Writing a children’s book: Your dream of writing your own book

Writing a children’s book is more than just inventing a story – it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in a world full of magic, adventure and unforgettable moments. Perhaps you yourself dreamed of following in the footsteps of your favourite heroes as a child, or wondered what would have happened if your teddy bear had come to life at night. Now is the time to bring such stories to life – for the young readers who desperately need them.

In this article, I will accompany you on your journey to writing your own children’s book – from the initial idea to publication. Let’s get started!

Why write a children’s book?

Children’s books are much more than just stories. They are treasure troves of imagination that inspire children and make their world a little bit bigger. With your own children’s book, you can:

• Convey values: Your characters can exemplify courage, friendship and helpfulness.
• Inspire children: Imagine a child with sparkling eyes taking your book off the shelf and reading it!
• Leave a legacy: Good stories are passed on – from generation to generation.

Think of Astrid Lindgren: with Pippi Longstocking, she created a character who still makes children’s hearts beat faster today. Perhaps you also have an idea, a treasure trove of stories inside you, waiting to be realised and told.

The target audience: Who should read your children’s book?

Not all children’s books are the same – there are many different age groups with different needs:

• 0–3 years: At this age, picture books with large, colourful illustrations and few, simple words are popular. Examples include classics such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
• 4–6 years: Stories that convey values with imagination and humour are very popular in this age group. One example is the book The Gruffalo.
• 7–9 years: Children of this age can already read. They find chapter books and children’s novels with exciting content, such as The Little Dragon Coconut, very interesting.
• 10–12 years: At this age, children’s books begin to address more complex topics such as friendship, courage and identity. Some examples of this are Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and The School of Magical Animals.

The brilliant idea: where imagination begins

The search for the perfect idea can seem overwhelming, but often it’s right under your nose. Here are a few inspirations:

• Look closely: Observe how children interact with the world. A stone by the side of the path can be a magical amulet for them.
• Ask unusual questions: What if the moon could talk to you? Or a little girl could control the rain?
• Draw on your childhood: Do you remember your favourite toy or the adventures you imagined in your garden?

The main character: The spark that brings the story to life

Your main character is the heart of your story. They should be so vivid that children can identify with them or empathise with them.

• Identification: For example, a brave boy who is afraid of nothing – except the dark.
• Uniqueness: How about a mouse who dreams of becoming a pilot, even though she is afraid of heights?
• Emotions: Characters who laugh, cry and dream stay in children’s memories.

The plot: Exciting and suitable for children

Children love stories with structure – a beginning, middle and end are a must. At the same time, there must be plenty of excitement. If you would like to learn more about plot, please take a look at my blog article on writing plots for children’s books.

• A problem and a solution: A lost kitten searches for its way home and meets many friends along the way.
• Surprise moments: The supposedly evil wizard turns out to be a charming storyteller.
• A touch of magic: Perhaps the lost kitten is not an ordinary kitten after all?

Language: Simple, lively and full of heart

The language of your children’s book should be clear and understandable, yet exciting at the same time:

• Short, clear sentences: Younger children in particular quickly lose attention when faced with long texts.
• Linguistic games: Rhymes, funny puns and alliterations such as ‘Funny Lottie loves lemonade’ are fun.
• Dialogues: They bring your characters to life – let them speak as children would.

Illustrations: A picture is worth a thousand words

Illustrations play a particularly important role in children’s books. They are the key to children’s imaginations. In my blog article on illustrating children’s books, you can find out more about illustrating for children’s books. Feel free to write to me and tell me about your idea. I would love to illustrate your children’s book.

• Find an illustrator: Look at different styles and find someone who shares your vision.
• Collaboration: Share your ideas, but also leave room for creative suggestions.

Revising: Fine-tuning your book

No children’s book is perfect at the first draft. Read your text aloud to make sure it sounds fluent. Get feedback from parents and children and be open to constructive criticism.

The final step: publishing the book

Now it’s getting serious: your book is set to conquer the world! You have two options:

• Publishing with a publisher: Professional, but often time-consuming.
• Self-publishing: Platforms such as Amazon or BoD enable you to publish your book independently.

Conclusion: Every great journey begins with a single step.

Writing a children’s book is an exciting, creative journey – and the best part is that you get to design it yourself! There are no wrong ideas, only stories waiting to be told. So grab a piece of paper, write down your first idea and let your imagination run wild.

Who knows – maybe soon a child will hold your book in their hands and dream of being a hero or heroine in a story themselves. 😊