How to make a picture book

A chatty worm ("because it's quicker to draw than a person") cheerfully maps out a path to creating a fictional picture book. Through dynamic text, bright illustrations, and a lot of humor, Dolan--with help from an assistant bug named Bert--invites readers on the journey through brainstorming, writing, and illustrating. The process includes familiar guideposts such as ideas, characters, and settings, but suggested activities boost new authors to the next level: readers are encouraged to draw their characters doing different activities and to get to know them through an interview. Dolan especially shines when exploring the role of images in a picture book, modeling how white space, frames, vignettes, and color can affect the feel and pacing of a story. The proposed sentence stems for the story outline ("There once was . . ., Every day . . ., But then one day . . .") may feel limiting to some creators, but for those who need a nudge, this book encourages them to put pen to paper. An engaging and welcoming book for young creators seeking an on-ramp to authorship.

Interested in creating a picture book? Look no further. Directly addressing readers, the author/illustrator (depicted here as a worm) offers guidance to would-be writers and artists. Elys and her quirky assistant, Bert (a blue bug), begin by discussing a few of their favorite things--among them dinosaurs and pizza--and develop them into a full-fledged book about Marge, a pizza delivery dino turned chef. Step-by-step sections cover inspiration, characters, setting, and plot, as well as more advanced concepts such as pagination, color theory, and bookbinding. Each section includes an explanation, examples, and an activity prompt to help children create a story of their own. This structure lends itself well to integration into classroom activities or writing workshops, especially given that some children may need adult support to complete the activities. Elys and Bert's relationship imparts levity to the instructional content, although their dialogue adds to an already-lengthy work. The detailed descriptions and activities will limit the book's audience to children who already have interest and skill in both writing and drawing. Those who do fit the bill, however, will find this offering an exciting launchpad for their creativity. A pint-size masterclass for aspiring picture-book creators. (Picture book. 7-11) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.