How to make a children's picture book: 8 expert tips

Illustration of dog how to make a children's picture book
(Image credit: Chris Haughton)

If you're wondering how to make it as a children's book illustrator, know that it’s definitely not easy to get published – it took me five years of thinking about doing it before I actually did. But with six picture books now under my belt, including Oh No, George!, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way. 

Here are my top eight pieces of advice for writing and illustrating a picture book that will interest a publisher and engage readers. (See Creative Bloq's lists of best digital art software and the best pencils if you need some tools.)

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Chris Haughton
Author

Chris Haughton is an Irish designer and illustrator and the acclaimed picture book author of family favourites A Bit Lost, Oh No, George!, Shh! We Have a Plan, Goodnight Everyone, Don’t Worry Little Crab and Maybe. His new book Well Done, Mummy Penguin will be published in October. His books have won prestigious prize and awards across the world, from the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award to The Irish Children’s Book of the Year, sold over two million copies and been published into 26 languages. Originally from Dublin, Chris Haughton now lives in London. 

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