Have you ever wondered what makes a children’s book unforgettable? Is it the quirky characters, the heartwarming plot, or the magical illustrations? Writing a children’s book is more than just putting words on paper—it’s about creating a world that captivates young minds and leaves a lasting impression.
Whether you’re dreaming of writing a whimsical picture book or a heartfelt chapter book, learning how to write a children’s book is the first step to bringing your story to life. In this guide, we’ll walk you through crafting memorable characters, building an engaging plot, and sharing practical tips to help you create a book that kids will cherish. Ready to start your journey? Let’s dive in!
What Makes a Great Children’s Book?
Before we start providing the steps on how to write a children’s book, it’s fair that we cover what makes one memorable. If you’ve ever read a children’s book that stuck with you, chances are it had three things: characters kids love, a story they can follow, and a message that matters. It’s not about having fancy words or complicated plots—it’s about creating something kids get and want to read again. Let’s dig deep into each one a bit more.
1. Characters That Feel Real
Kids don’t care about perfect heroes. They want characters who mess up, learn, and grow. The best ones feel like someone they know or someone they’d want to be. Think of Curious George or The Very Hungry Caterpillar. These characters don’t say much, but they stand out because they have clear goals and emotions kids understand.
If you’re working on writing a children’s picture book, your character’s look matters just as much as their personality. A silly hat, big round eyes, or bright colors can make them unforgettable. The key? Keep it simple but clear.
2. A Story That Holds Their Attention
Kids have short attention spans. If a book doesn’t grab them right away, they’ll move on. A good children’s book has a clear beginning, middle, and end. The best ones often follow a pattern—like three attempts to solve a problem or a fun phrase that repeats. This makes it easy for kids to follow along and join in.
Need help structuring your book? Many classic books stick to a simple story pattern:
- Introduction – Who’s the main character, and what do they want?
- Problem – Something gets in their way.
- Solution – They figure it out, usually learning something along the way.
3. A Message That Sticks
The best children’s books teach something without feeling like a lesson. Maybe it’s about sharing, being brave, or handling big emotions. Kids won’t remember a lecture, but they’ll remember a fun story where the character faces something iliar—like being scared of the dark or standing up to a bully.
For picture books, the images help tell the story, too. If you’re thinking about how to write a children’s picture book, make sure the pictures add to the story instead of just showing what’s already written.
How to Create Characters Kids Will Love
So now you know what makes a great children’s book—characters, plot, and a message that sticks. But how do you exactly do that? Let’s break down each one for better context. Characters aren’t just part of the story; they are the story. If kids don’t care about who they’re reading about, they won’t care about what happens next. So, how do you create characters that kids actually love?
1. Give Them a Clear Goal
Every good character wants something. Maybe it’s a slice of cake, a new friend, or to be the fastest kid on the playground. Whatever it is, it drives the story forward. Kids need to know what the character is trying to do because that’s what keeps them turning pages.
Take The Very Hungry Caterpillar. His goal? Eat everything in sight. Or Froggy Gets Dressed, where Froggy just wants to play in the snow but keeps forgetting to put on his clothes in the right order. These are simple goals, but ones kids instantly get.
2. Make Them Easy to Picture
When you think about famous children’s book characters, you can probably see them in your head right away. That’s because they have something that makes them stand out—whether it’s a red-and-white striped hat (The Cat in the Hat), a bright yellow body (Curious George), or oversized glasses (Arthur).
If you’re working on how to write a children’s picture book, the way a character looks is just as important as what they do. If you’re not an illustrator, that’s fine—just make sure your words paint a picture so kids (and illustrators) know exactly who they are.
3. Make Them Sound Like Real Kids
Dialogue is where a lot of children’s books go wrong. Kids don’t talk like mini-adults, and they don’t want to read characters that sound fake. If your character is a kid, they should talk like one. Simple words, short sentences, and a little humor go a long way.
Think about Ramona Quimby—she sounds like an actual kid, not someone trying too hard to sound like a kid. She whines, overreacts, and makes mistakes. That’s what makes her feel real.
4. Give Them One Standout Trait
Kids don’t need long character backstories. They just need one or two things to remember about them. Maybe they always wear mismatched socks. Maybe they mix up their words when they get excited. Maybe they’re afraid of absolutely everything—except the dark.
Amelia Bedelia takes everything literally. Fancy Nancy loves big words and glittery clothes. These traits make them stick in a kid’s mind long after they finish the book.
5. Let Them Mess Up
No one likes a perfect character—especially kids. They want to see characters make mistakes, get in trouble, and find their way out of it. That’s how kids learn, and that’s what makes a character fun to read about.
Curious George? Always making a mess. The Pigeon in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus? A total meltdown machine. And that’s why kids love them—they see a little bit of themselves in these characters.
Building a Plot That Keeps Kids Hooked
A great character is only half the battle. If you want to know how to write a children’s book, you need to understand the plot as well. Kids don’t just want a fun character; they want to see them go on an adventure, solve a problem, or learn something new. If nothing happens, they won’t stick around. That’s why every children’s book needs a clear, engaging plot that keeps young readers interested from the first page to the last.
1. Start Strong
If a kid isn’t hooked by the first page, they’re already looking for another book. The beginning should introduce the main character and their problem right away. No long setups, no drawn-out descriptions—just get to the good part.
Think about The Gruffalo. It jumps straight in: “A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood.” That’s it. We’re in the story. The best beginnings make kids curious enough to keep reading.
2. Keep the Middle Moving
This is where a lot of children’s books lose momentum. The middle needs action—whether it’s funny, exciting, or full of surprises. One way to keep kids engaged? Patterns and repetition.
Young children love knowing what comes next. That’s why books like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, and What Do You See? work so well. If your story has a repeating line or a predictable pattern, kids will latch onto it.
For older kids, the middle should build tension. Will the characters get what they want? Will they solve the problem? Keep them guessing, but not for too long—kids don’t have the patience for endless delays.
3. The Ending Should Feel Right
Kids want a satisfying ending. That doesn’t mean it has to be perfect, but it should feel complete. The best endings wrap things up in a way that makes sense. The character either gets what they want, learns something, or finds a clever way to solve their problem.
A lot of children’s books end with a little twist. The Pigeon Wants a Puppy finishes with the Pigeon getting what he asked for—only to realize it’s not what he wanted at all. This kind of ending sticks with kids.
4. Use a Simple Structure That Works
If you’re struggling to organize your story, using a how-to-write children’s book template can help. Most children’s books follow a simple three-part structure:
- Beginning – Introduce the character and their problem.
- Middle – Show them trying (and failing) to solve it.
- End – They either succeed, fail in a funny way, or learn something important.
Writing Tips Every Children’s Author Should Know
So now you’ve got your characters, and you’ve built a story that keeps kids hooked. But writing a children’s book isn’t just about getting ideas on paper—it’s about making those ideas work. Even the best stories need refining. What is the difference between a book that kids love and one they forget? How well it’s written. Here’s how to make sure your book is the best it can be.
1. Read Like a Writer
If you want to write great children’s books, you have to read great children’s books. Pay attention to how they’re structured, how they use language, and how they keep kids engaged. Notice what works and what doesn’t.
Pick up classics like Where the Wild Things Are or Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, but don’t stop there. Read newer books, too. Trends change, and knowing what kids love right now can help you write something that stands out.
2. Test Your Story with Real Kids
What sounds great to you might not work for your audience. What is the best way to know if your story actually connects? Read it to kids. Their reactions will tell you everything.
If they laugh in the right places, if they ask questions, if they want to hear it again—you’re onto something. If they get distracted, confused, or just say, “That was okay,” you’ve got work to do.
3. Keep It Tight: Every Word Counts
Children’s books are short, which means every single word has to earn its place. Long descriptions, unnecessary dialogue, or complicated sentences will lose young readers fast.
Read your draft out loud. If a sentence feels too long, cut it. If a word doesn’t add to the story, drop it. The best children’s books are simple without being boring.
4. Revise Like a Pro
First drafts are never perfect. Even bestselling authors rewrite their books multiple times. The best way to improve your story? Step away from it. Give yourself a few days (or weeks) before coming back with fresh eyes. You’ll catch things you didn’t notice before.
And don’t be afraid to rewrite a lot. If something isn’t working, change it. The goal isn’t to keep your first draft—it’s to create the best version of your story.
The Role of Illustrations in Children’s Books
Apart from learning how to write a children’s book, you also need to consider the book illustrations. For picture books, the images are just as important as the words. They don’t just complement the story; they help tell it.
Illustrations Make Stories Come to Life
Children process visuals faster than text. Before they even understand every word, they’re already absorbing the story through the pictures. That’s why books like Goodnight Moon or Where the Wild Things Are stick with kids—the artwork pulls them in.
For younger readers, illustrations do more than just look nice. They guide them through the book, helping them understand the emotions, actions, and pacing of the story. If you’re working on how to write a children’s picture book, remember that the images carry half the storytelling weight.
1. Choosing the Right Illustrator
If you’re not an illustrator yourself, finding the right artist is a big deal. A good illustrator doesn’t just draw what’s in the text—they bring extra details and depth that make the story stronger. Look at the art in books similar to yours and figure out what style fits your story best.
If you’re hiring someone, check their portfolio and make sure they understand children’s book storytelling. Some illustrators specialize in detailed, realistic drawings, while others use bright, playful styles. The right choice depends on your audience and the mood of your book.
2. Learn the Basics of Design
If you’re self-publishing, you might be considering creating illustrations yourself or working with a designer on a budget. In that case, knowing basic design principles is key. Keep things clean and simple—too much clutter on the page can make it hard for kids to focus on the story.
Bright colors, expressive characters, and clear action scenes tend to work best for young readers. And don’t forget about page layout. A well-placed illustration can keep kids engaged, turning the page to see what happens next.
Final Note
Writing a children’s book is a rewarding adventure that allows you to spark imagination, teach valuable lessons, and create stories that resonate with young readers. By focusing on memorable characters, a compelling plot, and age-appropriate storytelling, you can craft a book that stands out. Remember, the key to success lies in revising, testing your story with kids, and seeking professional help like book editing services if needed. Now that you know how to write a children’s book, it’s time to pick up your pen (or keyboard) and start creating. Your story could be the one that inspires the next generation of readers!
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I start writing a children’s book
A: Starting a children’s book begins with a clear idea. Think about your target audience—are you writing for toddlers, early readers, or middle-grade kids? Once you have an idea, create a simple outline that includes your main character, their goal, and the problem they need to solve.
Q2: What makes a children’s book character memorable?
A: Memorable characters are relatable, have clear goals, and possess unique traits that make them stand out. They should feel real to kids, whether it’s through their appearance, dialogue, or actions. For example, characters like Curious George or Fancy Nancy are unforgettable because they’re simple yet distinct.
Q3: How long should a children’s book be?
A: The length of a children’s book depends on the age group. Picture books are typically 500-800 words, while early readers range from 1,000 to 2,500 words. Chapter books for older kids can be 10,000-15,000 words. Always keep your audience’s attention span in mind.
Q4: Do I need an illustrator for my children’s book?
A: If you’re writing a picture book, illustrations are essential. You can hire a professional illustrator or collaborate with one if you’re not an artist yourself. For chapter books, illustrations are less critical but can still enhance the reading experience.
Q5: How do I market a self-published children’s book?
A: Marketing a self-published book requires a mix of online and offline strategies. Use social media to connect with parents, teachers, and librarians. Create a website or blog to showcase your book, and consider using book marketing services to reach a wider audience. Don’t forget to leverage local events like school visits or book fairs.
