What Should New Authors Know About Children’s Book Publishing Today?

I’ve been researching children’s book publishing after finishing my manuscript, but I’m still unsure about the best path forward. Some writers suggest self-publishing for more control, while others recommend traditional or hybrid routes for better support. Since illustrations, editing, and marketing all seem important in this genre, I want to make an informed decision. For authors here, what advice would you give to someone starting with children’s book publishing for the first time?