Writing prompts, craft guides, publishing advice, and everything you need to create children's stories that matter.
A cloud that forgets how to rain. A teddy bear that comes alive only on Tuesdays. A family of shoes that live under the bed. A fish who wants to climb a tree. Simple, visual, emotional. 500 words max.
A kid discovers their pet can talk — but only in riddles. A magic lunchbox that transports you to wherever the food came from. A tree that grows a different fruit every day. 1,000-3,000 words. Short chapters.
A group of kids finds a map to a place that shouldn't exist. A new student who might be from a different time period. A contest where the stakes are higher than anyone realizes. 20,000-50,000 words. Real plots, real stakes.
First love during a crisis. Discovering a family secret that changes everything. Choosing between two impossible options. 50,000-80,000 words. Complex characters, mature themes handled with care.
Don't write 'She was sad.' Write 'She picked up the cereal box and put it back without opening it.' Kids are smarter than you think. Trust them to understand emotions from actions.
Every children's book should be read aloud before publishing. How does it sound? Where do the rhythms land? Where does a kid laugh? Where do they get bored? Your ear is your best editor.
If you're writing a picture book, DON'T describe what the illustrator should draw. Instead, leave room for the art. If the text says 'she was happy,' the art shows HOW. They complement, not duplicate.
Kids detect fake instantly. Don't talk down. Don't moralize. Don't be cute. Be honest. The best children's books work because the author respected the reader's intelligence.