Writing a children’s novel is a unique and rewarding endeavour, requiring a blend of imagination, sensitivity and simplicity. Children’s books aren’t just simplified versions of adult novels; rather, they cater to different developmental stages, interests and reading abilities, aiming to entertain while often subtly educating. From the type of language used to the moral and ethical undertones, crafting a story for young readers requires a nuanced understanding of their world. A successful children’s novel should captivate its audience, impart life lessons and encourage a love for reading. Below are some ideas to help you write a children’s novel.
How a children’s novel differs from normal stories
Children’s novels vary significantly from those written for adults in terms of style, tone, themes and complexity. While adult books might delve into complex moral conflicts or sophisticated emotional landscapes, children’s novels typically approach themes more simply and directly. They use age-appropriate language and focus on concrete ideas that resonate with young minds, like friendship, courage and adventure. Children’s stories are also typically shorter, paced to hold attention and straightforward enough for young readers to follow without confusion. However, writing for children is still highly challenging as it requires balancing simplicity with depth.
Relatable characters and exciting settings
Character-driven plots are another hallmark of children’s novels, with relatable protagonists that children can connect with. Such stories usually incorporate a journey or challenge where young characters display growth, resilience or learning, making them inspiring and relevant.
Furthermore, children’s novels often feature vivid settings that bring imagination to life – whether a magical forest, a bustling city or an undersea world, these locations provide a captivating backdrop that holds children’s attention. While some novels might carry valuable life lessons, these messages are subtly woven into the story rather than presented as overt teaching, allowing the adventure to remain at the forefront.
For example, the upcoming children’s novel, Basil and Percy, follows the adventures of an old, wise badger (Basil) and a young, excitable pigeon (Percy) as they slowly form a friendship and explore their forest home together.
The Basil and Percy novel is being developed with support from a business incubator that has provided funding support, website development and marketing advice.
Why age is a key consideration
The intended age group of your readers is one of the most important factors when writing a children’s novel. Different age groups have unique levels of comprehension, maturity and interest, which affects the story’s vocabulary, themes and pacing. Here are some critical distinctions that come into play based on age:
- Age Group
Children’s novels are typically divided into categories: early readers (ages 5-7), middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) and young adults (ages 13+). Each age range has specific expectations for vocabulary, plot complexity and thematic depth. - Sensitivity
Younger readers are sensitive to certain topics like violence, loss, death and fear. This doesn’t mean you should necessarily avoid these subjects – rather, stories should approach challenging subjects carefully, framing them in ways children can understand and process. - Simplifying Concepts
Complex ideas should be simplified to suit young readers’ cognitive abilities. For example, instead of abstract philosophy, children’s novels might express morals through character actions or simple dialogue. - Language
The language in a children’s novel must be age-appropriate. Early readers benefit from simple words and short sentences, while middle-grade novels can use more advanced vocabulary. - Engagement
Children have shorter attention spans, so stories must be engaging from the start and maintain a quick pace. Humour, mystery or graphical elements like illustrations can enhance engagement.
Understanding these differences is essential to creating a story that resonates with young readers and supports their developmental needs.
How to write a children’s novel
Writing a children’s novel involves numerous steps that guide the process from idea generation to a finished story. Here’s a step-by-step approach to crafting an engaging children’s novel:
- Devising a Story
Begin with an imaginative, child-friendly concept. Children’s stories often centre on themes of friendship, adventure, discovery or problem-solving. - Thinking of a Message
Decide if there is a specific message or moral you want to convey like kindness, bravery or accepting differences. However, avoid being too preachy; the message should flow naturally. - Forming Characters
Create relatable and memorable characters that children can connect with, often involving young protagonists or even anthropomorphic animals. - Deciding on Locations
Choose vivid, engaging settings that stimulate imagination, like enchanted forests, futuristic cities or cosy neighbourhoods. Setting can greatly enhance the sense of adventure. - Developing a Theme
The theme gives your story depth. Whether it’s courage, curiosity or friendship, a well-developed theme adds resonance to the adventure. - Developing the Story
Outline the plot to create a logical flow, making sure each scene is purposeful and builds towards the climax. Keep it simple but engaging to maintain young readers’ attention. - Deciding on a Beginning, Middle, and End
Children’s novels require a clear structure with a compelling opening, a captivating middle and a satisfying conclusion that wraps up the adventure neatly. - Thinking of Hooks
Use hooks to grab the reader’s attention early, especially with a gripping first line or intriguing problem that needs solving. This helps pull the reader into the story. - Thinking of Story Twists
Include surprises or twists to keep young readers engaged and curious. Simple twists work well, especially if they add excitement or challenge the protagonist.
Breaking down each of these steps can streamline the writing process and help keep your story focused and engaging for young readers.
Final thoughts
Writing a children’s novel can be a rewarding journey that allows you to explore imaginative worlds and help shape a child’s understanding of life. Stories hold great power in introducing children to important concepts, from friendship and kindness to resilience and self-confidence. Reading, and having stories read to them, not only fosters literacy but also deepens the connection between adults and children allowing them to explore challenging ideas in a safe context. By immersing yourself in the minds of young readers, you can create stories that captivate, entertain and inspire the next generation.
