Rhyming in Picture Books: Tips From the Best

“Rhyming Is All About Rhythm.” -Josh Funke

“Narrative must take precedence over the need to rhyme. Don’t let rhyme dictate word choice.” -Carole Boston Weatherford

“Personally, I find that my books tell me if they are rhyming books or not. They arrive in my brain in rhyme or they arrive as prose and no amount of fiddling can change the form.” -Andrea Beaty

“Ask yourself, do you read a lot of rhyming books? Do you find yourself making up rhymes for your animals, your children, your day to day activities? If rhyme is a struggle, it might not be the best choice. If rhyme feels like comfy slippers, you should pursue it. But you still need to hone the craft. Read rhyme. Listen to rhyme. Join a critique group with established rhymers. Rhyme is not a crime (groan) but it’s also not the best fit for every author.” -Karma Wilson

xx Cory