But here is what we DON'T want stories about:
fairies/pirates/genies/witches/wizards
cute dogs/cute kids
how an animal/child/creature of any kind discovers it is different and that's okay
how much anyone loves anyone else.
We DO want stories that:
are imaginative
are original
make you think
make you smile.
Of course these are the hardest stories to write. We want you to think outside the box and come up with something that is going to knock our socks off. A really child-friendly picture book has something very special at its heart. It is instantly accessible. It has a universal truth to it. It sings somehow.
Please don't try to rhyme if you're not good at it.
Don't overwrite - 300 words is pretty perfect.
Picture books that someone else published that we think are pretty close to perfect would be:
Stick Man by Julia Donaldson
The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Hairy Maclary From Donaldson's Dairy by Lynley Dodd
The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack
Please read our manuscript submission guidelines here before you send in your work.
We would love to hear your suggestions for the best children's picture books of all time. Better still ... write one for us!
xxD
what is the closing date on this call out?
ReplyDeleteThis may be a stupid question, but are you looking for artwork as well, or are you looking for writers to pair up with artists?
ReplyDeleteNo closing date as yet. if you read the guidelines (PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES!) you will see that we do not want artwork with a picture book submission however artwork can be sent to the art director for her consideration
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking at submitting a manuscript, and I note you only accept one per person every 3 months. Given you're actively seeking submissions at the moment, is there any chance of an exemption (as I'd ideally like to submit 2)?
There is no limit on the number of submissions you can send in to us in a month, Anthony.
ReplyDeleteHow about "The Stick Who Came To Tea?" Let us know and I'll get onto it...
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this comment? What a genius of an idea! Or perhaps you could write one titled Hairy Ping from the Wild Place? Go to it...
ReplyDeleteAre non-fiction picture books included in your shout out (8+ years)?
ReplyDelete