The genesis of every good children’s book is an idea. It could be an eccentric personality, a fairy-tale land, or a mere mystery that you cannot get your head out of. And to make that spark a story to delight and last long is more. It requires a distinct voice. You have a voice in the busy and dynamic world of children’s book writing and that voice is your signature. And it is that special quality that makes your story sound like it is something that only you could have written.
But what is this voice, and where do you get it? The abstract can be a sense, something that is magic that experienced writers have. The fact is, you do not create your voice, rather you discover it. It is a blend of your personality, your vision, and your desire and it is all directed to the page. This guide will take you through real life steps to enable you to find and develop the special voice that will make your stories sing.
Understanding the Core of a Writer’s Voice
It would be good to know what your voice is before getting to locate it. Voice is the individuality of your story telling by the author. It is the combination of numerous elements, among them the vocabulary you use (diction), construction of sentences (syntax) and the prose rhythm in general. It is not the same as tone, which may vary in one story and then the other. A lost puppy story may be sad toned whereas a story about a birthday party may be happy. But your voice is the personality that is always behind the tone in everything you do.
Consider your favourite writers. It is possible that you can easily identify their writing without reading their name on the cover. It is the strength of a good voice. The cultivation of this particular attribute is something that anyone who is serious about children’s book writing must acquire. It is what will sit an agent or editor up and take notice. It is what makes a child request you to repeat reading your book several times.
Your Personal Experiences Are Your Greatest Asset
The voices of the most authentic writing are not created, but they are extracted out of the life of the author. Your voice is entrenched in the depths of what you are. The process to discover it starts with self-searching. Spend some time to think about your experiences and personality.
How did your own childhood experience work out? What games did you play? What stories did you love? What were you afraid of secretly, and in your wildest dreams? The good and bad memories you have make a wonderful storehouse of emotional truth. The raw materials of your writing voice are your sense of humor, your passions and your special point of view on the world. Do you view the world as something wonder-filled, sarcastic or soul-filled, or empathic? Leaning into these natural tendencies is a fundamental step in authentic children’s book writing. Do not try to be someone else. Your unique perspective is precisely what the world needs to hear.
Read Everything, But Read Like an Author
It is impossible to become a skilled writer without being an avid reader. To find your place in the world of modern publishing, you must be familiar with what is being published today. Immerse yourself in the children’s section of your local library or bookstore. Read picture books, chapter books, and middle grade novels. Pay attention to what wins awards and what becomes a bestseller. Organizations like the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) are fantastic resources for finding curated reading lists and understanding industry expectations.
However, you must learn to read with an analytical eye. When a book captures your heart, ask yourself why.
- How does the author use language? Are the sentences short and punchy or long and lyrical?
- What kind of words do they choose? Are they simple and direct or playful and imaginative?
- How does the narrator sound? Are they a close friend, a wise storyteller, or an energetic participant in the action?
By deconstructing the work of others, you begin to build your own toolkit. You will discover techniques that resonate with you and start to understand the craft behind successful children’s book writing. This is not about imitation; it is about education.
Embrace the Freedom of Experimentation
Your voice will not appear fully formed overnight. It needs room to grow and evolve, and that happens through consistent practice and playful experimentation. Give yourself permission to write badly. Write drafts that no one will ever see. The goal is to get words on the page and listen for the sound of your own voice emerging from the noise.
Try these exercises to loosen up your creative muscles:
- Rewrite a classic fairytale from the perspective of the villain or a minor character.
- Describe a simple, everyday object like a toaster or a toothbrush as if you are seeing it for the very first time.
- Write the same short scene in three different ways: as a rhyming poem, in serious prose, and in a funny, over the top style.
This type of experimentation is a crucial part of the process. It helps you break free from your own internal editor and discover what feels most natural and joyful. The practice of children’s book writing should be infused with a sense of play.
Listen to Your Target Audience
The final, and perhaps most important, piece of the puzzle is the reader. A key part of children’s book writing is creating a voice that connects with young audiences. If you can, spend time around children. Pay attention to their speech patterns, their surprising logic, and what makes them laugh. They have a unique and often hilarious way of seeing the world. Understanding their perspective is invaluable.
But above all, read what you write aloud. This is a non-negotiable step. Things that your eyes fail to pick will be caught by your ears like clumsy phrasing, clunky sentences, and natural dialogue. It should possess a desirable rhythm and flow since most kids books are supposed to be shared between a child and an adult. Such resources as Reading Rockets, exploring the topic of literacy, demonstrate how the rhythm and phonological awareness are the most important in child reading development. When you say it yourself you can say, Does this sound like me? Many times the sections that flow well are the ones in which you are shining through. Adoption Publishers such as Chronicle Books frequently specify in their submission requirements that they require a unique voice, which makes it a significant factor in the industry.
Discovery is a process that takes time. The more you write, the more it will grow and enhance. Follow your gut, do not disregard your own personal experience and invest in the profession. The world of children’s book writing is waiting for your special story, told in a voice that is all your own.Have a children’s book you want to publish? Let’s chat!