What IS a picture book?

We’re story-tellers! So, we often want to tell every scrumptious detail of our stories as we write.

But not so with picture books.

For me restraint is one of the hardest things to master in writing picture books.

A picture book isn’t simply a story with lots of big, colorful illustrations.

A picture book is a seamless weaving of text that tells a story and illustrations that simultaneously show the same story. The two elements must be woven together so that one depends greatly upon the other, so that neither can stand alone.

So, for word people like me it’s difficult to learn what NOT to say in the text of a picture book.

For instance:

• Fine details like the color of clothes, skin, hair, eyes, size, age—unless that detail is critical to telling that story.
• Descriptions of minor characters and scenery—again, unless that detail is critical.
• Facial expressions. These should be implied in the text by dialogue and reactions so the illustrator can run with their interpretation.
• Sometimes even the gender of the MC isn’t critical to the story. So, the author doesn’t need to mention it.
• Specific brands, colors or types of houses, cars, toys, animals etc.—unless it is critical to that particular story.

So, what IS a picture book author supposed to put in the text?

• Show actions and reactions
• Dialogue
• Conflicts, problems, difficulties
• Solutions and resolutions
• Relationships
• Show changes or lessons learned
• Show inner character traits through actions and speech

Isn’t it curious that the illustrator needs to tell the story with pictures, and the writer needs to show the story with words?

Writing and illustration might just be flip sides of the same artistic coin. You think?

Maybe that is one of the reasons picture books are forever popular among children and adults alike. They hit us with a double-whamie. They both tell us AND show us a memorable story.

I know when I’m typing words to a screen, I’m seeing characters and actions in my head. And, since I’m not an illustrator of any fashion I NEED others (illustrators) to make my picture book stories come alive for the children and adults for whom I write. I need illustrators to make my stories become amazing experiences shared between children and the adults who love them.

Note: I do NOT need illustrators to reproduce exactly what I see in my head. I need illustrators to flesh out my story and add new dimensions to it. I need them to make my story bigger and better!

And THAT is what makes for great picture book experiences!

Jean Hall lives in Louisville, Kentucky. She is represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary. Her premier picture book series Four Seasons was recently signed by Little Lamb Books. Jean is a member of the SCBWI, Word Weavers International, and the Kentucky Christian Writers. Visit Jean at www.jeanmatthewhall.com, on Facebook at Jean Matthew Hall, and on Twitter as @Jean_Hall.