{"id":5483,"date":"2024-07-31T16:09:31","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T15:09:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thepencompany.com\/blog\/?p=5483"},"modified":"2024-07-31T16:09:31","modified_gmt":"2024-07-31T15:09:31","slug":"childrens-picture-book","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thepencompany.com\/blog\/writing\/creative-writing\/childrens-picture-book\/","title":{"rendered":"Five tips for writing a children’s picture book"},"content":{"rendered":"

Parents who read picture books to their toddlers might think, “I could write one of these \u2014 they\u2019re just a few words and some pictures.” But the truth is, writing a compelling children\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

If you dream of writing a children\u2019s picture book, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

What is a picture book?<\/h2>\n

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\u2019t a strict boundary.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s no set word count, most picture books are concise, usually featuring 600 words or fewer.<\/p>\n

How to write a children\u2019s picture book<\/h2>\n

Follow our tips to elevate an average picture book idea to a brilliant, engaging one that children will be drawn to.<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Create compelling characters<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Keep your cast of characters small \u2014 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\u2019ll become in the story.<\/p>\n

If your tale features multiple characters, ensure their personalities contrast for a dynamic narrative. For example, in Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler\u2019s Room on the Broom<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n

To make your characters memorable, give them a unique quirk \u2014 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\u2019re a writer, but you\u2019ll need to guide the book\u2019s illustrator, so you must consider how the characters will look in the illustrations.<\/p>\n

Contemplate using animal characters instead of humans in stories dealing with difficult topics. This can create a buffer between the reader\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Craft a beginning, middle, and end<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

To take your young readers on a journey they\u2019ll want to experience again and again, ensure your story includes all three essential components:<\/p>\n