What to look for when writing a children's book
Some might say it is easy as children's books are often short, with few words on each page, and filled with colorful illustrations. However, the reality is more complex. Crafting a children's book involves researched observation, creativity, and a knowledgeable understanding of your audience. While there are moments when the words flow effortlessly, more often than not, it is a journey of exploration, reflection, and refinement.
The first thing you need to consider is your topic. The story needs to be about something—an idea, a lesson, an experience—that serves a clear purpose. What do you want to teach, show, or explain to children? Your topic forms the foundation of your book.
For example, in my first book, Hank and Emi's Urban Plant Encyclopedia, the topic was plant life in urban areas. I wanted to demonstrate how plants grow in cities and how these environmental factors do not hinder plant development. This topic guided every decision, from the text to the illustrations.
Before diving into writing, ask yourself:
What is the main message or question my book will address?
What view or insight do I want to share with my young readers?
A strong topic anchors your story and gives it meaning beyond the pages.
A strong topic leaves young readers with an idea to take away.
Once you have chosen your topic, the next step is to consider the story itself. What exactly is being accomplished? Is it a narrative that builds from page to page with a clear beginning, middle, and end? Or is it more of a page-by-page encyclopedia or concept book where each page stands alone but contributes to the overall theme?
In Hank and Emi's Urban Plant Encyclopedia, the content is organized page by page. The overall topic encompasses the entire book, but each page is treated as a distinct item. This means if you take a page out and shuffle the order, the story would still hold together. This approach works well for educational books where it is more of a topic than a story.
Alternatively, if you are writing a story-driven picture book, consider the whole arc. Does your story have a conflict and resolution? Does it build any tension and deliver a satisfying ending? Even the simplest stories benefit from thought-out pacing and structure.
One important stylistic choice to make early on is whether your book will use rhythm or rhyme, or stick to straightforward prose. There are pros and cons to each approach, and it ultimately depends on the tone and age group of your readers.
Rhyme and rhythm can make the story more engaging and fun to read aloud, which is particularly beneficial for very young children. It can also aid memorization and engagement. Writing in rhyme is also challenging as you have fewer options and freedom with wording. It can sometimes feel forced or distract from the story's meaning if not done well.
Prose offers more flexibility and can feel more natural or conversational. It may appeal to slightly older children or to books that convey complex information.
I will be writing a more detailed blog post about the pros and cons of rhyme and rhythm in children's literature, but for now, decide on a style that feels true to your story and your voice.
A unique challenge in writing children's books is remembering to cater to two distinct audiences: the child who will listen and the adult who will read the book aloud. Children's books are often read multiple times, and adults can get frustrated if the language is awkward or repetitive in an unpleasant way.
Keep your young readers in mind—you want to entertain them, hold their attention, and teach something new. Use age-appropriate vocabulary, clear sentence structure, and engaging ideas. However, just as importantly, think about the adult reader. Will the language flow smoothly when spoken aloud? Will the adult enjoy reading it repeatedly without getting annoyed or tongue-tied?
One practical tip is to read your manuscript out loud at least 10 times. Pay close attention to any passages that feel clunky, frustrating, or awkward after multiple readings. If you find yourself losing patience, that is a sign to reflect and rewrite.
Children's books require a unique balance. The language should be simple enough for young listeners to comprehend, but the themes or emotions can still be meaningful and heavier.
Avoid talking down to your readers. Children are perceptive and appreciate stories that respect their intelligence and emotions. Whether your book is whimsical or serious, try to include layers of meaning or moments that invite reflection.
Though this article focuses on writing, keep in mind that picture books are a marriage of text and art. Your words set the tone, but the illustrations tell the story in a complementary way. Sometimes, what you do not say in the text will be conveyed through the pictures.
When writing, you can leave room for the illustrator's creativity, which can be scary, as this is your project. However, working with an experienced illustrator will only elevate your work if you allow them to be creative. Do not describe every detail; instead, focus on conveying mood, action, and dialogue. Trust that the visuals will help fill in the gaps and bring your words to life.
All that being said, writing a children's book is much more work than the average person thinks. However, it is a fulfilling process—one that allows you to connect with young minds and inspire a love of reading in the next generation. It does require patience, thorough research, a clear understanding of the audience, and a willingness to revise.
Whether you are writing a playful tale, a heartwarming story, or an educational guide, remember that great children's books come from a place of care, creativity, and understanding. With time and patience, the journey from your first idea to a finished book can be a wonderful experience.
If you are thinking about writing your own children's book, take your time with these steps. Reflect on your topic, shape your story with care, and keep your readers, both young and old, close in mind. The simplicity of a picture book conceals a skilled craft, one worth mastering.
