Create the Perfect Picture Book with Kerry Brown

Gold Coast author Kerry Brown inspired Write Links members with a hands-on Picture Book Workshop.

Kerry showed us the perfect ingredients and method to create a successful picture book.

During this workshop, Kerry shared her basic ‘Vanilla Cake’ recipe needed to write a picture book, along with personal tips and insights to create a unique ‘Masterchef’ creation.

With this recipe, Kerry Brown created her own picture books:  Poppy Wash, Can I cuddle the Moon, All my Kisses and Lest we Forget.


Basic Vanilla Cake Picture Book Recipe

Ingredients

1. Orientate the reader: introduce the characters and the setting
2. Introduce a problem that needs solving
3. Attempt to solve three times: each time, making the situation worse
4. Resolve the problem with a satisfying ending.

Method
      Combine with a cohesive thread or theme throughout.

SUPER DUPER Triple Layer Cake

1. Make a basic vanilla cake recipe (see above)
2. Add your unique voice (your Velcro)
3. Choose from your comfort zone: alliteration, repetition, onomatopoeia, rhythm, rhyme, humour, different perspective, hooks, moral and tension.
4. Combine all ingredients with passion and heart.

Bake in the oven till picture book connects with the author, the reader and the world.

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Post by Karen Tyrrell, Photos by Yvonne Mes
Karen Tyrrell writes empowering books to help kids live STRONG through humour and self-belief.  She’s an experienced Brisbane school teacher, Gifted & Talented teacher and key note speaker. She’s a passionate writing workshop presenter and interactive story teller wearing fun costumes. Her acclaimed books Song Bird Superhero (Song Bird 1), STOP the Bully, Bailey Beats the Blah, Harry Helps Grandpa Remember, and Super Space Kids series ignite imagination and positive self-esteem. Karen has won 3 awards, 3 literary grants and a mentorship through the Society of Editors (QLD) www.karentyrrell.com

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