Appropriate word length
Story elements:
Does it have rhythm; is it enjoyable; does the language have energy? Will a small child enjoy the story?
Does the story start off well? Is the story well-paced; does the story line slow down?
Is the end satisfactory; does the character change?
How much of the text is “telling”? Is there too much explanation?
Does the story suggest lots of illustrations? Can you imagine the illustrations?
Language:
Is the language suitable to the story? Are there weak words or phrases? Does the author use sensory details in the story? Does every word earn its place?
If using rhyme: does it add to the story (is the story strong without the rhyme)? Can the rhyme be read aloud without stumbling? Are the rhymes fun and within the natural sentence order, not forced?
* Based on How to critique picture book text, https://www.ebooks4writers.com/2011/04/how-to-critique-a-picture-book-text/