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Writing Children's Picture Books

via BBC Maestro

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Overview

Join Julia on a journey through the picture book process, from finding inspiration to selling your first book.

Find your initial idea
Write a satisfying storyline
Use rhyme and language patterns
Weave in values and life lessons
Partner with an illustrator
Get your story published

Syllabus

Writing Children's Picture Books Introduction
What is a picture book: variety
What is a picture book: practicalities
The initial idea
Traditional tales as inspiration
Characters: humans, animals, fairies - and pencils!
Baddies
Storyline
Journeys and quests
Themes and messages
The sound of the words
Patterned language
Rhyme
Dialogue
Humour
Endings
Numbers, letters, colours
Inclusivity: reflecting the world
The role of the illustrator
Author / illustrator partnership
Which illustrator?
Case study: The Snail and the Whale
The agent
The editor
Performance and promotion
Adaptation for stage and screen
Conclusion

Taught by

Julia Donaldson

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