Again, G’Ma. Again!
Nothing beats the excitement of kids who discover a book that fires their imagination and speaks passionately to them.
They can’t get enough of it and want it read time and time again … each time, finding more delight.
You’d give anything to have your book resonate like that,
wouldn’t you?
And so it can … with just a few tweaks, sprinkled with some secret ingredients.
Let’s check them out …
- Claim Your Why
So, why have you decided to write a children’s book in the first place? What were your motivating factors? Turns out there are many.
Let’s consider a few:
Giving kids a motivational You Can Do It fist bump…
Most children’s authors express a deep desire to help kids come to terms with their deepest fears and motivate these young readers to find the courage to resolve their problems.
Bringing on the fun…
We all know that kids are all about fun, giggles, and laughter. With that inspiration in mind, a children’s author seeks to delight her young readers, making them smile, enjoy the story, and feel eager to read more.
Providing a comforting virtual hug…
A children’s author speaks to kids at a deeply personal level, putting them at ease with a voice of comfort, warmth, and empathy. Kids love their books because they feel This writer gets me!
Sharing your unique voice…
Your love of writing, together with the joy of sharing your unique voice with the children of the world are powerful motivators for children’s authors.
Just as it is for writers of all genres, a kids’ author must have the ability to delight, intrigue and engage readers with her storytelling ability and character development.
- Include Whimsical Illustrations
One key factor with kids’ books, of course, is that they have enchanting illustrations on every page.
Great pictures sustain interest and keep kids’ minds focused on the story.
Kids see themselves, their friends, and family in the illustrations, and this makes the story all the more fun and relatable.
- Keep It Short & Sweet
Spoiler Alert … Our kids get bored easily!
So, don’t press your luck by writing long, drawn-out stories, or padding each paragraph with superfluous detail.
Economy of expression is the name of the game.
Let your pictures do the talking too. That way, your kids’ imagination tells the other half of the story.
- Weave a Powerful Message into Your Story
Your children’s book shouldn’t simply be a source of entertainment. It is a golden opportunity to address the fears and insecurities of this vulnerable demographic, but in a subtle, unobtrusive way.
Bullying at school, feelings of insecurity, the need to fit in and belong, are all powerful themes that kids struggle with privately.
Imagine how comforting it is to be able to identify with a picture book hero who faces similar challenges … yet overcomes them all on her own.
Make your story empowering …one that highlights the hero’s journey, as she faces her most challenging fear to her final victory and validation.
But this inner journey must remain implicit. The young reader will get it even if it remains discreetly tucked within the pages.
- Perfect Your Language & Writing Style
The language in your children’s book should be clearly expressed, simple, and age appropriate … but never boring. Include lots of direct speech, written just as kids would speak.
Show, Don’t Tell is the mantra.
Rather than writing, Debbie cried herself to sleep that night, perhaps you could say, Debbie tossed and turned in bed that night. Her tummy hurt and her pillow was soaked.
Paragraphs should be short and crisp with lots of white space.
Don’t be afraid, though, to introduce turns of phrase or grammatical constructions considered a little above your hero’s skill set. As long as the context is crystal clear, this is a great way to stretch young minds and increase your readers’ vocabulary.
- Say What?
Most children’s books are read aloud, either by the child or adults in their world. You should also read your own book aloud to yourself as you edit it to ensure that your story flows easily, and your transitions from scene to scene are effortless. If it’s good to go from that standpoint, you can
feel confident that your young readers will comfortably relate to your book’s characters and plot.
There can be nothing more gratifying to a children’s book author than to succeed in fostering a love of reading and firing the imagination of your young tribe of eager fans.
And, as for the kids themselves …
To see their darkest fear echoed in the hero’s plight, and triumphantly resolved by the story’s end, is a richly rewarding bonus.
One that, to be sure, gives as much satisfaction to the writer as the reader.
- Spread the Joy
Kids are all about having fun, and reading a picture book should be no exception.
Remember, reading your book should not be a chore, but a delightful, creative, fun experience, that should leave a child with a wide grin on her face as she arrives at The End.
It is up to you, the writer, to leave your young reader engaged, entranced, and eager for more of your creative endeavors.
Don’t let her down. You can do it!
Barbara Ann Elder Kids' Books 