Five tips for writing a children’s picture book

Parents who read picture books to their toddlers might think, “I could write one of these — they’re just a few words and some pictures.” But the truth is, writing a compelling children’s picture book is far more challenging than it appears. Every word must be carefully chosen to convey rich meaning within a limited space, and the story must be so engaging that children will want to read it repeatedly.

If you dream of writing a children’s picture book, it’s entirely possible, but success requires careful planning. Grab your pen and notepad and join us as we explore five tips for crafting a potential bestseller.

What is a picture book?

A picture book is a storytelling format for toddlers, preschoolers, and early primary school children. However, some titles can also captivate older children, proving that age isn’t a strict boundary.

Typically 32 pages long, picture books use the interplay between words and pictures to tell the story, with illustrations often enhancing and expanding on the text. While there’s no set word count, most picture books are concise, usually featuring 600 words or fewer.

How to write a children’s picture book

Follow our tips to elevate an average picture book idea to a brilliant, engaging one that children will be drawn to.

1.      Create compelling characters

Your protagonist(s) should resonate with young readers or offer a chance to develop their empathy. Regardless of your approach, they must be brimming with personality to delight young minds.

Keep your cast of characters small — too many can overwhelm the reader. Focusing on one or two main characters gives you the freedom to develop each personality fully and allows readers to form a stronger connection with them. The more intimately the audience knows your protagonist(s), the more invested they’ll become in the story.

If your tale features multiple characters, ensure their personalities contrast for a dynamic narrative. For example, in Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Room on the Broom, the witch is kind, loving, and welcoming, while the dragon is mean and menacing. Every other character in the story also has a distinct personality, which adds depth and richness.

To make your characters memorable, give them a unique quirk — perhaps a catchphrase, an eccentric clothing style, or an unusual pet. Distinct spoken and visual traits can help differentiate personalities and make the story more engaging. You’re a writer, but you’ll need to guide the book’s illustrator, so you must consider how the characters will look in the illustrations.

Contemplate using animal characters instead of humans in stories dealing with difficult topics. This can create a buffer between the reader’s experiences and the story. For instance, a book about a bird’s death might be more accessible for a child dealing with grief to process than a story featuring human characters.

2.      Craft a beginning, middle, and end

Despite their brevity, picture books should still follow the fundamental storytelling structure of having a beginning, middle, and end. Some aspiring authors might be tempted to bypass this classic narrative arc, but doing so can leave your story incomplete.

To take your young readers on a journey they’ll want to experience again and again, ensure your story includes all three essential components:

• The beginning — This is where you introduce your characters and setting and often hint at or introduce the central problem or conflict.
• The middle — If the conflict hasn’t been introduced yet, it should emerge here. The middle section should take readers through the characters’ challenges or obstacles, building tension and engagement.
• The end — The conclusion offers closure, resolving the conflict and exploring emotions and lessons learned. This is also where you might include a memorable twist, whether exciting, humorous, or heartwarming. The ending can be happy, sad, or bittersweet, but it should always provide a satisfying resolution.

3.      Harness the power of repetition

Repetition is a powerful tool in children’s literature. It clarifies the narrative structure for young readers, helps them remember critical elements, creates a rhythmic flow, and reinforces important messages. Repetition can also evoke emotions and make the story more interactive by giving children something to say aloud during read-aloud sessions, which enhances their engagement and enjoyment.

Children learn best when repeatedly encountering and practising a few words rather than being overwhelmed by many. In picture books, less is often more. By strategically using repetition, you can make your story more memorable, meaningful, and enjoyable for young readers.

4.      Consider writing in rhyme

While a picture book’s text doesn’t have to rhyme, many do — and for good reason.

Children are naturally drawn to rhyming texts, captivated by the rhythm and the pleasing pattern of alternating stressed and unstressed syllables. Writing in rhyme can add a musical quality to your story, captivating young readers.

Rhyme also offers a nostalgic touch for adults while supporting early literacy skills in children. Listening to rhyming stories helps develop rhyme awareness, a key predictor of how easily a child will learn to read. If you write in rhyme, you’re crafting an entertaining story and contributing to a child’s reading journey.

5.      Test your story on young readers

Before submitting your manuscript to a publisher, it’s essential to test it with children in your target age range.

Invite feedback and ask for suggestions. Would they prefer a different ending, or is there something about the protagonist’s personality that could be more engaging? You might be surprised by the valuable insights your young audience can offer.

Their reactions can reveal what resonates, confuses, and delights, allowing you to fine-tune your story before it reaches a broader audience.