Not making the grade

I have been reading 3 books about writing children's books and am becoming overwhelmed. I have learned a lot though and I hope I can gain some momentum again in my writing. I keep looking at my first story and wonder if it can actually go anywhere. My excitement for it dwindling as I read through what a picture book should include. I can't get the language the way I want it, I am not sure how to start it, and I wonder if it will hold the attention of a first grade and not sound too preachy. I polled my first graders about different aspects I want to put in the story and the kids seemed to like my ideas. We shall see. I know that it is incredibly difficult to write children's book and that it is rare to actually get published, but I don't want to feel like a failure before I have even gotten started. I think I better step away from the "how to" books for awhile and focus on my story.