A Finely-Tuned Communication

All written communication presents challenges. For example, many of us have had a well-intentioned email message land wrong. 

Printed words must stand alone, without body language, facial expression, tone of voice. Printed words presented to a stranger lack the context of personally shared history. 

Picture books are written for children. Obviously, the audience lacks mature language development. There is limited leeway for elaboration. Attention spans have shortened, the demands on parents have increased. Modern picture books presenting fictional stories have only  about 500 words. 
Without illustrations, the manuscript must stand on its own.

Is it any wonder, then, that writing picture books requires ample patience and perseverance, plus a strong dose of kind, encouraging community input?  "This is working well. This is unclear. What about trying it another way?" 

Patience, perseverance, community, pulling together to produce strong, elegant, economical communication.