One of my mantras is that if you want to write for children successfully, you must read what others have successfully written. There are no better examples than those who win Newbery and Caldecott prizes. Read this article from Publisher's Weekly and then visit your library or bookstore to read them all. It's a worthwhile research project. Have fun.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/45733-vanderpool-stead-bacigalupi-win-newbery-caldecott-printz.html?utm_source=Publishers+Weekly%27s+Children%27s+Bookshelf&utm_campaign=97ba746ea7-UA-15906914-1&utm_medium=email