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When we talk about writing for kids, most people automatically think about picture books–whether that’s memories of reading them to a child or listening to someone read the words when they were a child. Picture books can become beloved treasures of childhood and even be passed down from generation to generation. Here are three things to consider as you write your own picture book.
Picture books are read at naptime and bedtime. They’re read during snack time in a classroom or at the end of the school day before dismissal. They’re read on lazy Saturday mornings and while waiting in the doctor’s office waiting room.
A picture book is not meant to be read in parts. It’s meant to be read from start to finish in one sitting, with enough time for a child to look at the illustrations as well.
Books for older kids and teenagers can be read in chapters. But picture books? You should start and finish the picture book in one go.
That means that your picture book should have no more than 1,000 words–and trust me, that’s long for a picture book! And if you plan to traditionally publish, you need to get your word count between 300 and 600 words.
Maybe it’s because so many adults remember rhyming books from when they were kids. But it seems like a lot of writers think that a picture book is not a picture book if it is not written in rhyme.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Sure, some picture books rhyme. But the vast majority do not. If you are a writer who thinks in rhyme, then by all means, write a rhyming picture book. But if you’re struggling with rhyme and meter, try writing your picture book in prose. Which version better tells your story?
Picture books are written for children, usually between the ages of four and eight. But they’re not the ones who are actually reading the text. They are being read the story by someone else, such as a parent, a grandparent, a caregiver, a teacher, or an older child.
Kids at this age are learning their letters and sounds and how to put those together to make words and sentences. But their understanding of language and vocabulary is far greater than what they can actually independently read at this point. This is important for you to remember as a picture book writer. They are hearing the story, not having to decode each word on their own.
So when they hear a big word in a story, they might understand what it means without needing to be told. If it doesn’t make sense to them, they can use context clues and the illustrations to help them understand. And if that doesn’t work? There’s a more advanced reader sitting next to them who can help them make meaning from the text.
Fill your picture book with rich vocabulary, if that’s where your writing voice takes you. Your readers can handle it!
A beloved picture book won’t be read just once. As anyone around kids knows, these books are read again and again . . . and yes, again. Is your picture book up to the challenge?
📚 Check out more resources to help you write, market, and publish your book here.
📚 I offer book coaching and editing for authors of picture books, chapter books, and middle grade and YA novels. Are you ready to get started? Send me a message to tell me about your book.
Jennifer Navarre is a kidlit editor and book coach who spends her days helping authors refine their audience and their story as they develop their picture books, chapter books, and middle grade and YA novels.
She’s worked in prose and rhyme on books for kids, tweens, and teens and led presentations on writing and education at conferences across the US.
Jennifer is a part of many online writing communities as both a writer and an editor and is a champion procrastinator when getting her own stories out of her head and onto the page.
