Ask most avid readers what makes a great children’s book, and you’ll likely get a variety of answers. Some may point to imaginative stories, memorable characters, or beautiful illustrations. Others may highlight themes of courage, friendship or adventure. But what transforms a good children’s book into a classic?
Over the past few years, as a professional children’s book printing manufacturer, I’ve made it my mission to uncover the ingredients of timeless children’s literature. And after extensive research – plus revisiting many of my own childhood favorites – I’ve identified 5 key elements that set classics apart.
Engaging Writing That Stands Your Children’s Book the Test of Time
Let’s start off with the most fundamental requirement: the writing itself.
For a children’s book to endure decade after decade, each sentence needs to capture a young reader’s imagination and propel them through the story. The prose can’t feel stale or outdated. If the original text still feels fresh and compelling to modern children, you’re off to an excellent start.
Take the perennial favorite Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. Though originally published in 1952, White’s vivid descriptions of ordinary farm life pull children right into the setting:
“It was a fine spring morning. The sky was clear, and everything in the yard was wet with dew. Farmer Zuckerman had already been out with the milk cans…The geese on the lawn were honking.”
Just a few spare lines, but already we can see and hear the tranquil farm awakening at dawn. This quality of crisp, evocative writing persists from the iconic first line (“Where’s Papa going with that ax?”) to the poignant ending, keeping children spellbound 70+ years later.
So if you want to write a classic, ensure from page one that your words ignite young imaginations. Avoid long paragraphs or convoluted sentences that could confuse or disengage. As White demonstrated so masterfully, clear and concise prose works best.
Relatable Characters That Make Your Children’s Book Feel Like Friends
Along with engaging writing, children’s classics feature characters that readers can relate to – almost like friends they visit through the pages.
Rather than cardboard cutouts moving through a formulaic plot, these iconic characters have distinctive, sympathetic personalities. Their hopes, flaws and struggles feel real.
Anne Shirley of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables is the epitome of this quality. Though the book debuted in 1908, Anne’s dramatic mood shifts, chatty outbursts and colorfullyexpressive vocabulary endear her to children still today.
Even when scolded by adults, readers sympathize with the feisty, imaginative orphan. And they share in her camaraderie with newfound kindred spirit, Diana Barry. Almost like observing friends, young readers become absorbed in the girls’ heart-to-heart conversations about important topics like dying one’s hair green.
The upshot? If you can craft authentic characters that feel like true companions to your readers, your story has the potential to endure for generations.
Themes of Discovery, Adventure and Triumph
Great children’s stories don’t just resonate in the moment – they offer wisdom that stays with readers across their lifetimes. Often this emerges through inspirational themes that ignite young imaginations.
Themes of discovery, adventure and triumph over adversity tend to have an especially strong appeal. When portrayed in an exciting, emotionally-compelling way, these themes make children feel braver and more resilient themselves.
C.S. Lewis tapped into this magical formula with the seven books of The Chronicles of Narnia. The series epitomizes literally discovering new worlds through ordinary objects like wardrobes. Protagonists display courage while facing grave dangers far from home. And good ultimately prevails against evil despite moments of deep despair.
What child wouldn’t feel emboldened after witnessing young Lucy valiantly lead her siblings to freedom? Or seeing hope emerge from total desolation when Aslan returns from death?
The Narnia books credibly dramatize virtues that give children ethical models to emulate – cementing their status as classics kids return to again and again.
Enduring Popularity Across Generations
We’ve covered hallmarks that help children’s books feel like classics from the opening chapter. But how can you identify titles that actually stand the test of time across generations?
The surest measure is enduring, even growing popularity over decades. Does the book get handed down from parents to kids, recommended by teachers, and constantly checked out from libraries?
The picture book Goodnight Moon demonstrates remarkable longevity despite its modest beginnings in 1947. Sales started slowly but soon skyrocketed through word of mouth. Today, estimates suggest this bedtime story sells around 800,000 copies globally per year.
Such exceptional staying power signals that story elements like comforting rituals, exploration within bounds, and the reassuring refrain of “Goodnight, red balloon” appeal as much now as 75 years ago. Both the writing and illustrations apparently touch an ever-renewing childhood need.
So while early buzz doesn’t guarantee an eternal future, look for children’s books that parents and educators reliably pass on. If each new cohort of kids embraces the story, that’s the clearest indicator of classic status.
Visuals That Complement the Narrative
Finally, let’s not overlook the role of pictures in distinguishing classics like Where the Wild Things Are. While some enduring favorites don’t have illustrations, visuals do add special magic when done well.
Like memorable movie soundtracks, images in picture books and chapter books can Anchor themselves deeply into childhood memory. Long after vague plot details fade, people recall vivid scenes that moved or delighted them.
Beatrix Potter’s watercolors of playful Peter Rabbit and innocent Jemima Puddle-Duck endure because they amplify imaginary characters into touchable, huggable friends. Readers young and old cherish Potter’s uncanny blend of realism and anthropomorphism across her stories.
So compelling visuals that amplify the written story can help cement a book’s reputation as a top-tier classic. Just beware of imagery and text that feel disconnected or mismatched. Like choreography and music, these elements should unite to cast an even stronger spell.
Final Thoughts
We’ve covered the top ingredients that transform children’s books into revered classics that withstand year after year. From Anne of Green Gables to Winnie the Pooh, these stories endure because they:
- Immerse young readers in engaging worlds via excellent prose
- Befriend children through well-drawn characters
- Inspire imagination and virtue through magical themes
- Delight generation after generation via enduring popularity
- Complement narrative with charming visuals that impress
As both a writer and reader, I find it fascinating to break down what creates that elusive quality of timelessness. No doubt future decades will reveal additional dimensions from stories destined to be classics.
But for now, keeping these principles in mind provides helpful guideposts for crafting children’s books with that intangible spirit to endure.