Children’s book authors are often inspired to revisit their youth and consider the world from a child’s perspective, many times after watching their own children and grandchildren. Judi Eastwood was inspired to write the Dragon trilogy after watching her daughter playing outside. “The books were born out of a true experience with my daughter. It started out as one book and has grown to a trilogy,” said Eastwood. The market for children’s books has become a popular genre for publishers, and with proper planning and effective execution, you can fulfill your own dream of writing a captivating tale for children of all ages.
Creating a Concept for your Book
Before writing and illustrating the story for a children’s book, it is essential to develop an overall concept for the project. By defining the book’s concept, you can determine how the theme, plot, characters, setting, tone and illustrations will all work together to present your overall vision for the book. Dana Leahy, author of Ciao Bambino! and Bonjour L’Enfant!, wanted to write books that introduce children to new languages and culture in a fun and refreshing way. “My books are very interactive, playful stories that can teach while entertaining,” said Leahy. “Writing stories my own children can enjoy, while also spreading that passion for language and culture is a wonderful feeling.”
Choosing the narration style for your story is another defining aspect of your writing. Children’s books are usually narrated from an omniscient third person point of view, usually an adult narrator, or a first person perspective inside a child’s mind. Third person narration tends to be more effective with elementary age children in picture books, while middle school and young adult readers tend identify with first person narration. Either way, a good children’s story has an even mix of narration and dialogue.
Writing for a young audience requires all the elements of a good story—well developed characters, conflict and plot resolution and an underlying theme—and these elements must be condensed into less text than one average chapter. ‘Less is more’ is a good rule of thumb when catering to young readers, who prefer short words, short sentences and short paragraphs. As the word count in your story decreases, each word becomes more significant and meaningful. The illustrations in your book can complement your narration and replace detailed description of character and setting.
Illustrations Bring Your Story to Life
In most children’s books illustrations play an integral role in the storytelling and plot development because children spend years learning about the world visually before they can read. Picture books help young children to learn to read by presenting text and images that work together. “Even if a child is still learning to read, pictures may be central to following the story,” said Kelly Barrow, art director at AuthorHouse. “Intriguing illustrations can mean the difference between a parent or child being drawn into a book or passing it up for one that is more appealing.”
Before hiring an illustrator to collaborate on the project, you should have a firm grasp on the concept of your story, along with a completed draft. Having an idea of the style of illustration you want in your book, the setting of the illustrations and the number of total images you’ll need will help you select an illustrator who is right for the project.
After writing the manuscript for Ciao Bambino!, Leahy interviewed over 10 artists before choosing Gabhor Utomo to illustrate her book. Leahy had the artists read over her manuscript and look at sketches she had done herself before asking them to submit sketches of their own ideas for the book. “The illustrations are a critical component of my book, and I wanted to make sure I had the right illustrator,” says Leahy. “I had my own vision for the book, and Gabhor had his unique vision, so we had to work together to create images we were both happy with.”
The relationship between the writer and the illustrator can become quite a dynamic partnership. After interviewing several local artists, Eastwood approached award-winning artist Carl Kocich about illustrating Dragon. “After reviewing my manuscript, he returned an edited version and agreed to the project,” said Eastwood. “We have a great relationship, as he is amazing at interpreting text and envisioning the accompanying illustration. Now that we’re working on the third book, he’s giving me ideas about the storyline in addition to the illustration.”
If you’re searching for an illustrator for your children’s book, AuthorHouse has an in-house art studio that can create custom illustrations for your book. Barrow, who published her own children’s book On a Roof with No Chimney, How Does Santa Get In?, has illustrated hundreds of children’s books. “Publishing an illustrated children’s book can be a daunting and intimidating endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be,” said Barrow. “AuthorHouse can produce high quality illustrations, edit your text and design your book—all in one location. It doesn’t get any easier than that.”
Like any creative project, writing a successful children’s book requires a significant investment of time and resources. Eastwood, who won the ForeWord Book of the Year award in juvenile fiction for Dragon, believes that the effort is well worth it in the end. “After years of writing and waiting on traditional publishers, I know it can be a lot of hard work,” said Eastwood. “But if you are persistent, believe in your work and have a story to tell, you can achieve your goals.”
