Determine the age group to which the story caters. Simple drawings with bright, primary coloration appeal to younger children more than preteens, for example.
Choose a style based upon your talents and the age group involved. Theodore Seuss Geisel (also known as Dr. Seuss) created simple drawings with minor details that appeal to young readers. By contrast, Wesley Dennis, who illustrated Marguerite Henry's "Misty of Chincoteague" series, created complex, visually rich images that older children prefer. Find the style that best suits your capabilities and audience.
Sketch your pages in rough draft to see how they'll fit on the page, and whether you'll need to alter the sizes. Create final drawings for the book. If necessary, scan them into your computer to adjust the sizing and clarity.
Color the page as needed to enhance the drawing style and match your printing budget. To save money on desktop publishing, you can leave the images in black and white, or use a few well-placed colors. If the cost of ink is not a concern, color the pages vividly for a powerful visual impact.
Decide what medium you'll use for coloring. Graphics programs such as Photoshop or even Microsoft Paint can colorize pictures in a digital format, or you can print the images and color them by hand. Experiment with ink, paint, chalk and other art mediums until you find the preferred one for your project.