How to Start Writing a Children’s Book: Complete 6-Step Guide

So you want to know how to start writing a children’s book.

Here’s the deal:

Writing for kids isn’t just about rhyming words and cute animals. It’s a legitimate craft that requires understanding your audience, mastering specific constraints, and telling compelling stories in very few words.

As a professional children’s book printing manufacturer, I’ve analyzed hundreds of successful children’s books and talked to dozens of authors. And in this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to get started.

In fact, these are the same strategies that helped authors like Mo Willems and Julia Donaldson break into the industry.

Let’s dive right in.

Why Children’s Books Are Different (And Why That Matters)

Here’s something most people don’t realize:

Children’s books have some of the strictest guidelines in all of publishing.

Why?

Because you’re not just writing for kids. You’re writing for parents, teachers, librarians, and gift-buyers too.

And get this:

According to recent data, the children’s book market grew 8.9% in 2021. That’s faster than the overall book market.

But here’s the catch:

The average picture book contains only 500-800 words. That means every single word needs to earn its place.

The 4 Types of Children’s Books You Can Write

First things first:

You need to pick your category.

Why is this so important?

Because each category has different rules for word count, age groups, and content expectations.

1. Board Books (Ages 0-3)

• Word count: 0-100 words
• Focus: Simple concepts, bright colors, sturdy pages
• Example: “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown

2. Picture Books (Ages 3-8)

• Word count: 300-800 words
• Focus: Strong story arc with illustrations carrying half the narrative
• Example: “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak

3. Early Readers (Ages 5-9)

• Word count: 100-2,500 words
• Focus: Simple vocabulary, short chapters, some illustrations
• Example: “Frog and Toad” series by Arnold Lobel

4. Chapter Books (Ages 7-10)

• Word count: 1,000-10,000 words
• Focus: More complex plots, fewer illustrations
• Example: “Magic Tree House” series by Mary Pope Osborne

Pro tip: Start with picture books. They’re the most popular category and give you the best shot at breaking in.

How to Start Writing a Children’s Book

Step 1: Find Your “Big Idea”

Every great children’s book starts with a compelling concept.

But here’s what most people get wrong:

They think they need a completely original idea.

The truth? You don’t.

What you need is a fresh take on a universal theme.

For example:

• “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” = counting book + metamorphosis
• “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” = saying no + humor
• “Corduroy” = friendship + wanting to belong

How to Generate Story Ideas That Work

Here’s my proven process:

1. Start with a universal childhood experience

• First day of school
• Losing a tooth
• Making friends
• Dealing with siblings

2. Add a unique twist

• What if the tooth fairy was afraid of teeth?
• What if vegetables came alive at night?
• What if your shadow had its own personality?

3. Test your concept with this formula:
“What if [familiar situation] but [unexpected twist]?”

I call this the “High Concept Test.”

If you can’t explain your book idea in one sentence, it’s probably too complicated.

Step 2: Know Your Audience (Really Know Them)

Here’s a stat that might surprise you:

68% of people won’t return to a site with poor user experience.

The same principle applies to children’s books.

If you don’t understand your audience, they won’t connect with your story.

Age Group Characteristics You Need to Know

Ages 0-3:

• Attention span: 3-5 minutes
• Love: Repetition, rhymes, bright colors
• Themes: Basic concepts (colors, shapes, emotions)

Ages 4-6:

• Attention span: 10-15 minutes
• Love: Humor, adventure, relatable characters
• Themes: Friendship, problem-solving, imagination

Ages 7-9:

• Attention span: 20-30 minutes
• Love: Series books, mysteries, fantasy
• Themes: Independence, fairness, fitting in

Bottom line? Write for one specific age group. Not “all kids.”

Step 3: Create Characters Kids Will Love

Characters make or break your children’s book.

Here’s why:

Kids need to see themselves in your characters. Or see who they want to become.

The 3 Elements of Memorable Characters

1. A Clear Want
Your character must want something specific. Not just “to be happy” but something concrete like:

• Finding their lost teddy bear
• Making it to school on time
• Winning the talent show

2. A Relatable Flaw
Perfect characters are boring. Give them struggles kids understand:

• Too shy to speak up
• Always losing things
• Can’t tie their shoes

3. Growth Through Action
Your character should solve their own problem (with some help). They can’t be passive.

Example: In “Corduroy,” the bear actively searches for his missing button. He doesn’t just wait for someone to fix it for him.

Step 4: Structure Your Story Like a Pro

Most children’s books follow a three-act structure.

But here’s the kicker:

You need to nail this structure in 32 pages or less.

The Picture Book Structure That Works

Pages 1-7: Setup

• Introduce character
• Establish their world
• Present the problem

Pages 8-24: Rising Action

• Character tries to solve problem
• Fails 2-3 times (rule of three)
• Stakes increase each time

Pages 25-30: Climax & Resolution

• Character has breakthrough
• Problem gets solved
• Character has changed

Pages 31-32: Satisfying Ending

• Tie up loose ends
• Leave reader with warm feeling
• Often circles back to beginning

Pro tip: Picture books are typically 32 pages. That’s industry standard. Plan accordingly.

Step 5: Write Your First Draft (The Right Way)

Here’s where most people mess up:

They try to write perfectly from the start.

Don’t do that.

Instead, follow what I call the “Ugly First Draft” method:

The Ugly First Draft Method

1. Write it all out

• Don’t worry about word count
• Don’t worry about rhyming
• Just get the story down

2. Read it aloud

• This is non-negotiable
• Children’s books are meant to be read aloud
• You’ll catch awkward phrases immediately

3. Cut ruthlessly

• Remove every unnecessary word
• If it doesn’t move the story forward, it goes
• Aim to cut 50% on first revision

4. Add rhythm (not necessarily rhyme)

• Focus on sentence flow
• Vary sentence lengths
• Create natural pauses

Here’s an example of revision in action:

First draft: “The little brown rabbit was very sad because he couldn’t find his favorite carrot anywhere in the garden.”

Revised: “Rabbit searched everywhere. No carrot.”

See the difference? Same information, 75% fewer words.

Step 6: Handle Illustrations (Even If You Can’t Draw)

Big misconception:

You need illustrations before submitting to publishers.

You don’t.

In fact, publishers prefer to choose their own illustrators.

What You Should Do Instead

1. Write illustration notes (sparingly)
Only include notes when visual information is crucial to the story.

Format: [Rabbit hides under the hat, but his ears stick out]

2. Think visually while writing

• Vary your scenes
• Create opportunities for visual humor
• Leave room for illustrations to tell part of the story

3. Create a dummy book

• Take 16 sheets of paper
• Fold in half
• Number pages 1-32
• Write your text where it would appear
• Sketch rough scene ideas (stick figures are fine)

This helps you see if your pacing works.

Common Mistakes That Kill Children’s Books

After analyzing hundreds of manuscripts, here are the top mistakes I see:

Mistake #1: Writing Down to Kids

Kids are smarter than you think. Don’t patronize them.

Mistake #2: Forcing a Moral

Let the lesson emerge naturally from the story. Don’t hit readers over the head with it.

Mistake #3: Adult Humor

That joke that makes adults laugh? Kids won’t get it. Write for your actual audience.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Word Count

If publishers want 800 words max, 1,200 words isn’t “close enough.”

Mistake #5: Passive Voice

“The ball was thrown by Sarah” → “Sarah threw the ball”

Active voice is always stronger, especially for young readers.

Your Next Steps

Writing children’s books is both harder and more rewarding than most people realize.

The constraints force you to become a better writer. Every word must earn its place.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Choose your age group (I recommend starting with picture books)
2. Study 10 successful books in that category
3. Write your ugly first draft using the structure above
4. Join a critique group specifically for children’s writers
5. Revise until every word sings

Remember:

The best children’s books look simple but aren’t. They’re carefully crafted to delight both kids and adults.

That’s the secret to books that get read again and again.

And that’s exactly how to start writing a children’s book that has a real shot at success.