1. K.I.S.S. – “Keep it simple, stupid!” The general rule for picture books is to keep them to about 500 words or less. You can do this by using active instead of passive voice, using concrete language, omitting any words that aren’t pushing the plot forward, and taking out anything that can be shown in the illustrations. Picture books also only need one theme/problem. Don’t try to solve several issues in one book. Leave that to the spin-off or sequel. 

2. It isn’t easy. Everyone thinks it is, but it isn’t. Saying just the right thing, with just the right words, in just the right amount of pages is hard. So, after you get that first draft down, expect to spend lots of time revising. 

3. Picture books are for children. So, keep your main character childlike and theme applicable to children. Even if the character is a grown-up animal or person, they need to have childlike actions, characteristics, attributes, or mannerisms. 

4. Picture books are for adults too. Because adults read picture books TO children, you can use more complex language than early readers or even beginning chapter books can use. Also, remember, adults will be the ones purchasing the books as well as reading them again and again to children, so the story must speak on multiple levels. 

5. Connection counts. Find a way to make your overall story hit an emotional button. In the end, your story should make an adult reader belly laugh, put their hand on their heart, all out cry, or want to change because of it.