How to Write & Illustrate a Children's Story

Follow a plan of production to write and illustrate a children's book.

Writing and illustrating a children's story can require a lot more thought then most people expect. It requires imagination to think of an exciting story, and the ability to make the story feel alive. You need to be able to write in a manner that compels children to read on, and draw effective pictures that compliment the writing and help younger children to follow the story. One way to ensure you produce a high quality book is to follow a plan of production.

Instructions

1. Collect your ideas. You may wish to talk to children in the age group you wish to write for and discuss your ideas with them too. Write down ideas for themes, settings and characters, even if they seem disjointed. You can collate these into one idea later.

2. Choose a character. Your character is an important part of the story, and you need to make sure they seem realistic. Consider whether to have a human or animal character, and how old they should be. What are their names, and who is the main character? Once you have a solid idea, draw the character as you imagine him, and add a list of traits and information underneath.

3. Create a storyboard. This will follow the story through the various scenes, documenting what will happen on each one. Ensure you include steps such as how the characters will be introduced, what the problem that will be solved during the story is, where the story climaxes and how the story ends. You may find it easiest to write an outline of your story idea and draw the scenes afterward.

4. Write the book. Think carefully about how many sentences should be on each page and which words you use. Clearly type the words for each page and glue them underneath the picture for that page. Take your time producing your prototype to ensure it is the highest quality possible.

5. Test the book on children in your target age range. Produce a small questionnaire to remind you what to ask the parents afterward. Did the book keep their attention? Did they enjoy the storyline, and did the child want to read it again? Would you like to see more in the series?

6. Make any changes. You may need to make the story easier to follow, make the pictures more exciting or have more or less of the story on each page. Take the advice you were given and see what you can do to make the book better.

Tips & Warnings

• Most children's stories have a happy ending. Children are more likely to enjoy a book where their favorite characters are happy, and this leaves you the option of writing a series. Use humor where possible. This will make the book more enjoyable for parents to read. Consider books like those written by Dr. Seuss to see what children find funny.

References

• "How to Write a Children's Book and Get it Published"; Barbara Seuling; 2004
• "How to Write & Illustrate Children's Books - And Get Them Published"; Treld Pelkey Bicknell and Felicity Trotman; 2001