and again. I can sell a book with a word count of 5 or 1500, provided the language is playful, deliberate and keeps the pages turning. Unlike some other kid-litters, I don’t have a problem with rhyming books- if they are done right! Getting the rhythm and pacing right is difficult enough with prose, and adding rhyme to the mix can easily make text sound awkward or forced. The story needs to stand on its own without relying on rhyme to “dress it up”, otherwise the whole book will fall flat.

4.   Clear Audience

Very few picture books will have truly universal appeal, so before I purchase a book, I need to have an idea of who I am going to sell it to. This target audience should be made evident by the author and should be in the front of their mind during the entire creation of the book. If audience comes first, a book will have a much more cohesive look, language, and voice, and the book will be more successful. That said, I personally have an aversion to “lesson” books. Even books that are presenting a particular message can do so without being preachy and can allow the readers to think and draw conclusions on their own. Although some parents and educators do ask for “issues” books, if they are not created thoughtfully, kids will see right through them and grab a different book from the pile next time! I'm always on the lookout for books that speak to an audience that is under-served or that add something original to a very flooded market. Nope, "kids" is not an audience! Take into consideration the specific age, cultural background, interests and needs of the kid you are writing for, and also that of the adult who will hopefully be buying your book.

Picture
5.   Shelf Appeal

The ever-changing landscape of bookselling means that most bookstores, especially us indies, have shrinking real estate and growing selections of great new books to choose from. Some of that shelf space will always be occupied by backlist favorites that sell well year after year, so the space (and budget) for new frontlist titles is even smaller. Not only do I have to consider the content of the book and the cover design, but even the design of the spine and the physical size and shape of the book come into play. Less shelf space means less face-out display space for picture books, so the book's title and spine should be special enough to stand out from the pack. First Second Books wrote a great piece about spines that you can check out here. For our purposes here at the store, a book shouldn't be so large that it doesn't fit upright on a typical shelf (this leads to books being damaged or shelved sideways), nor should it be so small that it will get swallowed up by other books. Even the greatest picture book can't thrive without readers being able to find it!

I'll have plenty more to share about buying books for kids and teens in the weeks to come, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have about the world of book buying, bookselling, promotion and events. What would you like to see?

-Jessie

13 Comments
cecilia link
9/27/2014 11:03:46 am

Thanks Jessie, you have outlined a terrific list of things to think about, especially spines. My local bookstore does not display children's books particularly well and I really think it is a serious lack of space.
Great blog post, thank you.

Reply
Taurean J. Watkins (@Taurean_Watkins) link
9/27/2014 01:40:45 pm

Jessie, while I don't disagree with your 5 points made above, I do want to add a non-illustrator author's perspective here.

Speaking for myself a moment, I struggle with picture books as an author because I STRUGGLE with making room for the illustrator (Which for picture books seems even more important than "Show, don't tell" given the ) while at the same time making my words work on their own well enough to hook that agent or editor LONG before there's an illustrator attached it, and it's why I didn't consider writing picture books for this reason, I read, love and respect them.

I think that's the hardest part of writing picture books for me, I don't get how picture book authors do it, especially when they're not also the illustrator, where even if the words fail you, you could rough out a dummy of the illustration, I know Ian Falconer often does that back and forth with his books.

Yes, I know many great picture books have a separate author and illustrator, but that's not the issue.

What I'm trying to say that as you say above, Jessie, is that sometimes non-illustrator authors feel we're less than important when we're not able to also draw or paint what's in our heart to match the words.

Maybe I'm just overreacting being an anxious author who WISHES more and more to be an illustrator, and NOT just for "absolute creative control of words and visuals." (LOL)

Yes, the illustrations matter, and so does matching the illustrator to a specific story (Something still strictly dictated at traditional publishers, but if we're going indie or open-minded small press as I do for my debut novel, we authors make that call), but I hope the words still matter, and I strongly feel both matter even if for pre or young readers especially may remember the illustrations more readily.

Plus, now with comics/graphic novels essentially having their most EPIC renaissance ever, non-illustrators like me can feel even more caught in the middle.

But just because I'm not an illustrator myself doesn't mean I don't have a visual eye or design aesthetic and I think part of why it's not always "Diva-Tude" We just want a piece of the action, after all, we all have certain tastes in food, whether or not we're a professional chef. Why should visual arts be any different.

I've always felt this mixed, but now that I do videos (thanks to taking Katie Davis' "Video Idiot Boot Camp" course) I feel more empowered.

Finally, what do you think of the recent trend of agents or editors at publishers only being interested in picture books by author-illustrators?

I know some speculate it's simply the ease of paying only one person, but I don't that's always the only reason in every circumstance, from between 2010 to 2014.

All that said, I'm grateful for Tara Lazar's PiBoIdMo because when I took part last year for the first time (plan to do so again this year) because I have the ideas and the stories I can't expand into a novel (I'm primarily a novelist) but the few times I've tried to write one never worked, and I don't think it's entirely because

Despite what some told me at the time with my less than effective attempts, I really WASN'T trying to shoehorn a novel story into a picture book format which never works, but I just don't find this level of brevity that modern picture books demand easy to access, but I'll keep trying.

But just because you read a lot of a certain type of book doesn't mean you necessarily inhale the structure like a sponge. At least that's not my experience.

Any advice/solace to those of you author-illustrators to non-illustrator authors like me?

Reply
Marsha Diane Arnold link
9/27/2014 11:45:32 pm

Welcome to the Blogettes, Jessie. So happy to have you join us.

This is a most interesting discussion. I agree with all your points, Jessie. My early books were praised for being great read-alouds. ROAR OF A SNORE is one example and Pierre Pratt's illustrations are great fun and dynamic in their way. But I wonder/worry if my books coming out in 2016 will catch your eye, even though the first will come from the amazing Neal Porter (Neal Porter Books/Roaring Brook Press). I don't think it will be called a read-aloud as it's only 22 words, 2 words repeated. Matthew Cordell is the fabulous illustrator, but his style is very far from Wiesner's. There certainly is a layered story, but (Taureen, you may be interested in this.) it's one I created, using art notes for each word in the manuscript. True, this is not the usual way to write a picture book manuscript and it may not be the way for a new writer to begin. But many things are possible in this creative arena. Hoping you'll like my new books, Jessie. :) Good luck, Taureen. There are still non-illustrator authors selling books (I've sold 6 in a year and a half), but I do understand your feelings.

Reply
Taurean J. Watkins (@Taurean_Watkins) link
9/28/2014 02:06:34 am

Thanks for replying, Marsha, and it's GREAT to know non-illustrator authors still get their picture book manuscripts published, it's just that the current preference for author-illustrators can be disconcerting sometimes. I'm not really mad (anymore...) just had to speak to it.

Reply
Maria Oka
9/29/2014 01:54:49 am

Great post Jessie! All of these things are so good to understand as an aspiring PB author. Thank you for sharing!

Reply
Deanna k. Klingel link
9/29/2014 07:39:02 am

Excellent information, thank you.

Reply
Johnell link
10/5/2014 08:55:57 am

This is great "boots-on-the-ground" feedback. Thanks.

Reply
Maria Marshall
10/5/2014 09:43:42 am

Thank for some food for thought & interesting insight. I definitely commiserate with Taurean, it can be vey interrsting to try to leave room for an illustrator. Good to know it can be done.

Reply
Franklin White link
8/18/2020 11:28:00 am

Thanks for explaining how dynamic illustrations can help kids make the connections between the words and the pictures. I want my kids to have a better understanding of how to read and understand what they are seeing. I'll get them some dynamic illustrations that they can learn and grow from.

Reply
William Dalmas link
10/23/2020 01:30:15 pm

Thank you for putting this out there. I agree with your opinion and I hope more people would come to agree with this as well.


Children’s books are published works intended for young readers. However, children and adults alike enjoy reading children’s books.


I hope you can take the time to read my post as well :<a href="https://www.martinewilliamdalmas.com/benefits-of-reading-childrens-books/">Benefits of Reading Children’s Books</a>

Reply
Patricia Gummeson link
2/2/2021 03:59:25 pm

Fantasy children’s books are a great theme that will excite children and, at the same time, are easy to follow. Plus, you can add more creative and interesting illustrations.

Reply
Keith link
3/12/2021 05:24:32 pm

Once the children will read, more things they will know. The more they learn, the more places they will go.

Reply
Luthie link
10/8/2021 04:21:13 pm

Great information. As far as I might be concerned, the most amazing aspect of kids' books is the significant statements that typify a whole book in a sentence or two. Nobody will at any point concede to the "best" quotes, yet here are a portion of my top picks!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Meet the Friday Blogonauts

    First Fridays will feature Bryan Patrick Avery, published writer , man of mystery, and professional magician among other things.

    Second Fridays will feature  awesome multi-award winning author Marsha Diane Arnold who will be writing about character-driven and/or nature-based books and/or anything she likes :)

    Third Fridays
    will feature independent Aladdin/Simon & Shuster editor Emma Sector who has helped bring many books into the world.

    Fourth Fridays will feature the great Christine Taylor-Butler who has published over 70 award-winning fiction and non-fiction and nonfiction books including the acclaimed new middle grade series - The Lost Tribes.

    Fifth Fridays will feature the fabulous Carl Angel award-winning multi-published Illustrator and graphic designer.


    Join our Tribe

    and receive 7 Steps to Creative Happiness, access to free webinars, and lots more!

    Your email addresses are always safe and respected with us.
     
     

    Follow our Blog!

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    Archives

    January 2019
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013

    Categories

    All
    Art Technique
    Authorartist
    Author Platform
    Author Visits
    Bitsy Kemper
    Book Marketing
    Books For Children
    COPPA
    Creative Flow
    Digital Books
    Diversity In Children's Books
    First Voice Multicultural Children's Books
    Illustrating Your Own Story
    Independent Publishing
    Magic In Books
    Marketing
    Maya Gonzalez
    Middle Grade Novels
    Picture Books
    Picture Books And Death
    Print-on-demand
    School Visits
    Self-publishing
    Understory
    Writer Platform
    Writing
    Writing Exercise
    Writing For Children

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
Picture
Discover
Why Us?
Courses
Blogfish
Book Shoppe
About Us
Meet the Academy Faculty
Community
Contact Us

Privacy Policy
Join Us
Social Media
Join our Community and receive a fabulous free gift, yummy newsletters, scholarship info, contests, and more!

Like us on Facebook 
Join our interactive FB Group  
Find us on Twitter 
Follow us on ​Instagram  
Look for us on Pinterest
​
Watch us on YouTube
© 2012-2021  All content on this website is copyrighted. Sorry, all courses are non-refundable.
  • Home
  • WRITING
    • Craft & Business of Writing Childrens Picture Books
    • The Chapter Book Alchemist
    • New!! Middle Grade Mastery Instant Access
    • Mastering Graphic Novels
    • 2022 Kidlit Palooza >
      • 2022 Palooza Program
      • 2022 Palooza Faculty
  • ILLUSTRATION
    • NEW!! Craft & Business of Illustrating Children's Books Instant Access
    • Never a Dull Moment Workshop
  • TECH
  • About Us
    • Why Us?
    • Meet the Faculty, Lives & GT Judges
    • Testimonials
    • Books by Students
    • Our Bookshop
    • As Seen In
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Blogfish
  • MN Course Access
  • Community
    • Our Bookshop
    • Come Play With Us!
    • Resources
    • Course Scholarships >
      • Yuyi Morales Picture Book Scholarship
      • Andrea Davis Pinkney MG CB Mastery Scholarship
      • Rafael Lopez Illustrating Childrens Books Scholarships
      • Larissa Marantz Merit & Need Scholarship