Book Review: How to Master the Art of Writing Children’s Books
How to Master the Art of Writing Children’s Books by Bobbie Hinman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Writing for children is bloody difficult; books for children are as complex as their adult counterparts and they should therefore be accorded the same respect.” ~ Author Mark Haddon
If you’re of the opinion that children are simple creatures who are content with simple books that are absurdly easy to produce, you need to take a step back and read this book. It contains the best advice I’ve found so far, laid out for you clearly. I especially valued the explanation of how to respect a child’s growing vocabulary, by helping them learn without overwhelming or confusing. I suggest reading one chapter a day, then thinking about what you’ve just learned, and practice writing with that advice in mind. I know I will be!
I’ve written for older kids (ages 10-13) but haven’t had the nerve to ‘go younger’. After reading this book, I feel comfortable about giving that a try soon. I’ll keep this book close by for reference when I take the plunge. All in all, an excellent resource.