You want to write a children’s book? At first glance, writing a children’s book might seem simple after all; they’re shorter and use simpler language than books for adults, right? But here’s the truth: crafting a children’s book that truly connects with young readers is far more challenging than it appears. It takes creativity, precision, and a deep understanding of how kids think, feel, and engage with stories.
In this guide, we’ll explore what it really takes to write a children’s book that stands out. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls, what makes a children’s story truly magical, and the steps to take if you want to publish your book and share it with the world.
Whether you’re dreaming of writing a bedtime classic or a fun-filled adventure, this blog will help set you on the right path
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When we first started writing children’s books, we thought it would be easy. Shorter stories, simpler language, how hard could it be, but reality hit hard. Three unfinished manuscripts, over fifty rejection letters, and fourteen years of learning later, we understood that writing for young readers is one of the toughest and most rewarding challenges a writer can take on.
After rethinking the approach, we just sat down and wrote Outside, a novel for young adults. We focused on creating authentic characters, a strong narrative voice, and a plot that mattered.
So yes, writing for children is tough. But it’s also magical. And this guide is here to help you write a story that young readers and publishers will fall in love with.
Here’s something many new writers don’t realize right away: saying you want to write “a children’s book” is like saying you want to cook “a meal” sure, but for whom? A baby tasting food for the first time? A hungry teenager who wants pizza? The audience makes all the difference, and it’s exactly the same when you’re writing for kids.
Your reader could be a toddler clutching a picture book with sticky fingers, a seven-year-old proudly reading their first chapter book, or a teen looking for a story that mirrors their hopes, fears, and dreams. Each of these readers needs something very different in style, language, and length.
Let’s take a quick (and fun) tour of the children’s book landscape:
Short, sweet, and powerful, usually between 300 and 1000 words. These books use rhythm, repetition, and imagery to delight little readers and their grown-ups. Writing them is an art: you have to pack magic into very few words!
These are the books that help kids fall in love with reading on their own. They’re often under 10,000 words, with simple chapters and fun illustrations that guide readers along the way.
Think 10,000 to 30,000 words of humor, adventure, and light-hearted fun. These stories often feature fast-paced plots and quirky characters that keep young readers hooked.
Now we’re getting into meatier stories, 30,000 to 60,000 words that explore bigger emotions and more complex plots. These books can be funny, scary, mysterious, sometimes all at once. And here’s the secret: adults often love them, too.
Whether it’s a 12-year-old navigating their first crush or a 16-year-old fighting dragons in a fantasy world, these books dive into the emotional highs and lows of adolescence. Word counts? Anywhere from 40,000 to 90,000, depending on genre (fantasy lovers, I see you!). Also Read:
One of the most valuable things you can do as an aspiring children’s author? Read, read, and read some more! Dive into books that are written for the age group you want to write for. And yes, children’s books aren’t just for kids. Some of the most moving, imaginative, and unforgettable stories out there were written for younger readers, and adults can absolutely enjoy them too.
A common mistake many new writers make is sticking to the classics they loved growing up. While those books will always have a special place in your heart, the publishing world and children’s tastes have changed. What sold 20 or 30 years ago might not hit the mark today. That’s why it’s so important to focus on current books, especially those fresh debut titles (because one day, you’ll be hoping readers are doing the same with your book!).
As you read, pay close attention. Take notes on things like
This kind of research doesn’t just inspire, it gives you a blueprint for writing stories that connect with today’s young readers and publishers.
Now comes the exciting part, your own story! But here’s the honest truth: children’s publishing is fiercely competitive. With so many wonderful books out there, only the most original and compelling ideas grab the attention of agents and publishers.
Don’t stress, that’s what this guide is here for. It all begins with a concept so strong that it makes an agent pause and think, “I need to read more.”
Think about some of your favorite books. You can probably sum them up in a single, eye-catching line, like:
Your idea needs tension, something fresh, and something that sparks curiosity right away. That’s what will help it stand out in today’s crowded market.
So you’ve nailed that fantastic, attention-grabbing concept, now it’s time to bring it to life with characters that young readers will remember (and root for).
The first thing to consider is that age matters. Children generally like reading about characters who are slightly older than themselves; it gives them something to look up to. For instance, in books aimed at 12-year-olds, the main character is often 13 or 14. In young adult novels, protagonists typically fall between 15 and 17 years old.
Most children’s books feature child heroes at the heart of the story. When animals or magical creatures take the lead, they almost always act and speak like kids; rarely will you see a children’s book led by grown-ups.
What qualities make characters relatable? Bravery tops the list, but remember, bravery comes in many forms. Your character doesn’t need to fight dragons to be courageous; standing up for a friend or trying something new counts, too. Kindness is another key trait, though not every hero has to be perfect all the time. And quirks matter. A unique hobby, funny habit, or special outlook makes your character feel fresh and real.
Above all, aim to create a cast of characters that kids will see themselves in, laugh with, and remember long after they’ve finished the final chapter.
When you’re planning the plot for your children’s book, always remember this golden rule:
The plot should grow from your character, not the other way around.
Your character should be the driving force behind the story’s events. If you force them into actions that don’t fit who they are, readers will sense it, and the story will feel disconnected.
That’s why, before you even think about your plot, take time to really understand your main character. Who are they? What do they want? What scares them? What makes them unique? Once you know them inside and out, the plot can naturally grow from their choices and desires.
There are lots of plotting methods out there, like the Snowflake Method or classic plot outlines. But a simple approach to start with is this:
Begin with something your character longs for.
It could be as small as hoping to win a science fair or as big as wanting to save their town from danger.
Then, create obstacles that stand in their way.
Maybe they’re unfairly disqualified from the science fair. Or their town is threatened, and no one believes them when they try to warn others.
Let the middle of your story build tension through ups and downs.
Your character might face setbacks (a failed experiment, an argument with a friend) but also find allies (a classmate with a secret talent, a kind adult who offers help). Every challenge should shape their growth.
By the climax, your character’s goal will likely have evolved.
Maybe now they care less about winning the fair and more about working as a team. Maybe they’re focused not just on saving the town, but on bringing the community together.
Finally, tie it all up with a satisfying resolution.
Show how your character has changed, answer the big questions, and resolve the key conflicts. Maybe the once-shy kid speaks up at a town meeting, or the science fair team wins because they worked together.
Now that you’ve mapped out the foundation of your story, the plot, the characters, and their journey, it’s time to think about how you’ll tell that story.
Your first decision is point of view (POV). This choice will shape how readers connect with your characters and world. The most common options in children’s fiction are:
First person (I/we): This POV gives readers direct access to your character’s thoughts and feelings. It’s often used in books for teens and young adults because it creates an immediate, personal connection.
Third person (he/she/they): This is frequently seen in books for younger children. It lets readers follow a character closely, but with a little more distance than the first person.
There’s no strict rule about which to use; some middle-grade novels use first person brilliantly, and some YA books work well in third. Try writing a scene both ways and see which feels more natural for your story.
It’s rare in children’s books because it can be tricky to pull off in a way that feels engaging and relatable. But if you have a strong reason and the skill to do it, there’s no reason not to experiment.
The voice is the personality and style that shines through in your storytelling, the rhythm, tone, and choice of words that make your story yours.
If you’re writing in first person, readers need to feel like they’re truly hearing from a child or teen. The language, humor, worries, and excitement should reflect their age, background, and personality.
If you’re using third person, aim for a warm, approachable tone that still gives us insight into the character’s heart and mind, especially for younger audiences who need clear, engaging language.
Here are a few ways to shape your voice:
Think about your character’s world, their hometown, their interests, and their fears. A kid who’s into skateboarding will use different words and references than a bookworm who loves fantasy.
Consider sentence length and structure. Do they speak in short, snappy lines, or are their thoughts more flowing and detailed?
Decide whether they use slang, local expressions, or even bits of dialect, but do this carefully to keep it readable.
Let’s talk about the world your story takes place in. When it comes to setting, there are no strict limits; your book could unfold in a magical kingdom, a house that walks on chicken legs, or right in your reader’s own neighborhood. The key is this: no matter how fantastical the setting, there should be elements that feel familiar to children.
Even in the most imaginative worlds, young readers need something they can relate to, like feeling lonely, dealing with boredom, or navigating relationships with parents or friends. These touchpoints help them feel grounded in your story, no matter how wild the adventure gets.
In realistic or contemporary stories, settings often revolve around places kids know well - home, school, parks, playgrounds, and after-school clubs. If your story is set in the here and now, including school life is usually expected, since it’s such a big part of children’s daily experiences. That said, if writing about school doesn’t excite you, consider alternative settings like summer holidays, camps, or focusing on slightly older characters who might not be in school.
For fantasy or sci-fi writers, remember to think about ordinary parts of life, home, learning, and friendships as you build your world. Even heroes on epic quests often start from familiar places or reflect on them through memories (like Katniss recalling lessons or family life in The Hunger Games).
At the end of the day, there are no fixed rules about setting in children’s books. What matters most is creating a world where young readers can see glimpses of their own experiences, no matter how extraordinary the setting.
Now comes the part where your ideas finally meet the page! You’ll find plenty of advice out there, things like “write every single day” or “never look back at your first draft.” But let’s be honest: there’s no single “right” way to write a book. Every writer has their own rhythm, and that’s what makes this creative journey so special.
Try writing daily if it helps build momentum, but if life, kids, or work get in the way, don’t beat yourself up.
Aim to keep moving forward rather than perfecting every sentence as you go, but if tweaking a scene helps you focus, that’s okay too.
The golden rule is to keep writing, however it works for you.
Here’s a secret: first drafts are messy. That’s not just normal, it’s essential. Your first draft is where you let your characters explore, stumble, and figure out where they’re going. The magic happens in the next phase: rewriting, revising, and refining.
Once you’ve got that draft down, it’s time to polish:
Before you send your story to agents or publishers, watch out for these easy-to-miss mistakes:
Try not to create characters that feel overdone, like the nagging little sister or the clueless dad. Instead, create fresh, interesting characters who feel real. Show that anyone can be kind, strong, or brave
If you’re writing about people or experiences different from your own, take time to learn about them. Read, ask questions, and talk to people who know that life. Be respectful and open to feedback.
Starting your story with a character waking up is very common. Begin with something more exciting, something that pulls readers into the action right away
Your first scene should connect to your story. Don’t start with something that has nothing to do with the rest of your book just because it’s exciting.
Pick one style for telling your story (like first person or third person) and one tense (past or present). Don’t switch around too much; it can confuse readers.
Instead of writing “he was sad,” show him wiping his eyes or sitting quietly. This helps readers feel closer to your characters.
If you’re writing a picture book, only use rhyme if it sounds natural. The story matters more than the rhyme
Too many fancy words or long descriptions can slow down your story. Simple writing is often stronger
People don’t repeat things everyone already knows. Keep conversations natural, like how people really talk.
Children want to read about kids solving problems, not adults saving the day. Let your child's character lead.
Now that you’ve written your amazing children’s book, how do you get it into readers’ hands?
The first big step for most authors is finding a literary agent. Why? Because in most cases, you’ll need an agent to approach traditional publishers. And truthfully, landing an agent isn’t easy. Many agents receive thousands of submissions each year, but might only take on one or two new authors. And of those, not every book finds a publisher.
It sounds tough, but don’t let that discourage you. We, as a top book writing and children book publishing service provider, will help you publish your children's book without any hurdles. The fact that you’re here, learning how to perfect your children’s book, shows you’re committed. And that’s exactly what it takes to stand out. Strong, original stories are what agents and publishers are looking for.
Writing for children is a rewarding journey that takes effort, patience, and passion. Young readers don’t just like books; they fall in love with them. And seeing kids connect with your story makes every step worthwhile.
If you’re serious about building a career as a children’s author, consider getting professional guidance. Sometimes, a bit of expert advice helps turn a good book into a great one that’s ready for publication.
