The shelves of bookstores are filled with colorful books for children, but for some reason children do not like to read anyway. Perhaps this is because of this huge number of options, parents do not know how to choose really worthwhile things. And if you find it difficult to find a good children's book, why not try writing one yourself? After all, you probably think that you know better what children need.
Instructions
Step 1
Determine what age audience you are going to write the book for. According to the scientific definition, children's literature is literature intended for readers from 0 to 17 years old. Of course, a book for children 3-5 years old will differ significantly from teenage literature both in content and in form. However, any children's book should (as opposed to an adult) have some kind of educational purpose. There will be different goals for different ages.
In addition, children of different ages will have different perceptions. If young children value a large number of details (they can look at pictures with a lot of small details for a long time), then the plot and the main idea will be more important for older children. To make it clear, we can cite as an example Tolkien's technique, when in the book "The Hobbit or There and Back" he very extensively describes what color the cloaks and hoods were on the gnomes, is more suitable just for younger children.
Step 2
Set a goal that you want to achieve by writing a book. Perhaps, like Alan Milne, you want to write a book for your child so that he does not constantly pester you with the request: "Tell me a fairy tale!" Maybe you want to convey some noble idea to the children, instill in them some kind of feeling. Think about it, because the purpose determines both the plot and the shape of the book.
Step 3
Choose the genre you are going to write in. What will it be? Fantasy? A literary tale? Children's detective? Life story? Choose the genre and form that interests you the most. And remember that if you want to popularize your book, then you have to come up with something completely new, different from everything that has been written in the framework of children's literature before. For example, the fantasy niche is already filled to capacity, and if you want to be the best in this genre, then you will have to incredibly hard. If you are writing a book for your child or just a friend you know, then do not think about such things and just write.
Step 4
Think over the composition and storyline of the book. Remember that children do not tolerate conventions and inaccuracies. They will definitely notice inconsistencies in the plot, and everything that is not clear to them will be asked from their parents. And if there are too many inconsistencies, they will lose interest in the book.
Step 5
Think like a child. It is very difficult, it is a special gift. But this is the main rule of children's literature. If you want to reach out to a child, think like a child.
