How to make a picture book by Elys Dolan

How to Make a Picture Book is a very entertaining step by step guide to the creation of a picture book. The book begins with an introduction by the author who explains the use of the “assistant” Bert throughout the book as well as explaining what a picture book is. It is full of humour and fun activities that will appeal to all ages.

The first step in the process is to find an idea. It is suggested the budding writer construct a list of favourite things and add them together to make a story idea. After that the next step is to find some characters and give consideration to not just how they look but how they might behave. The setting follows and the writer is encouraged to begin small and zoom out to expand the setting. Finally, it is time to write the story. Building blocks can help and this is clearly explained through words and pictures.

“Assistant” Bert has his own bonus pages where he shows the reader the procedure of how to physically make a picture book. This is followed by information about adding illustrations to the story and the use of colour.

This book would be a worthwhile visual resource for primary school aged children to the process of writing and constructing a picture book. It is light and entertaining and offers some wonderful ideas to help children along the way.

Themes: Picture Books, Stories, Writing, Illustrating.

Kathryn Beilby