Product Description
The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children offers detailed information and an in-depth examination of storytelling and story structure. Books on writing for children sell exceedingly well, so it's surprising that no other book focuses on this important aspect of the craft.

Using examples from classic and contemporary sources, Nancy Lamb explores all the key elements of children's storytelling, from point of view to structure to plotting and pacing.

Taking a hands-on approach, Lamb uses worksheets, exercises, and checklists to show writers how to capture and keep a young reader's attention, whether the topic is fact or fiction.

* The newest addition to the Write for Kids Library!
* Unique topic--focuses specifically on storytelling and structure
* In-depth instruction features checklists, exercises and quotes from the pros
* Lively design--open and inviting, easy to browse, with recurring icons and illustrations throughout ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children
The book is like new, except for slight warping from the adhesive wrapping that it came in. The book will be very useful.

Not as great as some who reviewed say
After reading several glowing reviews of this book. I am disappointed in the actual product. Much adieu about nothing.

Good Solid Help
This is a very good book for writers of childrens books.It is easy to read and understand.

All you need
This book is excellent. It covers every aspect of writing a children's book. Not marketing or approaching publishers, but in-depth information about the process of writing a book. Covers important things such as point of view, premise, promise, themes, tone and voice. It's really helped me.

Helpful story building
Book focuses mainly on crafting a good story and is helpful with good examples. Actually a good overall book about writing and story telling - not just kids stories. Not designed to be a technical guide on the profession and submissions. There's a great quote at the end of the book.
"Patience. Intention. Tenacity. Fortitude. Spirit. Faith. Forgiveness.Breath. These qualities illuminate the dark times. And accentuate the light.
Believe."
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Grandaddy of them all
This is the book that first popularized the Writer's Workshop approach to teaching writing in elementary schools. I'm shocked that it is apparently not in print.

An excellent book!
If you are using Writer's Workshop in your classroom, this is the book youneed. ... Read more

Product Description
The world of publishing has changed dramatically in the ten years since Writing and Illustrating Children's Books for Publication first started helping aspiring children's book writers and illustrators. Presented in a lively, usable format, the book is still brimming with its popular features, and has been updated to include pertinent new information reflecting current realities and trends.

Combining supportive advice with hands-on activities, Writing and Illustrating Children's Books for Publication, Revised Edition guides readers in successfully pursuing their craft with:

-Two perspectives on writing & illustrating children's books for publication: that of a respected author/illustrator, and that of a successful editor/publisher-Real-life case histories of how noted authors and illustrators overcame obstacles and got published-Carefully-developed writing exercises, checklists, and targeted reading lists to get and keep writers writing and illustrators illustrating-In addition to the following all-new material:-Updated case histories and reading lists-Brand-new writing and illustrating exercises-Online tools and resources for research-An expanded section on illustration-Greater focus on writing fiction for middle grades and young adults-Information on communicating with and making submissions to publishers-Information and advice about changes in the marketplace since the first edition, including mergers in the publishing industry; name-brand literary properties (e.g., Harry Potter); and celebrity publishing

Whether used as an eight-week, self-taught course or as a treasury to focus on aspects of craft when and as needed, Writing and Illustrating Children's Books for Publication, Revised Edition contains the tools necessary to create a publishable children's book in a short amount of time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

writing and illustrating children's books for publication
this book is very helpful. well written easy reading. I originally checked this book out at the library and decided to purchase it.Its a helpful tool for childrens' book writers.

Writing and Illustrating Children's Books for Publication
ASIN:1582973539 Writing and Illustrating Children's Books For Publication: Two Perspectives; 10th Anniversary (Writing & Illustrating Children's Books for Publication)]]

This book is great!It has a lot of very good and helpful information for would be authors/illustrators.I believe most of the information would be great for other areas of pursuit as well.I was very impressed with section about how to understand what the letters from publishers are really telling you.I highly recommend this one.

Great Book!
I found this book to be very informative. Also easy to understand. A bonus, it is also a hard cover book for a great price, so it will last a long time on the shelf for those times you need to go back and reference.

Love it!
When i first bought this book I sort of turned my nose up at it, I put it aside for a little while, then finally made up my mind to start reading it.As things turned out it's a good thing I picked it up again, what a wonderful book!I love the reading suggestions and personal stories included at the end of each chapter as well as the progressive step by step design of the book (which is supposed to walk you through the process of writing your own book as you read it)While I haven't necessarily started doing all the exercises included at the end of every chapter, I got some wonderful ideas and found this book to be both encourageing and inspiring.

Pleased
I am pleased with my book and the response time for receiving it.I would order again!! ... Read more

Product Description
Helps aspiring authors of books for children and teenagers achieve publication, discussing characterization, plot, dialogue, and endings as well as marketing, research, and editing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Used in the maximum sense
As this is a reference book, I understand used and cheap, but more than twenty pages were creased or bent back at corners, plus lots of notes in both pen and pencil and some colored highlighting. Several of the page corners also had teethmarks on them. I am keeping since I can clean up somewhat and get some use.

Thanks

A Complete Classic and Relevant Book for Children's Writers
If you dream of writing children's books, add this book to your collection of how-to books--but don't just buy it. Read every page and apply the wise instruction to your writing. Lee Wyndham gives writers the step-by-step tools to get into this market.

For many years, this book was the keystone textbook for the introductory course for the Institute of Children's Literature, the oldest home correspondence course in the U.S. for children's writers. The teaching is classic--yet relevant to today's writer.

This book is a classic
This book is a classic and there is a reason for that - it is good. Wyndham writes about subjects other "How to write for children" authors may miss. For instance, You and Your Work Habits, How to Organize a Book, Rejection Lows - Acceptace Highs, and on and on.

This is one book I refer to often for a children's writers group I fascilitate.

Helpful to all beginning writers!
This is definitely a book that has helped me struggle through my teen years when I was learning how to write, and it still does help me as a college student in my creative writing courses. It is a book all aspiring young writers (and old, too) should read. It's both inspiring and helpful, offering advice on character creation to plot-building. There's even a cool chapter on writing mysteries, for all of you Arthur Conan Doyle hopefuls. So check it out. I can't say enough how much it's helped me.

Excellent
I have taken three fiction writing classes from a major writing school. I have scanned a large number of writing books. I write middle grade/young adult novels.
I just have to write this here. This is the best book I've seen in its subject. It has been so helpful to me especially the "how to organize a book" and "plotting" sections. I would reccomend this book to anyone who is starting to write books for children and teenagers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good to a degree
This is a broad-based book with advice for writers who have narrowed their interest to, as the title suggests: writing for children.While a good introductory to this medium, it is not detailed in one way or another; so,if you find you have a particular genre or type of childrens book you wouldlike to develop--or have already started--consider this book an accessory,not an integral addition to your library.It will only gloss over thedifferent topics with one or two examples...and I didn't aggree withseveral of the author's opinions. It's too expensive for the half-hourread that it is, anyway. ... Read more

Product Description
This anecdotal how-to book is a necessity for any would-be children's book writer and is a valuable addition to the shelves of already-published writers. Litowinsky covers the entire book publishing process, from story ideas and submitting manuscripts through contracts to production and sales. Illustrated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good overview, but dated in parts
This is a really good general overview of writing and publishing for children, complete with a brief history of the childrens,' JA, and YA publishing history, how censors operate and how to combat them, what to do after you've been published, and how to write a picture book.I think, though, that the advice Ms. Litowinsky gave on sending an unsolicited manuscript was out of date even when this book was written.That is one way to gt published, particularly if you follow her advice of getting to know the editor to whom you're sending it, but chances are you'll get nowhere if you don't have an agent (which she doesn't endorse that heartily), and even if you do do all of your homework in getting to know who's who in the publishing house, books similar to yours which that editor in particular worked on, even saying that you heard the editor speaking at a conference you attended or that a well-known friend of yours recommended him or her, your manuscript will still probably sit unnnoticed in the slush pile because no matter what it's still an unsolicited manuscript.Nowadays the best way to go is to get an agent first, or if you want to do it the old-fashioned way, sent a query letter and synopsis first, with sample chapters if the publishing house requires it.You'll get a reply faster, and you won't have spent unneeded postage money on a gamble that, if it does pay off, probably won't pay off for quite a long time.

I write historical fiction, and Ms. Litowinsky focuses by and large on writing books set in contemporary settings.She adds that most children aren't interested in reading books about history outside of school, and only recommends writing in this genre if it really really interests you.She also says that a book about something pivotal often only sells well or gets published if it's an anniversary year, like 1995 having been the fiftieth anniversary of the end of WWII, and only if it's interesting and written well will it still be read after that year.If you're really interested in those events, why not write about them regardless of whether their anniversary is coming up or not?She also recommends naming your characters after your friends' children, or to look in birth announcements to find them.I know that many of my fellow writers are very interested in names by virtue of being writers...why would you want your character to have an ordinary name like Tyler or Ashley when you can have an unforgettable character with a more unusual and memorable moniker like Ammiel or Eulalia?

Still, this is only a general overview, and there are a lot of good books and magazines referenced in the back pages.It's not meant to be the end-all and be-all of childrens' writing and publishing; a good writer goes with his or her heart, even if that means writing in a genre that isn't as popular among young people as something like fiction set in contemporary times.

Helpful, although a little out of date.
I found this book very helpful as I started writing for children. I could write the stories but didn't know what to do after that. She writes from an editor's point of view and that is good information to have. She tells youthe dos and don'ts of trying to get published. I only wish she would writea book about how to get it done in year 2000 and beyond. ... Read more

Product Description

With the guidance of children's writing enthusiast Ruth Shagoury, teachers will learn to listen to all their students and look at their written work with a new and appreciative lens—one that also helps them anticipate and encourage students in developing new skills appropriately. Drawing on her many years of primary classroom teaching and research, Ruth offers primary teachers, early childhood specialists, and caregivers strategies to nurture connections between oral and writing skills at every stage of children’s development for today's multicultural classroom. Ruth's thorough exploration of how young children learn written language presents teachers with the necessary tools to understand the growth and development of written language in a literate culture. Filled with a wealth of resources for extending learning beyond the classroom, Raising Writers: Understanding and Nurturing Young Children's Writing Development includes interviews with the author and book study questions making this a perfect book for book club study groups.

Help your students make the transition from oral to written language!

• Explores the written language development of pre-school through primary school age children.
• Addresses important topics such as the role of the culture of literacy, how drawing and writing go hand-in hand, and the developmental path of spelling and conventions. 
• Identifies the parallels between oral and written language development with the use of a developmental continuum chart. In addition, the book includes an annotated guide with research foundation for the continuum.
• Includes numerous samples of children’s work and photos to bring the information in the book to life. 
• Offers book recommendations for spelling programs and additional writing instruction resources, as well as picture book suggestions for multicultural classrooms. 
• Includes a book club study guide at the end of the book.

Customer Reviews (1)

An invaluable tool for parents and teachers alike
You needn't have a degree in early childhood education to get a lot out of this book.If you've never read any material on phonics, pedagogy, or child developmental stages, don't worry! Though this book's intended audience is teachers and professional caregivers of young children (pre-K and kindergarten age primarily), it as an interesting and informative read for parents too.

The book is written in straight-forward, plain language that is very accessible. It's impossible not to catch Shagoury's enthusiasm for her subject when reading this book.She generously shares ideas, conversations, strategies, and insights while gently guiding her reader into understanding not only what is possible for young writers to do, but also how to recognize it and encourage it.

The book brims with real examples of children's work - and this is very powerful - particularly if, like me, you don't have much experience with young writers.Nearly every page has a scanned sample of a child's writing/drawing.What struck me most about their writing is how foreign it seems.Honestly, at first I was looking at some of the examples and thinking to myself, "Really?This is considered GOOD?" The reality is that young children's writing is, well, childish - letters are often nearly unrecognizable, vary in size and form (even within the same composition) and spelling is still in its very rough, some might even say unrecognizable, stage.Having these examples is a nice reality check for what's "normal" at this stage and helped me get more comfortable with the written word of four and five year olds.

Bottom line:What Nancy Atwell has done for readers, Ruth Shagoury is doing for writers.Whether you are a kindergaten or pre-k teacher looking for inspiration, or a parent looking for guidance, both can be found in abundance in this book. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Now available in lay flat, paperback edition, here's the book you need to help elementary students with special needs develop basic writing skills, relate writing to real-life tasks, and explore writing as a creative, enjoyable event! The book includes 135 step-by-step lessons and 269 illustrated activity sheets. It moves from copying words and completing sentences to processing the writing reports and stories, from filling out necessary forms to taking class notes, writing a letter, and addressing an envelope. For quick access and easy use, the lessons and activities are organized into four sections:

1. Writing Words
2. Writing Sentences
3. Writing Paragraphs
4. Other Types of Writing Activities

Customer Reviews (4)

Lifesaver for learners who see the world a little differently
This book is EXACTLY what we need right now.With my younger son, who is now in 3rd grade and is a bit dyslexic and has some language processing difficulties, we are working our way through the very beginning of the book.Spelling is extremely difficult for him, and though I've been a long-time believer in phonics, the exercises for 100 "little words," which are mostly sight-word spelling and usage, is right up his alley.For my son who is in 5th grade, we're about a quarter of the way through the book.He has an odd mix of strengths and weaknesses, and I'm using the book as a resource to analyze where he's lacking in his writing and basic English skills.

Actually, this book really goes beyond simply writing skills:it covers some grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and other language skills, too -- especially in the earlier lessons.

I am a homeschooling mother;we're in our 8th year homeschooling.Many resources that are written for classroom instruction do not work well in a homeschool setting, but this book is PERFECT.It has helpful, simple, yet thorough instruction to the teacher, and reproducible worksheets for the student.

Writing Skills Activities for Special Children
This is an awesome instructional tool for teachers. It breaks down the writing into manageable categories that are easily understood by the students. I will continue to use this in my resource junior high English classes.

An excellent resource
Writing Skills Activities for Special Children is an excellent resource for teaching children who need extra focus on individual components of writing. Exercises range in level/focus from sentences, to paragraphs, to various longer composition styles, to other writing-related skills, such as note-taking.

The book is designed as a supplemental resource book for focus on targeted skills, but the lessons are so nice to have that I sometimes wish it was expanded and formatted as a complete curriculum.

I am using this with my special needs child in home school.

Not just for Special Education!
I am a special education teacher and this book is awesome!It is huge and has a TON of activities on writing words, sentences, and paragraphs.I got it along with "Let's Write!" by Cynthia M., M.Ed. Stowe, but if I had to choose one it would definitely be this one!This is the best book for a huge variety of writing practice pages that can easily be copied.This book makes writing so much easier for children!Don't think it can only be used for special education either!As a teacher, I have bought a lot of books to help me teach a variety of skills and this is easily in my top favorites! ... Read more

Product 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 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A wonderful inside look at the life and work of children's authors
If you've ever wanted to learn from the experiences of successful children's authors, here's your chance. Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff has interviewed 114 authors about everything from coping with writer's block and rejection to author-editor relationships to funny and touching experiences in interaction with children and teachers. The interviews are grouped by subject, so that you can read everything this diverse group said about ways to start a story (for example) in one place. There are several great resource lists. There's also lots of encouragement for finding ways to write that are right for each individual. As I read The ABCs of Writing for Children, I felt as if I were right there with these friendly, genuine, enthusiastic people. This book is a wonderful inside look at the life and work of children's authors, packed full of information, support, and inspiration.

Inspires and Educates
Anyone who is thinking about writing for children can glean enough encouragement, inspiration and advice from Koehler-Pentacoff's compilation of author insights and anecdotes to get that writing engine started. As a wannabe children's author, I found direction within the pages that helped me to be both more realistic and hopeful about taking on the challenge. Helpful hints intermingle with humorous vignettes in an easily palatable format that can be digested nugget by nugget at numerous sittings or all at once. Reading about the experiences of published authors gives the novice writer a view into the process and offers other published authors pieces of wisdom and support.

As for the editing (slammed by another reviewer), I found it neither as neglected as suggested, nor as well done as one might desire; however, I feel only an editing elitist would allow this to interfere with the positives that can be gained from absorbing the content. Read this and reap...motivation and enlightenment.

Content vs. Style
All the things the previous reviewer said are true.The resources in this book are wonderful and the advice from children's authors is absolutely engaging--and useful.However, the copy-editing for this book is non-existent.It is replete with grammatical errors as well as spelling errors and inconsistencies (different spellings of the same word and name throughout).I'm not one of the "grammar police."I can put up with a few errant typos.However, the number of errors present in this book is disturbing.I would have rated it higher for content, but, whether intentional or not, such glaring lack of editing can signal a disregard for the readership and so three stars is as high as I'll go. I hope these problems have been fixed in the paperback edition.

Like a Attending a Writing Seminar with the Best of the Best
Any author, children's or adult, would want to have this book on their shelves. It's got the best writing advice I've ever seen.After all, who knows better than children's authors how to write clear, concise, and vibrantly?In addition, it's delightfully funny.Don't miss the chapters on school visits and letters from kids.Lee Wardlaw's list of things children's authors hate to hear is worth the price of the book by itself.

A comprehensive reference focusing on diverse aspects writing books and stories for children of various ages
Expertly compiled and painstakingly organized by Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff , The ABCs Of Writing For Children: 114 Children's Authors And Illustrators Talk About The Art, The Business, The Craft And The Life Of Writing Children's Literature is a comprehensive reference focusing on diverse aspects writing books and stories for children of various ages, including the business aspects of being published in various forums and formats. Providing especially informative interviews and commentaries from such expert and seasoned published authors of children's literature as Ted Arnold, R.L. Stine, David Greenberg, Alexis O'Neill, Richard Peck, and so many others, The ABCs Of Writing For Children offers a complete grasp and all-inclusive analysis of the literary art and practical business of writing for a juvenile readership ranging from preschool to young adult. Included are lists of recommended books and periodicals, a glossary, resources, and an extensive index. A core addition to personal, professional, and scholastic "Writing & Publishing" reference collections and supple-mental reading lists, The ABCs Of Writing For Children is very strongly recommended for all aspiring children's authors whether they are writing poetry, short stories, novels, or other forms of creative literature for young readers.
... Read more

Product Description
Your one-stop guide to writing and selling books for children

Get the tools you need to:
* Develop story ideas that work
* Strengthen your writing skills
* Improve your work habits
* Write for different age groups
* Look at your work critically
* Submit proposals and manuscripts
* Find the right publisher for your work
* Understand and negotiate contracts
* Work with agents and editors
* Join the writing community


Do you dream of becoming the next J. K. Rowling? Are you excited about writing for children but have no idea how to begin or where to send your material? Now, respected children's writer Barbara Seuling gives you the essential steps to getting published in the competitive, exciting world of children's literature.

From finding story ideas and creating character sketches to plotting, writing dialogue, editing, and revising your work, you'll learn how to complete a manuscript and prepare it for submission. Whether you want to write picture or chapter books, fiction or nonfiction, poetry or plays, Seuling helps you master the different genres and capture a child's interest and imagination, from the early years to young adult. Her fully revised guide also covers the major developments in book publishing, including vital information about using the Internet to research the market and contact publishers. Seuling even discusses recent successes such as the Harry Potter series, as well as the growth of Amazon.com.

Complete with updated lists of writing organizations, marketing information, and recommended reading, this is the only guide you need to start writing, get published, and touch the lives of children. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

how to write a children's book and get it published
it's kind of hard to believe that this book would get published considering that it was so terrible it almost made me feel bad because the author was humiliating herself by writing such an awful book.

Great book
Although the book is older, I still found it useful and very interesting. Not just about writing, its about the whole process.The best thing about the book was that it really motivates me to get writing!

Informative
In just a short time reading this book I have learned so much about writing Children's books, getting them ready for submittal and how to find a publisher. Worthwhile read to get started.

Good Reading
This book is easy to read and lots of information for the beginning writer or those who are contemplating being a writer.
Would definitely recommend it!

Recommended reading if you want to get serious about writing!
I would definately recommend this book if you are serious about writing for children.Very useful, easy to understand and it covers all the ins and outs of the basics for writing for children and other negotiations etc. ... Read more

Product Description
An informative book for young writers interested in the pursuit of writing and the writing process presents a collection of Susan Cooper's inspirational speeches, spanning from 1976 to the present, on the theme of creative writing for children. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The musings ofa highly intelligent mind
Susan Cooper is probably best known for writing the superb Dark Is Rising sequence of five children's novels, one of which garnered the Newbery Medaland another a Newbery Honor. This book, however, is not fiction but aboutfiction, at least primarily. The essays and speeches contained here discussexperiences from Cooper's own childhood (in World War II England), thepiercing nostalgia brought on by finding a new copy of a long-belovedthough mostly-forgotten storybook, the author's experiences with thetheater (and friendship with Jessica Tandy), and many other topics. Thetone is often introspective, but never arrogant, and the book can be readin segments or in a single sitting. Definitely worthwhile for anyone withthe slightest interest in children's literature . . . there is far morehere than one might expect. ... Read more

Product Description
Twenty well-known children's books become models to teach primary and elementary students expository and narrative writing skills. Children learn about brain-storming, organization, elaboration, and writing conventions with readily available, quality children's literature. Best of all, the authors take you step - by - step through each part of the writing workshop mini-lessons. A primary and intermediate level lesson for each selection makes it easy to match each mini-lesson with the readiness levels of students. Even the charts you need are included and ready for you to use! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Worked Great!
I bought this book to do a writing lesson for my biannual review.The step by step process really made the preparation easy.I used the lesson on The Important Book.I used the primary lesson plan, but then I added a mini lesson on similes in the middle of the lesson to stretch my third graders.The lesson went off well, and I got some really great writing to put on the bulletin board to boot.

extremely helpful
Of all the books I have encountered that use picture books to teach writing, this one has been the most helpful.
My students have not only progressed but have thoroughly enjoyed the experience!!!!Denise Goforth - educator

A Must Have For Teaching Writing
I work as a writing specialist at an elementary school and I recently purchased this book to use with students in both primary and intermediate grades. Teaching Writing Skills With Children's Literature is packed with practical lessons to use in teaching the elements of writing. The lessons are well written and easy to use. Ms. Dierking and Ms. McElveen have done a fantastic job of bringing together literature and writing skills.Since purchasing my first copy I have bought two more to share with fellow teachers. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Outstanding
This Book was written by two teachers from my son's elementary school. They have given workshops about just this subject. FANTASTIC. Mrs Dierking is my sons first grade teacher.She is an incredible help to both herstudents and their parents.My son made honor roll and reads at level 18,he writes wonderful stories in his journal.The book that they havewritten is a fantastic guide for parents and teachers alike. Not that I'mpartial or anything :0)ENJOY. ... Read more

Product Description

Children’s everyday drawing and writing are paradoxical: charmingly engaging, yet seemingly unremarkable in their ordinariness. This book takes a very close look at what passes by largely unnoticed at home and in school: copying, texts fleetingly present then gone, a picture drawn after the valued work of writing has been completed. Examining features of children’s text making that are commonly disregarded because of their very ordinariness, or dismissed as mistakes because they are flawed or lacking, the book examines features such as shading, arrangement and forms of shorthand, and uncovers an intensity of effort in the making of meaning. In decisively shifting the focus away from insufficiency to what children can do and to the ‘work’ they invest in the texts they make, the lens taken here reveals resourcefulness and purposiveness. The unremarkable turns out to be remarkable. This has the most profound implications for what takes place at school, and beyond.

Product Description
Children's books are very special, and have introduced millions of young people to the joys of reading. Single moms and top celebrities alike have penned best-sellers promoting the virtues and values for children to lead happy, healthy lives. There are many different ways that a children s book can be written, from the simplest rhyming picture books to more involved novella stories. Whatever your story may be, publishing it is within your grasp. How to Write and Publish a Successful Children's Book provides a complete overview of everything a prospective children s writer needs to complete and publish his or her own children s book. You will start by learning how to recognize the market that your book s style fits. You will learn the basics of the children s book publishing industry and how it is fundamentally different from that of the rest of the publishing industry. You will learn how to choose the right publisher or print on demand printer for your book and how to start preparing the package, with special consideration for illustrations and other aspects of your book that might change the overall presentation. You will learn what morals and values publishers and readers look for in good children s books and what you should expect in a publication deal. You will learn how to build a relationship with your editor, what to expect in revisions, and how to learn the process of selling your book. You will learn how to gain publicity on your own and what you can do to build your book into a long-term career. For anyone that has ever written or is considering writing their own children s book, this book will provide the information and resources you need to get published. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

A Must for Any Writer
Cynthia Reeser's "How to Write and Publish a Successful Children's Book" is a book that needs to be on every writer's shelf, not just those interested in writing children's books. The one word that kept popping into my mind while reading this was "practical."

This book is extremely practical in terms of understanding how to craft and polish your work, how to research potential markets, how to write a query letter, and how to submit. Please bear in mind that I'm using very broad strokes here. There is so much information clearly presented in this book that it would be silly to repeat everything. Essentially, what this book gives you is all the information you need to grow your project from root to fruit.

Reeser's writing is clear, crisp, and pulls no punches. She makes it plain early on that there is no magic button to press and no secret formula, and it's this honesty that makes the book so valuable, because it quickly strips any illusions a potential author might have.

There is only hard work, practice, and dedication. Reeser hands us the tools and shows us what our homework is, then leaves it to us to get busy.

I highly recommend this book to any writer of any genre, from beginner to seasoned professional.

Very thorough
I found this book enlightening in many ways, but a little verbose at times. The book explains not only the ABCs of children's writing, but also the XYZs. It's an understatement to say that the book is thorough. When I first scanned it, I found it a bit overwhelming, but reading it in little chunks, I gleaned some very informative information.
The book carries you through the process of writing, finding an agent, finding a publisher, self-publishing and even book tours. The book carefully examines the history of children's writing, the types of writing, how to search for ideas, character and plot development, as well as examining forms of Internet and self-publishing. I learned everything I ever wanted to know about printing costs and bar codes to marketing and public relations tips. This book also addresses the author/illustrator in one chapter and expounds on everything from the use of colors (which I found to be a little too basic for an illustrator) to how to create a storyboard and "dummy book."
True to its title, the book is explained in simple terms. I found that when I had a question, it was often answered by the time I got to the end of a chapter (or even the page). One helpful tactic the author uses is to sprinkle a generous helping of case studies throughout the book. In these case studies, successful children's writers offer their heartfelt and useful advice to aspiring writers. Near the end of the book, Reeser provides sample cover letters, queries, book proposals, storyboards and even manuscripts. She also lists dozens of organizations, websites and other resources for writers.

Finally -- some real, solid knowledge for writers!
I was skeptical when I saw Cynthia Reeser's book "How to Write and Publish a Successful Children's Book." I've bought similar books and workbooks in the past and was sorely disappointed. I have to admit, however, that Reeser's book gave me new information that actually seems to be valuable. This book has something for everyone who wants to write for children. There's information about writing nonfiction and graphic novels geared toward children as well as the standard fiction information.

I think other writers will also find the section about self publishing very useful. Technology has made it possible for us to do this, but we are told too many times that self publishing has no benefits. Reeser's book looks at the pros and cons of self publishing to help aspiring writers determine what is best for them.

The three biggest assets to this book are the last three "chapters." Chapter 11 outlines the importance of networking and marketing yourself as a children's writer. Chapter 12 reminds that it's okay to make a living doing other kinds of writing as you work on your career as a children's writer. The appendix is full of sample documents and resources that are geared at making you successful - not selling a sequel or workbook to this book! I'd recommend this book to anyone who has ever considered writing for children. As a matter of fact, forget about the other books out there and get just this one.

Fulfilling your dream has never seemed so easy!
Breaking into publishing requires a lot of time and dedication. If writing for children is your goal, this book is a must read. How to Write and Publish a Successful Children's Book is a multifaceted, well-rounded guide to the industry. Providing a history of the genre and it's growing importance in the early lives of the next generation. The book is realistic, preparing the reader for the inevitable rejections that will come. The players in this game are named and explained whether they be large, corporate-owned enterprises or even self-publishing houses. Tips for understanding the inside world are provided through "must-read" lists. The genre is broken down into it's subs, controlled by its readers' ages, even including the modern graphic novel genre.

This reference text goes on to explain the writing process for children's books. Idea generating, manuscript editing, story development, characterization, and structure are all important to the writer's toolbox, but any reader would likely gloss over this to focus on the industry information and move towards publishing. The information for author/illustrators is highly useful can be beneficial though it should have been expanded.

Use of technology is a must-read for any professional looking to break into publishing. This up-to-date section even includes publishing information for Amazon's Kindle e-reader. Desktop publishing software is a necessity for self-publishers creating their own e-books and a variety of software is listed. Using the internet for networking and self-promotion will also assist the reader is moving to the next step with their work. Children's authors looking for agents will also find the do's, don'ts, and warnings to be aware of in their search. This book will stay with you long after you publish, guiding your development as a children's author.

A Great Book for Aspiring Children's Writers
Studies have shown that 80% of Americans want to write a book. I think I can safely say that a good portion of those people have an idea for a children's book in mind. This book, How to Write and Publish a Sucessful Children's Book by Cynthia Reeser, is the perfect launching point for those people.

Reeser's book covers the fundamentals of putting together a children's book - everything from plotting out the story to putting together characters and even illustrating. She then covers the ins and outs of both self-publishing and the traditional methods of finding and agent and publishing house. The book takes readers even one step further, into promoting the finished and published work.

This is such a great book for anyone who is starting out on their writing journey or intimidated my the business end of writing. Reeser provides great advice and information, guiding readers along in an easy to understand fashion. ... Read more

Product Description
Here are the remarkable critical speeches and essays of world-renowned author Katherine Paterson. Featuring selected essays originally published in Gates of Excellence and The Spying Heart, this collection also includes the complete acceptance speeches for her two National Book Awards and two Newbery Medals, plus a new introduction and eight speeches never before published in book form.

With the same perception, wit, and generosity that characterize her fiction, this much-honored writer shares her ideas about writing for children, as well as her passion for reading, her spiritual faith, and her conviction that the imagination must be nourished. Her words will touch all those who care about literature and the lives of children.Amazon.com Review
Katherine Paterson often has been accused of creating unlikable characters. Parent groups have protested her novels' supposed anti-Christian bias, their profanity, and their references to magic. And, yet, Paterson has won both the National Book Award and the Newbery Medal--twice each. More importantly, her books, with their outcast protagonists, have reached even the most unreachable children, the "invisible" children. The Invisible Child collects 25 years of Paterson's speeches and essays about writing, reading, and life. These pieces are wise, reflective, and lovely. They disparage the preponderance of "empty-caloried" books for kids; more so, they celebrate the many enduring books that change children's lives. Paterson writes about the need for wonder in children's books: "the wonder of nature and human nature ... the wonder in the telling ... the wonder behind and beyond the story." She writes not about "creating a character," but about "getting to know a person." And where other writers blame the demands of children, spouses, and other commitments for their inability to produce, Paterson celebrates external limitations. "The very persons who took away my time and space," she says, "are the ones who have given me something to say." --Jane Steinberg ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Real Deal
Katherine Paterson is without peer in the field of writing for adolescents.No other contemporary author is more excellent in this genre.This book is full of everything that is good about books -- both the reading of them and the writing of them-- for children.She clearly demonstrates the power of literature to positively impact our society.This is a must have for any teacher or librarian.

Sharing her thoughts, sharing her heart
Katherine Paterson writes for children. She writes, not from a religious place, but from a place of deep-seeded faith, respect, and love for people, especially children - especially children that no one sees. She tells magical real life stories from her own life weaving together the books, events, situations and people who inspired her.Whether you write for children or just love children her words and stories are inspiring. Writing these essays and speeches she graciously allows the reader/the listener just a glimpse of what goes on in her writer' mind and her writer's heart. ... Read more

Product Description
''Judith Lindfors, whose widely used texts on early language acquisition have informed generations of college students, returns in this book to her own one-on-one collaboration with children. Her newest book informs and educates us, but, above all, it inspires us to become better teachers.'' --From the Foreword by Vivian Gussin Paley

''Judith Lindfors once again helps us better understand the complex relationships between children's language, their learning, and the teacher to see new possibilities for supporting literacy. This is a valuable resource for teacher educators.'' --Gail Perry, New Books Editor, Young Children

''Children's Language offers a return to sanity in children's early literacy development -- an appeal for 'joy in a literate community' with logic and evidence to support it.'' --Peter Johnston, the University at Albany-SUNY

''Once again, with her unique insights, Judith Lindfors describes and updates children's oral and written language development to inform those of us who work with young children.'' --Yetta M. Goodman, Regents Professor Emerita, University of Arizona, College of Education

''Children's Language gives us a front row seat at a spectacular show. This book should appeal to anyone who has ever been intrigued by young children s language learning.'' --Carole Edelsky, Arizona State University

The more teachers understand about how children learn to talk, the more they can help children become avid, joyful readers and writers. Drawing on a large body of research and her own volunteer work at a family shelter, Lindfors concisely identifies several important commonalities across oral and written language. Taking the compelling perspective that it's all language, she traces children's emergent literacy from infancy through the early school years. The book incorporates abundant examples from a diverse range of children engaged in authentic literacy experiences. Lindfors describes a set of language principles that teachers can build on as they help young students learn to read and write using the oral language processes they already know. The book contains a new, more positive ''language acquisition perspective'' on children's literacy, fascinating and insightfully framed quotes, writings, and drawings from children, a 24-page Guide for Instructors and Teacher Study Groups, available for download, and an Appendix containing an interview with shelter staff from SafePlace and offering basic information on how to identify children who are living in situations of violence and what teachers can do about it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

a must for all teachers and teacher education lecturers interested in children's literacy development
This book will restore your faith in the power that good teachers have over children's well-being. In a world in which education and educational policy is dominated by a discourse of economics and in which a technical rationality about testing and assessment now holds teachers in a tight grip, Judith Lindfors reminds us that teaching is all about relationships in which respect for the person-ality and humanity of children is paramount.In this book Lindfors allows us to see into the world of fragile children through their words, and she offers us a close-up view of their struggles to acquire competency in literacy.She also presents a set of guidelines that teachers can draw on to improve their own practice as they encourage emergent readers.This is 'an authentic text' to use one of Lindfors own terms. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you're nurturing your first idea for a children's book or have a published book or two under your belt, Judy K. Morris will delight you, guide and inspire you, challenge and encourage you, and improve your chances of reaching the ultimate goal of every children's book author: your reader inside your story and your story inside your reader.

A published author of both fiction and nonfiction for children, Morris draws on extensive experience teaching children how to write and teaching adults how to write for children. Here she combines concrete methods and step-by-step techniques with succinct rules of thumb: work at making your novel whole from the start; never underestimate the power of the plain truth; personality quirks are no substitute for character; doing a good job of writing usually means doing a good job of rewriting.

Using judiciously chosen examples from successful children's literature, Writing Fiction for Children covers the building blocks of plot, characters, and setting and addresses common problems such as awkward plotting, oversimplifying, and taking a preachy or self-conscious tone. Pragmatic exercises stimulate writers to scour their experiences, sharpen their powers of observation, and capture the details, voice, and narrative energy that can bring stories vividly to life and keep readers submerged in make-believe. Loaded with practical advice and helpful exercises, Writing Fiction for Children is especially useful for anyone who aspires to write for children in the "middle ages" of eight to twelve.

Children's books should be hopeful, thrilling, funny, interesting, touching, and a pleasure to read, Morris says. Above all, they must have something at stake that matters. While conceding that only the author can provide the spark of a story to tell, Morris offers invaluable guidance on the daily work of crafting, shaping, refining, revising, and publishing a children's novel.Amazon.com Review
"Writing for children," says Judy K. Morris in Writing Fiction for Children, "means, above all, having a lively story to tell and an active central character to help tell it." Preachy tales are deadly, Morris says. That's why "some of the best-told stories grow out of parents' entertainment for their own children." Though Morris's book is geared toward the writing of fiction for 8- to 12-year-olds, her sensible, intelligent advice applies to the writing of books for younger and older readers as well. As children's lives become more circumscribed, Morris considers it increasingly important for children's authors "to help children imagine moving out of their constricted lives to make real choices and take effective actions." Morris helps by offering longer discussions about good children's fiction, shorter tidbits ("in writing, as in life, it's often necessary to shore up one's sagging middle"), and stimulating exercises. And if you get bogged down along the way, remember your goal: "A child, comfy in a chair, curled around your book and sinking into your story." --Jane Steinberg ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

a very helpful book
This guide to writing fiction for children is readable and practical, and contains a number of excellent exercises for generating ideas, clarifying characterization, working out plot details, and handling point-of-view problems. The book's advice is clearer and more specific than that in many other "how to write" books. This would make interesting reading for those fascinated by children's books as well as those who want to write them. ... Read more

Product Description

The classic, inspiring account of a poet's experience teaching school children to write poetry

When Kenneth Koch entered the Manhattan classrooms of P.S. 61, the children, excited by the opportunity to work with an instructor able to inspire their talent and energy, would clap and shout with pleasure. In this vivid account, Koch describes his inventive methods for teaching these children how to create poems and gives numerous examples of their work. Wishes, Lies, and Dreams is a valuable text for all those who care about freeing the creative imagination and educating the young.

Customer Reviews (6)

classic book on teaching poetry
I've used this over the years with all kinds of populations.I wish that he would revise it with more practical advice in the instruction part - particularly in how to present the exercises to different age groups.

Pretty Good - little dated
This book has some nice ideas for getting children thinking about poetry and some techniques for developing the writing process. Good for teachers who are worried about teaching poetry; it has a lot of examples of student poetry. The text could be improved with more recent student poems (many reference pop culture of the 70s) and more writing techniques from an up-to-date educational perspective.

A superb introduction to the art of writing poetry
Some 35+ years after its initial publication, this remains one of the finest books about writing poetry -- and not just for children, either! Kenneth Koch walks a delicate & difficult line here, trusting in the experiences & imaginations of children, yet also emphasizing (in an unforced but gently firm manner) the need for work & craft. Most of all, it demystifies poetry without stripping it of its wonder & magic, making it accessible to all who are willing to meet it halfway. There's never a note of condescension here, just a genuine love of poetry & the expectation that any aspiring poet will give his or her all in creating poems. Most highly recommended!

The Book to Make April Special
April is National Poetry Month. Here's a book that will bring the joy of poetry to your classroom. The title exercises are especially effective. The kids in our library loved to list lies! It sounds so simple. Try it--it's pure magic.

Every teacher should read this - and use it!
I was first introduced to this marvelous book as a sophomore in an advanced placement English and History class in high school.An older graduate of the program had gone on to study poetry under Kenneth Koch at Columbia University, and returned to share what he had learned.

Now, with Bachelor's Degrees in both English and Elementary Education and a Master's in Language, Linguistics and Culture, I still consider WISHES, LIES, AND DREAMS to be the single best book on teaching writing that I have ever read.

Koch does not waste time with "assessment" of students' skills, collecting data, or any of the other peripheral matters that clutter most writing "methods" texts.This book is about WRITING, about inspiring students to write, about focusing the talents students already have but might not know that they possess.

I first used this book as a teacher when I was student teaching with a class of recalcitrant fifth graders who had been taught strictly by the text throughout their elementary school years.They almost unanimously declared that they hated writing.Employing Koch's ideas and combining them with the District-required skills lessons, I successfully taught these students what they needed to know - and they loved it!

After I began teaching in my own classroom, I used WLD with my students in bilingual third grade classes.Again, we were successful, even with second-language learners.Years later, when I began teaching second grade, and last year, when I worked with first graders, this book was an essential part of our writing program.

Having been an elementary school teacher now for eleven years, I have come to the conclusion that the best teachers begin with the students' interests and talents, then direct this energy toward teaching the students what they don't know.

Even though the subtitle is "Teaching Children to Write Poetry", the ideas Koch presents serve as a starting point for introducing children to other forms of writing.While the book is directed primarily toward elementary school students, I cannot imagine that high schoolers and even college students could not benefit from it.

Best of all, Koch himself takes up little space explaining to us, telling us how to teach, or - as so many methodology text writers tend to do - ramble on for page after page stating the obvious.Most of the book is filled with examples of writing from the STUDENTS Koch worked with in the New York City Public Schools.These brief poems provide students with a concrete example of what children before them have written, and inspire them to write their own poetry.

The Six-Traits writing process hadn't even been invented (or at least hadn't been named that) when this book was published over thirty years ago, but I found it easy to find examples of good use of Voice, Word Choice, Conventions, Ideas, and Sentence Fluency throughout the book.

No matter what program your school district requires, WLD will help provide inspiration.Teachers can easily supplement skills and grammar lessons in addition to Koch's marvelous ideas, and will probably think of millions more.

If you're not a teacher, sit down with your children and read this book together, read the children's poems, and try some of the ideas.You'll probably end up recommending WLD to your child's teacher - and he'll be glad you did. ... Read more