Writing and illustrating children's books is about more than simply adding pictures to text. This book offers a step-by-step guide to creating exciting plots and engaging characters that will inspire and delight young children.

Discover how to write and illustrate for a wide range of genres and types of book - from fantasy and fairytales to action-packed adventure stories, from novelty books to educational tools - and how to tailor your work to suit different age groups. Learn how to develop ideas; understand storytelling traditions; simplify your artwork and draw consistent characters; create storyboards; use colour, type and pictures to produce dynamic page layouts. Includes tips on presenting and promoting your work, plus a gallery of inspirational examples from renowned children's writers and illustrators.