How to use your illustrations to control pacing in picture books

Once you’ve read the author’s story and made your notes, the next step is to build a plan. Before jumping into sketches or character ideas, take a moment to look at the story as a whole.

A plan helps you decide how the story will unfold across the pages — where the tension rises, where it slows down, and how it reaches its resolution. Think of your plan as the storyboard of an animated film. Each page is a scene, and you’re the director deciding how the story moves from one moment to the next. Most picture books have 32 pages, which means every spread needs to earn its place. Some pages set the scene, others build emotion or lead to a turning point, and some bring calm after the storm.

Start by looking for the story’s key moments. Where does the problem appear? Where does the tension grow? What’s the high point — the climax — and how does it all come together in the end? These turning points will guide the structure of your book.

Some scenes need wide, sweeping illustrations that stretch across both pages, otherwise known as double spreads. These are perfect for big moments — when something exciting happens or when we’re pulled deep into the story’s world. Other times, a single page works best. These pages can slow the story down, showing a quiet thought or a small but meaningful action. And then there are smaller illustrations — little snapshots that show quick movement or bits of everyday life — helping the story flow more naturally.

As you arrange the story, think about how one page leads into the next. A strong page turn keeps the reader curious. You can use it to reveal a surprise, show a change, or move from problem to resolution. For example, the moment before the climax might end on one page, and the outcome is revealed on the next — like a breath held and then released.

White space also plays an important role in storytelling. It gives the reader a pause, a moment to feel or reflect before the next scene begins. A calm page with lots of space can make the following dramatic spread even more powerful.

By the end of this stage, your plan becomes a clear guide — showing where the story rises, where it pauses, and where everything comes together. It’s the backbone of your book, helping you keep the pacing, emotion, and drama balanced from start to finish. With a strong plan, you’ll know exactly how to lead your reader through each scene, all the way to the story’s most satisfying moment.