It’s common to think how easy it must be to write children’s books, dreaming of a shiny pile of colorful book covers, hoping that your children’s book is the one that children will like most. But it’s not as simple as you dream. You need to put a lot of time and effort into writing children’s books that are of high quality, have a great story, and will teach kids something new.
It doesn’t matter whether you want to become a writer, wants to create something for your child, or want to interest your pupils as a school teacher. Children’s books must be fascinating, engaging, and keep the attention of the young reader. Here are some tips to get you started:
Table of Contents
#1. Keep it simple
When you’re just starting out, don’t try to write the next Harry Potter. Write something short, sweet, and to the point. A good children’s story should be no more than 1,000 words. And don’t forget to include pictures! With this book creator, it is simple even if you can’t draw at all. If you have a bigger idea for a novel, divide it into separate stories or at least chapters. It will be much easier for children to perceive it and stay interested.
#2. Make it relatable
Write about things that kids can relate to, like going to school, making friends, or learning to read and write. These are all topics that children can easily identify with and will be interested in reading about. Make a list of ideas that might interest a kid and start with the strongest ones. Of course, it is much simpler if you have kids as many adults don’t remember their pre-school or school days so well to easily come up with the most engaging topics.
#3. Add a moral
Children’s books are a great opportunity to teach kids about important life lessons, like sharing, being kind, or working hard. Make sure to add a moral to your story so that kids can take away something valuable from it. It should be simple and quite obvious but there is no need to state it right away. Let a child come to it on their own terms.
#4. Use strong verbs
Verbs are an important part of any story but they are especially important in children’s books. Use strong verbs to describe the action taking place and make it more exciting for kids. For example, instead of saying “He walked to the store,” you could say “He strutted to the store.” This will add some flair to your writing and make it more fun for kids to read.
#5. Be descriptive
Use descriptive language to set the scene and paint a picture in the reader’s mind. This will help kids visualize what is happening in the story and make it more interesting for them. For example, instead of saying “The house was big,” you could say “The house was as big as a castle.”
#6. Use simple sentences
Keep your sentences short and sweet. This will make them easier for kids to understand and follow along with. If a sentence is too long or complicated, break it up into shorter ones. For example, you could say “He wanted to buy a new toy” instead of “He wanted to purchase a brand new, never used before toy from the store.”
#7. Repeat words and phrases
Repetition is key in children’s books. It helps kids learn new words and remember important information. Repeating words and phrases also makes stories more fun to read aloud. So, don’t be afraid to use repetition in your writing.
#8. Get feedback
Once you’ve written your children’s book, it’s essential to get feedback from someone who knows a lot about writing. This could be a family member, a friend, or even a professional editor. They will be able to tell you what works well and what needs to be improved.
Final Words
Writing a children’s book can be a fun and rewarding experience. Just remember to keep it simple, relatable, and moral. And don’t forget to use strong verbs, descriptive language, and simple sentences. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to writing a great children’s book. Don’t hesitate to start writing today!