Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

In Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book Children Will Treasure by Lauren Bingham is a resource for those wanting to write a story for young readers or for their children. The premise is rooted in the theory that the love of reading begins when we’re children and grows as we learn about new places, history, and stories. This gives us a new adventure with every chapter and sparks the imagination with the power to take us anywhere we wish to go. The author examines what makes a good book and lays the groundwork in a guide that gives tips and insights. Each page will provide new ideas with exercises that spark inspiration and put you on the right path by helping you decide who the book is for, know what sets children’s literature apart, and how to find confidence in your work.

This is an excellent beginner's guide for those seeking to venture into children’s literature and covers various age ranges. The author takes a look at everything from early picture books to chapter books, breaking down how to get started and giving the first steps to do so. Personal blueprints are designed to help you determine the stories you want to tell, how you want to tell them, the audience you’re targeting, and where to begin. Lauren Bingham offers helpful insights, including vocabulary, reading in the genre you want to write for, familiarizing yourself with the market, and understanding the book length. Many of these topics are things you may not have thought of, such as looking out for words children may not know. These insights are helpful, and many can be used for other genres, though this book focuses specifically on children’s literature, with the goal to help every writer produce the work of their dreams. This includes how to present topics so that readers feel connected to the messages and how to structure sentences to fit the age group you’re writing for. The tone is kind and gently nudges you in the right direction, while allowing you the freedom to make choices. How to Write a Book Children Will Treasure is highly recommended for those seeking to write children’s literature, as this guide offers the steps and insight to get started.