What Is a Picture Book

Glossary > Picture Book

Are picture books fiction or nonfiction?

Picture books can be fiction or nonfiction. They can cover a wide range of subjects and themes, helping children get acquainted with new concepts, ideas, and experiences. They are also used to encourage a love of reading from an early age. Picture books may be read aloud by an adult while children look at the illustrations, or kids may read them independently as they learn to read.

What are the characteristics of a picture book?

Here are a few things that characterize a picture book:

• Illustrations: The use of illustrations is the defining characteristic of a picture book – there’s no picture book without them. The illustrations are usually large, colorful, and vibrant, and they help children understand the story.
• Short text per page: Picture books have minimal text per page, written in a way that is easy for young children to understand.
• Large format: Picture books are often larger than other types of books because illustrations need to be showcased properly. 
• Moral message: Many picture books have a moral message to teach children about empathy, kindness, and other important values.

How to create a great picture book

Here are the steps for creating a great picture book:

• Develop a strong concept: Start with a clear idea for the story you want to tell. 
• Choose the age range: To come up with a great story and illustrations, you need to choose your target audience (children between 2-8). The age range will help you determine the length of the story.
• Choose the illustrations’ style: Find an illustrator for children’s books that fits the concept and the story. 
• Focus on character development: Write about characters that are interesting to children. At the end of the story, they should be able to learn something from them.
• Use simple language: Since your target audience is children, use short sentences and simple language to narrate the story. Use sensory details and active verbs to bring the story to life.
• Ensure strong pacing: Picture books should have a rhythm that engages young readers. Consider the page turns and the placement of illustrations and text so that children can remain attentive to the story.
• Edit: After writing a draft of your picture book, revise it several times to make it error-free and engaging. Consider asking for help from beta readers, such as parents or teachers, and make the necessary changes based on their feedback.