In learning how to write a children’s book, you need to read them constantly

By Dennis Mellersh

If you are interested in learning how to write a children’s book, you should make it a priority to read as much children’s literature as you can, particularly books. Your reading program should be an integral part of your learning-to-write program.

When beginner writers think about children’s books the usual image that comes to mind is the typical picture book (lots of illustrations, not many words) that an adult would read to a child less than five years of age, who has not yet developed their reading skills.

However, in professional publishing, the children’s book category actually comprises books written for the 18-years-old and under market.

In order to read children’s books as part of your learning process, the best method is to go to your local library and focus on the children’s section. You should also make it a habit to periodically check out the children’s book section in your local bookstore.

The market for e-format children’s books is growing, so there are electronic versions of children’s books available that you can study on your computer or tablet. However, doing so  is not as effective a method for learning about the traditional the children’s book market  as is reading and studying as many physical children’s books as possible.

In addition to the main genre divisions of children’s books of fiction, non-fiction and those books written in poetic form, there are a number of age categories which you should investigate. Reading these books will help you decide on the type of children’s book that you might want to write:

• The picture-book category (for pre-reading children) is for 5 years old and under
• Early reader books are generally for children 5 to 7 years old
• Chapter books* are for 7 to 12 year olds
• Young adult fiction is directed at 12 to18 years old
• * As the name implies, chapter books are divided into chapters.

Children’s books are generally written specifically for the children’s market; but some, such as the Harry Potter series are what might be called cross-over books and actually turn out to be of significant interest to many adults as well.