[thunderingelephants Posts: 1,309 Status: Offline]

Obviously the SCBWI children's writers and illustrators yearbook: although I have to update my copy of that one.
The complete idiot's guide to publishing children's books by Harold Underdown is a favourite of mine: lots of handy tips and very informative.

[ginny-wiehardt Posts: 5 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. My contribution is From Where You Dream by Robert Olen Butler.

[regina-montana Posts: 1 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

I agree that  Ann Whitford Paul's "Writing Picture Books" is the best.  Also Elizabeth Gilbert's "Big Magic" is a great book for all artists.  It's very inspiring.

[Hopeful Posts: 133 Status: Offline I love kids books!]

My favorite is: 
Just Write: Here's How!
by Walter Dean Myers