Not reading children’s books

If you do not enjoy children’s books, chances are that this is not the genre in which you were meant to write. If you have barely read any children’s literature in years, this again could be an indication that this is not your genre. You should first enjoy the story that you want to tell before writing it to be read by strangers. Reading other children’s books also helps you identify what works and what does not. The more you read books in this genre, the better you will get at writing books that belong in it.

Using too many words

In children’s books, pictures tell as much, if not more, as words do. When creating your story and writing it down, consider what part of the story will be told through illustrations and what can only be narrated through words. This way, you will minimize your word count and only concentrate on the words that need to be in the work. Concentrate on the plot also and simplify the story as much as you can so that you do not have to keep explaining.

In Frango & Chicken, a children’s book written by Elena Stowell, two unusual friends encourage each other to achieve the impossible. Set in the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro, the work includes beautiful artwork that reflects the day to day life of the city’s residents. The words used in the work are minimal, mostly averaging to less than five lines in pages where they appear. The rest of the space in the book is taken up by the artwork. The paintings are colorful and eye-catching, showing the culture of the people and activities children enjoy in their neighborhoods.

Another children’s book that efficiently utilizes its pages to show the bond between the main character, Zeke, and his owner is Adventures of Zeke: Nature Walk by Kelly Robertson. The beautiful pictures of nature automatically transport the reader to a world of tranquillity where it is a calm and bright day for the dog owner and her pet to enjoy a day out. The pictures are bright, showing beautiful greenery, a blue sky, and a calm lake. Sentences are minimized to only one per page.

Downplaying the children’s roles in the books with adult roles

Children are interested in reading stories about other children. In such stories, they can see themselves participating in the story and they can connect with the characters and their experiences. Using adults, especially those with no relation to the children, in the work as the main characters will obstruct the primary reason for the book. The children in the story should not just play a supportive part in the work; they should be the principal drivers in the book. Only include adults if your theme ties to their role and, even so, let them be supportive characters. Children’s books should be about children - adult participation should, therefore, be minimal.

Whatever story you decide to tell a young audience, write as a child experiencing the events in the book.