I'll write a picture book.

Easier said than done 
I have several picture book stories I wrote when teaching primary children. I am thinking of looking at them with a view to publish.

This is the advice I have gleaned from blogs, sites, agents, publishers..

It's hard - they may be only 500- 1000 words, but they need the same narrative and care as a novel.
Read as many picture books as you can and absorb the rhythm to the succinct use of words. One person suggested you need to read 500 picture books before you write one. I think I have done this.
Find a character - something alive is preferable to an object. Mick Inkpen wrote about a balloon but it was with a boy. On it's own it would have been a weak story.
Find a theme - make it emotional not a message. Children do not like to be  lectured. Heavy morals are a no go.
Narrative - Solve a problem. It may be short but it needs a story structure. Do not end the book by waking up.
Write -  for lively, clever children - don't patronise.
Said - is all you need for a dialogue tag.
Show not Tell - although the illustrations will show much tot he reader the words must do this too.
Think about the adults - Remember it will be adults who have to read the story over and over, make sure they can enjoy it too.
Read it aloud - Listen for the rhythm. Ask a friend to read it aloud to you.
Re-Write- as many times as needed. Every word and punctuation must count.
Make it - Fold paper to make 32 pages- leave the first 2 blank. Does your text fit? Page turning in a picture book is important.
Read it to children - and adults. 

Do Not -
Rhyme - wait until you have written a few and understood the rhythm. 
Illustrate - unless you are a professional artist.
Find an illustrator - Publishers have their own

Do - enjoy the experience and have a few ready before approaching an agent or publisher. They may ask to see something else you have written.

Oh and a few more hours each day would be great too!