“Once upon a time, there was an aspiring young writer who wanted to write a children’s fairy tale. He sat down to write and spent hours staring at a blank page”.

Does it sound familiar? Writing a children’s book can be both exciting and exhausting; having to combine all of your thoughts with just the right words in the whole book… sounds tough, right?

So, how to write a children’s book, and most importantly, how to start a children’s book?

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” Do you remember this line from Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland? This is how you write a children’s book. It’s all about imagining the impossible and making it into a story that attracts young reader’s interest.

Sounds easy enough? What could go wrong with short phrases, entertaining characters, and your very own imagination? Well, quite a lot. Surprisingly, the most honest readers you will ever encounter are children. They will put aside a boring book more quickly than they do their least favorite vegetable. And the parents? Depending on how often they read your book before bed, they will either appreciate you or despise you for years to come. Theoretically, creating a children’s book is simpler than writing a novel, but there are still difficulties involved.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be Roald Dahl or Dr. Seuss, just so you can write a book. The details are where the trick lies. A superb children’s book is relatable, insightful, has the perfect starting point, and, above all, enjoyable with premium book illustrations. The key is knowing your audience, coming up with a compelling story, and making sure every word matters. The right amount of imagination and simplicity keeps readers of all sizes returning for more.

Key Takeaways

1. Start with a Big Idea: Ask yourself or your children “What If” and other kinds of questions to generate original ideas and combine them into a compelling story.
2. Know Your Audience: Adapt your tone, language, and story structure to the age of your readers, from young children to young adults.
3. Make Memorable Characters: Give your protagonist a relatable personality by giving them distinctive traits, shortcomings, and difficulties that appeal to readers.
4. Create an Engaging Plot: To keep children interested, use a three-act framework with humor, twists, and a satisfying conclusion.
5. Book Illustration: Your book should contain bright illustrations on the pages and the front cover so that it grabs a child’s attention quickly.

Why is Writing a Children’s Book so Tricky?

At first, you might feel very excited when you are just about to write your very own children’s book. The short rhymes, adorable illustrations, and pictures. But then you sit down to write, and suddenly, your ideas vanish more quickly than cookies at a kid’s birthday party.

So, what to do? How to write a children’s book?

The trick is that it’s not about the length or the pictures, but it’s about shortening large, bold, and creative ideas into manageable and approachable pieces. You might already know the struggle if you have ever attempted to explain to a five-year-old “why the sky is blue.”

This is also because, in comparison to creating adult fiction, writing a children’s book requires a different writing technique. After all, your target audience in the adult fiction industry is primarily determined by your genre. Adult readers of all ages are likely to find your work if they are searching for novels in those specific genres, whether it be historical fiction or science fiction. However, authors of children’s books must take age and genre into account. What is the age range of your protagonist and their companions? And how does this define what happens to them (i.e., the plot and genre)?

Moreover, adults who write books with adult characters can draw on their own experiences and those of people around them; however, capturing the ups and downs of a child’s life can require exploring more unsociable childhood memories. So, now you know why it’s difficult.

Where Are We Going Wrong?

You might have got the idea of why writing a children’s book is not an easy task, more like building a LEGO castle without guidance. And, it is because of our fault, too; we often make things too complicated.

Simplicity is the issue, too. The goal of writing for children is to arouse strong feelings while capturing their imaginations in fewer words, not to dumb things down.

Here’s a tip: if you divide it into smaller, more achievable steps, it’s easier than you may imagine. We have written some steps for you.

1. Focus on the Fun

Go through or keep an account of the novels you enjoyed reading as a kid. Did they speak? Not at all. But they were full of humor, adventure, and oddball personalities.

2. Begin with a Simple Structure

Don’t try to invent the wheel, but try to start with well-known story frameworks. Present an issue, add additional difficulties, and then conclude with a satisfying answer.

3. Write for Yourself First

What kind of narrative would have excited you as a child? Then, before doubt sets in, put it in writing.

How to Write a Children’s Book

If you are a young author and have questions like, “How do you start a children’s book?” or “How do you make a picture book?” it’s easier than you might imagine! To make your story come to life and reach young readers, follow the instructions below.

1. Get the Big Idea First

You are just writing words into thin air if you don’t have an attractive idea and don’t know how to start a children’s book. Good children’s stories begin with an idea that leaves you wondering, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

An idea is the foundation of any great story. However, how can one be created? Though it usually requires a little push, inspiration can strike like a lightning bolt at times. Begin by posing the question, “What if?” and observe the potential outcomes.

Think of “What If?”

It means to change a routine condition into a remarkable one.

For example:

• What if dinosaurs were living beneath your bed?
• What if a squirrel ate a magic seed and then developed the ability to speak?

It’s just like, what if, when no one was looking, toys could speak? We got Toy Story as a result. And could a peach turn into a floating house? From where we got the Giant Peach and James.

Remember, stories can come from ordinary situations that have a hint of the unusual.

Sketch Based on True Life

If that doesn’t work, try observing kids. Spend time with them, ask them questions, and allow their creativity to influence your own. Given their nonstop “why” questions, children often have stronger story ideas than adults. Give a creative response to one, and you have got the start of your book.

Mix It Up

Mix two ideas that have nothing to do with one other. A cat with a desire to fly? Is a robot picking up painting skills? There are countless options!

2. Know Your Audience

A successful children’s book addresses its audience directly, and the first step in doing so is identifying them. Do you write for middle schoolers, preschoolers, or toddlers? Every group has different requirements.

Books for toddlers should have basic topics, a few words, and an attractive illustration. Young children like picture books that strike a mix of humor and excitement. Middle schoolers will need more complex plots and stories with greater emotional impact. Moreover, if you are pursuing young adult fiction, make sure to write about topics of identity, relationships, and self-discovery.

3. Characters of Your Story

The core of your book is your protagonist. Long after the story is over, your readers will still remember them, laugh with them, and cheer for them. Your character must be likable and unique, whether they are a curious child, a clumsy dragon, or a snail hoping to win a race.

To make them more human or, in some situations, more animal, give them individuality and flaws. What makes Paddington Bear so unforgettable is his good nature combined with his innocent curiosity. Harry Potter stands out for his courage and determination. Your character will be more relatable to your readers if you consider what they most want: fear and love.

4. An Engaging Story-line

Once you have a solid character, challenge them with difficult situations. The secret to keeping readers interested is conflict. Perhaps your protagonist is searching for a magical artifact, trying to save their community, or trying to get back in touch with a friend they haven’t seen in a long time.

The structure of a good plot is usually three acts.

• Act 1 presents the character and their world.
• Act 2 introduces difficulties and disputes.
• Act 3 should conclude the story in a way that is either startling or rewarding.

But keep in mind that being simple is important. A children’s novel needs a straightforward and thrilling journey with lots of heart and not too many complicated subplots.

5. Developing the Narratives

Children’s books mainly rely on simplicity, but here, simplicity does not mean boring. Children require stories that are both simple to follow and imaginatively interesting. They are left wondering, “What happens next?” by a terrific story.

For example, the storyline in “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle is straightforward. A caterpillar gradually changes into a butterfly by consuming various foods each day. Because of the book’s lively illustrations, repetition, and happy ending, it is simple yet charming.

Think about the main theme of your story. Which experience or incident would you like to share? Make it obvious, yet allow for some unexpected turns of events.

6. The Story Arc: Beginning, Middle, End

Every story has a structure, as we discussed previously. However, the traditional “Beginning, Middle, End” format is ideal for children’s books:

1. Beginning: Start by introducing the protagonist and their setting. What do they want? What is their objective or issue?
2. Middle: Highlight the excitement, difficulties, or obstacles they encounter while attempting to resolve the issue.
3. End: Address the issue, teach a subtle lesson, or provide a touching conclusion.

For example, in “Where Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak:

• Beginning: Max is sent to his room for being mischievous.
• Middle: He imagines a world of wild creatures and becomes their king.
• End: He misses home and returns to find his dinner waiting.

Easy yet efficient, isn’t it?

7. A Problem and Solution Section

Children enjoy stories in which the protagonists encounter and resolve a problem. It may be as minor as misplacing a beloved toy or as significant as saving the day. Since nobody likes being lectured, the resolution should leave children feeling satisfied, perhaps even with a small lesson.

For example, in “Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons,” Pete constantly loses the buttons on his shirt. He teaches children resilience by remaining positive despite his distress.

Consider the theme of your story. Is it one of bravery, generosity, or cooperation? Use that theme as the foundation for your challenge and solution.

How to Illustrate a Children’s Book

Now that we have talked about writing your story let’s move on to discuss how to illustrate it.

You might wonder why illustrations are important.

Do you know that in a research study on The Influence of Illustrations published in the Reading Psychology journal, – first and third-graders were tested on their reading comprehension of books? Some books contained illustrations, while others did not. As a result, both grades demonstrated the highest comprehension of the books that included illustrations.

This is why illustrations are important.

Here’s how to make illustrations that fascinate young readers and make your story come to life.

What Visual Style Would You Choose?

Your story comes to life with illustrations, and the style you select determines how readers will relate to it. Can I choose the one that everyone is using? Well, you can, but did you know that different visual styles serve different purposes?

1. Whimsical: Soft and gentle drawings with vibrant colors and shapes. Ideal for stories that are captivating or similar to fairy tales, like The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter.
2. Realistic: Detailed and accurate pictures that go well with stories that have an emotional or informative theme, such as The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.
3. Cartoonish: Bright, bold, and exaggerated illustrations that convey joy and amusement, such as “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems.

You need to think of the tone of your story. A fantastic style can work well if your story is about a shy little fox discovering its voice. A realistic approach can be more effective if it’s about an actual adventure.

How to Match Illustrations with Your Story’s Tone

Your visuals ought to complement the story rather than reduce it. Consider this:

• Is your story funny or serious?
• Is it a fantasy or real-world setting?
• Do you want readers to be inspired, educated, or amused?

For example, children may laugh at cartoonish and exaggerated artwork with bright colors if your book is about a mischievous puppy who gets into trouble. Muted colors or gentle watercolors may provoke the right emotions if the subject is a child learning to deal with loss.

When in doubt, go through the illustrations in your favorite children’s books to see how they enhance the tone of your story.

How to Create Characters and Worlds?

Your characters should have a pleasing appearance and be true to themselves. Think about ways that can make them unique:

• Does your protagonist have shyness? Perhaps they always carry a book or wear large glasses.
• Is your antagonist clever? Give them a jagged smile or angular, pointed features.

For example, in “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson, the Gruffalo’s enormous and overstated features, such as his massive teeth and claws, make him both comical and frightening, making him ideal for young readers.

Make sure your character designs are straightforward but unique. Even in a crowd, children ought to be able to identify them right away.

How to Build Dynamic and Immersive Environments?

Your story’s location should arouse a sense of life and creativity. Add small details that make the setting more magical or relatable.

• Include tall, winding trees, secretive animals, and vibrant flowers if your story takes place in a forest.
• If it’s in a child’s bedroom, place books, toys, and possibly a bright nightlight all over the place.

Draw inspiration from novels such as “Where the Wild Things Are,” where the trees and terrifying animals give the impression that the wild jungle is alive.

Keep in mind that the environment you design might give your story more depth. A spotless garden may refer to a character who appreciates order, while a disorganized bedroom may reveal a child’s fun side.

Children’s book illustrations – Tools and Techniques

Start with tools that come naturally to you if you are a beginner:

Digital Tools

• Procreate: A user-friendly tablet app for producing colorful illustrations.
• Adobe Illustrator: Excellent for neat, polished artwork.
• Canva: Easy for simple layouts and designs.

Traditional Techniques

1. Watercolors: Ideal for delicate, surreal drawings.
2. Pencils or Ink: For complex or sketchy techniques, pencils or ink work well.
3. Collage: The process of cutting and stacking paper to produce distinctive, textured artwork, like in “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”

Digital tools like Procreate, for instance, allow you to swiftly experiment with colors and textures if you want to draw a friendly lion. It can have a delightful and homemade feel when done with traditional tools like colored pencils.

Our recommendation? Try both approaches to discover your style!

Developing Your Creative Voice Through Practice

The ability to illustrate gets better with experience. Begin small:

To improve the appearance of your characters, sketch them repeatedly.

To determine which style works best, try drawing the same picture in cartoonish, realistic, and whimsical styles.

Don’t be scared to try new things. Perhaps you will fall in love with minimalist black-and-white artwork or bold and sloppy brushstrokes.

Pro tip: For ideas and criticism, join online art communities on social media platforms or seek help from BookQuill, the best book illustration services.

Working with an Experienced Illustrator

If you are not good at drawing, think about working with premium book illustration services.

Here’s how:

• Look at children’s books that you like and find out who did the illustrations. You can see more illustration works online.
• You can reach out to BookQuill, an affordable book illustration agency.
• Look for independent illustrators.

Share your story, your idea for the pictures, and a few example pages or concepts with the illustrator you choose.

For example, if your story is about a courageous cat that travels the world, describe the cat’s characteristics, the locations, such as stormy seas or pirate ships, and the tone, exciting and adventurous.

Communicating and Giving Creative Freedom

Collaborating works best when you have trust in your illustration skills. While it’s important to share your ideas, it also gives them more room to be creative.

For example, describe the character’s personality as “shy but adventurous” rather than “I want the main character to have a blue hat.” Can your clothing convey that?

Be open to recommendations. Perhaps the figure is more relatable if your illustrator suggests that your character be wearing spectacles instead of just a hat.

Staying Aligned with Your Vision

To prevent misunderstandings:

Make a mood board with illustrations of your favorite shades, fashions, and character designs.

For every scenario, write a brief outlining your vision.

For example, “The fox is scaling a tree in this scene to get away from the hunters.” There are rays of sunlight peeking through the dark jungle.

Go through drafts and sketches with your illustration book cover design services. Offer constructive feedback, like “I love the colors, but could the fox’s tail be fluffier to match its playful personality?”.

Working as a team is the core of collaboration. A lovely and well-coordinated book is the outcome of both you and the illustrator contributing ideas.

Trends in Children’s Books

Children’s literature is a field that is always changing. STEM themes are becoming more popular, inspiring children to explore science and technology.

There is also a strong demand for books with inclusive narratives and varied characters. And let’s not forget the interactive books that allow children to manipulate, lift flaps, or even select their own adventure.

In such a congested market, staying on top of these trends will help your book stand out.

Did you know that the global sales of the Harry Potter series have surpassed 500 million? The global children’s book market is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2024 to 2031, from its 2023 valuation of USD 15.9 billion to USD 24.5 billion. Your book might become the next big thing if you have the appropriate story.

Advice for Writing Your Very First Children’s Book

The goal of writing a children’s book is to create charm with your imagination and not just put words on paper. Read your story out loud to children as a test. You can learn everything you need to know by seeing their responses and revising them until each word earns its place.

So, don’t make this endeavor waiting. You are on the verge of something amazing, regardless of whether your book makes you laugh, cry, or discover a new bedtime favorite. Who doesn’t like to work a little magic, after all?

Final Thoughts

We hope to have provided you with all the answers to “How to publish a children’s book” and “How to publish a children’s Book” through the blog above.

The process of turning a fascinating idea into a children’s book is fulfilling. Every stage, from ideation to plot development, character illustration, and overcoming challenges, gets you one step closer to producing something extraordinary.

Think about your current accomplishments. Perhaps you have written a funny opening sentence or drawn your first character. These are the basics of a book, and with each effort, you are growing as a storyteller.

Remember that the creative process is actually a process, and making mistakes or changing your mind is OK. Part of the magic is that! A minor change to your plot or a more bright color scheme for your pictures can make all the difference in the world of your book.

So, what is stopping you, then? The children’s book industry is ready for your story, your unique voice, your characters, and your message. Take the first step today. Write that opening line, draw that character, or come up with a surprising conclusion. Your story is worthy of being shared.

FAQs

What mistakes should I avoid in children’s book writing?

Avoid complex language, clichés, and themes that aren’t age-appropriate. Ensure engaging pacing with a mix of action, dialogue, and description.

How can I make my children’s book appealing to publishers?

Polish your manuscript, follow submission guidelines, and write a compelling query letter highlighting your book’s concept and audience. A tip is to hire the best book illustration services for pictures to improve the appeal of your book.

How can I effectively promote my children’s book after publication?

Utilize social media platforms to connect with parents and educators. Participate in local book fairs, school events, and author readings.

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About Author

Hi My name is Micheal Adams, When I am not watching horror movies and helping my kids with homework or reading my favorite fantasy/supernatural novels – I’m writing to guide aspiring authors. I focus on exploring and simplifying both the technical aspects and the often-overlooked details of book writing and publishing so I can empower new writers to climb the Amazon bestseller list and connect with more readers.