From School Library Journal
Featuring quotes and ideas from children's authors and illustrators, this book is more entertaining than informative. Most of the quotes are snappy and to the point. The range of topics is broad-writing tips, story starters, best advice, worst advice, first drafts and revisions, rejection, dialogue, plot, poetry, author/editor relationships, book signings, fan mail, book reviews, censorship, and much more. Various individuals are highlighted in two- to three-page features, and include Sid Fleischman, Zilpha Keatley Snyder, Rosemary Wells, Caroline Arnold, Lee Bennett Hopkins, and Thacher Hurd. Only 4 of the 46 chapters cover art and picture books. This book's one other weakness is its very slight coverage of critical areas such as science, history, social sciences, arts, etc. There is one chapter on nonfiction in general, one on biography, and one on poetry. The volume has an author index; a list of authors and illustrators featured, mentioning some of their work; and a resource list that includes periodicals and up-to-date Web sites. The lack of a subject index will make using the book slightly challenging, but it's still fun to read cover to cover or to dip into for those interested in the field or looking for a different way to introduce authors and illustrators to children.
Susannah Price, Boise Public Library, ID
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Susannah Price, Boise Public Library, ID
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
Have you ever dreamed of writing a best-selling children's book? Ever fantasize about what it's like to live the life of a published children's author? Although writing and illustrating books for children is not as easy as it looks, new authors and illustrators are being discovered--and published--all the time. Even if you're not planning a career in this field, learning how authors and illustrators work can lend new insights and appreciation to their art. The same ideas and inspirations that help authors and illustrators of children's books may encourage students, teachers, librarians and other creative artists in their literary efforts. In The ABCs of Writing for Children you'll learn many ‘do's and don'ts' for creating children's books. You'll see that what works for one author may not work for the next. No matter what your aspirations are, whether you want to enrich your reading, teach others to read and write more deeply, or nurture your own creative process, learning what works for others may work for you. Including: • Chris Crutcher • Karen Cushman • Sid Fleischman • Richard Peck • R.L. Stine • Rosemary Wells •Jane Yolen
