Updated August 1, 2025
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 yours is the book that kids ask their parents for again and again. Though writing for children is rewarding—it's also one of the most misunderstood genres in publishing.
A truly successful children’s book isn’t just "easy to write"—it’s thoughtfully created, perfectly fits its age group, and genuinely speaks to young readers’ hearts and imaginations. Whether you’re crafting a picture book or a middle grade novel, these six friendly tips will help guide you through the process.
1. Understand & Write to Your Target Age Group
Understanding your audience is crucial—it shapes your story's tone, vocabulary, content, and overall structure. Though it can be tricky appealing to children, as they're a more challenging target market than they first appear, don't give up. Put on your thinking cap, do your research, and make sure you're taking the right writing approach.
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Picture Books (Ages 2–6): Simple sentences, repetition, fewer than 1,000 words
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Early Readers (Ages 6–8): Basic vocabulary, strong structure, short chapters
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Middle Grade (Ages 8–12): Complex plots, deeper character development, more nuanced themes
Have a thorough review of the formats, layouts, and language used in each age group. Notice the subtle differences? There are more syllables used, heavier themes, and more suspense as the age of the reader matures. Find a book and an author that really appeals to you and allow them to influence you.
2. Focus on a Strong, Central Theme
The most memorable children’s books all center around one meaningful theme, such as kindness, curiosity, friendship, or courage. Kids are great at picking up on messages, and they love stories that let them discover the theme on their own.
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Let the theme shine through in the way your characters act and what they say, allowing readers to discover and enjoy the theme naturally
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Skip the clichés and obvious lessons—let your characters grow and learn in ways that feel real and relatable for your readers.
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Reinforce the message subtly throughout the story as it unfolds
3. Create Relatable, Age-Appropriate Characters
Children connect with stories when the characters reflect their own adventures, dreams, and challenges. Make your character relatable whether it's a curious kid, a playful animal, or a brave tween. Give them real challenges to overcome, and let them take the lead in overcoming them, instead of relying on adults to save the day.
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Create characters who feel real to your readers—flaws, quirks, hopes, and fears included
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Have those characters grow through conflict and challenge
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Children love feeling in control—make your hero the driver of the action
4. Write the Way Children Like to Read
Children today are savvy, creative, and more diverse in their tastes than ever before. They'll notice quickly if you're talking down to them. Language should flow naturally throughout, whether children will be reading aloud to others or reading alone. Keep sentences short and active.
- Use vibrant, sensory language that captures their attention
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For younger readers, repetition and rhythm can improve readability and make stories fun to read aloud
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For older children, add layers of emotion and authentic dialogue while still maintaining clarity
5. Keep the Story Moving
Children have short attention spans, so every word matters. You need to hook them fast and keep the momentum going. For early readers, stick to one central conflict. For middle grade, raise emotional or interpersonal stakes that keep readers turning the page.
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Grab interest quickly: open with action, curiosity, or conflict
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Stick to one core conflict for younger audiences, escalate tension appropriately for middle grade
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Move the story forward consistently—cut out any extra fluff that doesn't belong
6. Think Visually
For picture books, visuals are just as important as words. If illustration isn't your strength, team up with an illustrator. Great things happen when you collaborate.
- Write in scenes and leave room for illustrations to tell part of the story
- Avoid explaining in words what the artwork can show readers on its own
- Even for older readers, adding visuals like spot art, maps, or fun chapter headers can make the reading experience more engaging and enjoyable
7. Plan Your Marketing Campaign
Though you'll need to be diligent with your marketing strategies for children's book, you can still make it fun!
- If you're publishing a picture book, offer downloadable coloring pages online or activity sheets on your website
- Record a video of yourself reading the book aloud and add music or motion effects.—post it to YouTube, Instagram, and/or TikTok
- Partner with a local indie bookstore, library, or parenting group to host a live launch party for your book
Happy writing and remember to keep it short and simple!
