How to Write a Children’s Book
- David Salariya
- Jul 6
- 7 min read
The First Steps Every Aspiring Author Should Know
Stepping into the world of children’s books as an author can feel like setting out on an exciting adventure. I’ve travelled this path and know that writing for children can be as rewarding as it is challenging!
Writing a Children's Book
Every book starts with an idea and that idea does not necessarily come from an author - books can be created in different ways, a book creator and designer like me can write the plan for a book and design the concept, then commission the book to expert authors and illustrators.
The greatest story commandment is:
Make me care. Andrew Stanton, Pixar filmmaker and writer.
Whether you dream of writing a picture book, an adventure novel for eight year olds, non-fiction or a chapter book series, every story begins with the same first steps.
I’ll talk you through the process, share tips, and give examples to inspire your journey toward becoming a children's book author.
First, we will get the mini answer before we head into the details.
The first steps to writing a children's book include, deciding on your genre, understanding your audience, in fiction or picture books, creating memorable characters, developing a unique idea, outlining your story, writing with simplicity, incorporating a theme, revising thoroughly, considering illustrations, and deciding between traditional or self-publishing.
Now we will get going with the first step to Writing a Children's Book
Step 1: Understand Your Audience
Writing for children requires you to put yourself in their mindset if not shoes. Kids are honest, curious, and imaginative readers and can be the harshest of critics, but they also vary greatly depending on their age group. Here’s a quick breakdown of children's book categories:
“A book is a dream that you hold in your hands.”– Neil Gaiman
Picture Books: For ages 0-5, often under 1,000 words, with original illustrations that drive the story.
Early Readers: For ages 5-8, around 1,500 words, simple language and short chapters.
Chapter Books: For ages 7-10, around 3,000-10,000 words, with illustrations sparingly included.
Middle-Grade Novels: For ages 8-12, ranging from 20,000-50,000 words, often tackling more complex themes.
Non-Fiction: Active, Browsable, Traditional, *Expository Literature, and Narrative Various ages and endless subjects.
Animals
Facts
Arts and music
Computers
History
People and places
Philosophy
Reference
Religion
Horror
Science and nature
Sports and activities
Jokes
*Expository literature is a type of non-fiction that uses a powerful voice and vivid, captivating language to creatively convey information on a specific subject. It typically features well chosen text and an inventive presentation.
Ages: 1-5
Example: If you're writing for toddlers, your text might look like this:
“The bear woke up. The sun was bright. He stretched his paws and sniffed the light.”
Simple, rhythmic language engages young readers and pairs well with illustrations.
“The best children’s books are the ones that say the most with the fewest words.” Patricia MacLachlan
Step 2: Find Your Big Idea
Every children’s book starts with a spark of an idea. This could be a character, an imaginative world, or a relatable theme. Ask yourself:
What interests and fascinates kids?
What themes or lessons will resonate with them?
How can you make your story stand out?
What is happening in the adult market -often ideas travel to younger age groups.
Tip: Keep a notebook handy for ideas. Sometimes, inspiration strikes in the middle of breakfast or during a walk in the park! Ideas generate ideas, don't get stuck to one idea - the more ideas you have the better you have to select the strongest from.
Example: Mo Willems’ Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus stands out for its humour and direct engagement with the reader. The idea is simple but unforgettable.
“If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.” Martin Luther
Step 3: Develop Memorable Characters
Children remember characters they love. Think of Winnie the Pooh, Harry Potter, or Matilda. What makes them stick in our minds? They're relatable, unique, and have clear goals.
Questions to ask yourself:
What does my character want?
What obstacles stand in their way?
How will they grow by the end of the story?
Example: If you’re creating a mischievous mouse who wants to open a bakery, think about how their size could create challenges:
“Max had a big dream and tiny paws. How would he roll dough or reach the oven?”
“You can’t write a good children’s book unless you give the child inside you a chance to speak.” Maurice Sendak
Step 4: Outline Your Story
A strong structure is crucial, even for the simplest of stories. Start by mapping out your plot:
Beginning: Introduce your main character and their world.
Middle: Present a problem or adventure that challenges them.
End: Resolve the conflict and show how the character has changed.
Example: In The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, the mouse’s cleverness leads him through a series of escalating encounters, culminating in a triumphant twist.
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”Pablo Picasso
Step 5: Write with Your Reader in Mind
Children’s books need a balance of engaging language and simplicity. Keep sentences short, use vivid imagery, and embrace repetition or rhyme where appropriate.
Tips
Use active voice:
“Sophie jumped over the puddle” is more dynamic than “The puddle was jumped over by Sophie.”
Create sensory experiences:
“The cake smelled like cinnamon and clouds of sugar.”
Example: Consider Dr. Seuss’s playful rhythm in Green Eggs and Ham:
“I do not like them in a box. I do not like them with a fox.”
“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” C.S. Lewis
Step 6: Incorporate a Theme or Lesson
Great children’s books often teach something without being preachy. Whether it’s about kindness, courage, or embracing differences, weave the message naturally into the story.
Example: In The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister, the lesson about sharing is gently delivered through the fish’s journey, rather than spelt out explicitly.
Step 7: Illustrations – Collaborating with an Artist
If you’re writing a picture book, illustrations are just as important as the words. You don’t need to be an artist yourself, but you should think visually.
How to describe scenes: Give enough detail so the illustrator knows what you envision but leave room for their creativity.
Finding an illustrator: If you’re self-publishing, look for artists on platforms like Behance or Fiverr or Instagram. Remember that illustrators are working and it is not a hobby, they will have family and commitments so don't try to pull a fast one by offering ludicrously small fees. If you’re going the traditional route, publishers will pair authors with illustrators.
Tip: Create a “dummy” book with sketches or placeholders to see how the text flows with images.
“A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it.” Samuel Johnson
Step 8: Revise, Revise, Revise
No first draft is perfect. Editing is where the magic happens. Read your story aloud to hear its rhythm and spot awkward sentences. An editor is definitly needed - hire an editor for self-publishing. Traditional Publishing, the publisher will contract an editor.
Tips for Revising:
Cut unnecessary words.
Check for consistency in tone and language.
Seek feedback from parents, teachers, or other writers.
Example: Instead of saying, “The small rabbit hopped quickly to the other side of the field because he was very afraid,” you might write, “The rabbit dashed to safety.”
“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” Walt Disney
Step 9: Choose Your Path: Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing
Once your manuscript is polished, it’s time to think about publishing.
Traditional Publishing
Submit your manuscript to literary agents or publishers.
They’ll handle editing, illustrations, printing, and marketing.
Research publishers who specialise in children’s books (e.g., Penguin Random House or Scholastic).
Write a compelling query letter. Highlight your story’s unique qualities and include a short bio.
Self-Publishing
You control everything - from editing to marketing.
Use platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or IngramSpark.
Hire professionals for illustrations, editing, and formatting to ensure quality.
Example: Self-published author Drew Daywalt found great success with The Day the Crayons Quit, which became a bestseller.
“Writing for children is an art in itself, and a most interesting one." Enid Blyton
Step 10: Share Your Book with the World
Marketing is key, whether you’re traditionally published or self-published. Build an online presence to connect with readers, parents, and educators.
Tips for Marketing:
Create a website and social media profiles.
Host readings at schools, libraries, or bookstores.
Reach out to book bloggers or influencers.
Example: Many children’s authors use Instagram to show behind-the-scenes glimpses of their writing process and illustrations.
Final Thoughts: Take the Leap
Writing a children’s book is a labour of love, but the joy it brings to young readers makes every moment worthwhile.
Remember, your story could be the one that sparks a child’s imagination or becomes a cherished bedtime favourite.
So grab your pen, pencil (or laptop), let your creativity flow, and take the first steps toward becoming a children’s book author and aim to see your new book at the Bologna Book Fair..
“Fairy tales are more than true - not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” G.K. Chesterton
David Salariya has been making books for children since dinosaurs roamed the Earth (or at least since the 1970s). He started as a freelance illustrator, became a designer, then a publisher, and now wears all three hats - usually at once. Along the way, he’s created bestselling series (Inside Story/Spectacular Visual guides, Danger Zone, You Wouldn’t Want to Be...) and developed a suspicious fondness for ancient pyramids, plagues, and misunderstood monsters.
David believes every children’s book begins with a question - and occasionally ends with a scribbling crayon. He’s a strong advocate for the power of the pencil, the underrated genius of picture books, and the idea that children are the most discerning (and brutally honest) readers on the planet. www.davidsalariya.com
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