Children’s Book Ideas for Authors

Welcome, fellow children’s book author! Are you ready to come up with some creative and engaging ideas for your next project?

There are many different ways to come up with ideas for children’s books. Some people like to start with a specific theme or message they want to convey, while others prefer to focus on creating lovable characters or designing imaginative worlds. No matter what approach you take, the most important thing is to have fun and let your imagination run wild!

Here are some tips and techniques to help you brainstorm and research your children’s book ideas:

Start with a theme or message

One way to come up with children’s book ideas is to start with a theme or message that you want to convey to your readers. This could be something as simple as the importance of kindness or the joys of friendship, or it could be something more complex like the dangers of pollution or the challenges of growing up.

To brainstorm children’s book ideas based on a theme or message, try the following exercises:

Make a list of values or issues that are important to you. These could be things like environmentalism, diversity, or self-acceptance.
Think about what kind of story or character would be a good fit for each value or issue on your list. For example, if you are passionate about environmentalism, you might come up with an idea for a story about a group of animal friends who work together to save their forest home from pollution.
Research what themes are currently popular in children’s literature. Look for books that explore similar themes to the ones you are interested in, and see if you can come up with a unique angle or approach to the topic.

Create lovable characters

Create memorable and lovable characters! Children’s books often have characters that are relatable, quirky, or have engaging personalities.

To brainstorm character ideas, try the following exercises:

Make a list of characteristics or traits that you think would make for an interesting or memorable character. These could be things like being adventurous, kind, or imaginative.
Think about what kind of story or setting would be a good fit for each character on your list. For example, if you come up with an idea for a character who is always getting into mischief, you might create a story about a mischievous rabbit who lives in a garden.
Look for inspiration in the people and animals around you. Do you know someone who is always telling jokes or has a unique hobby? These could be great starting points for character ideas.

Design an imaginative world

Focus on creating an imaginative and engaging world for your characters to inhabit. This could be a magical forest, a futuristic city, or a fantastical kingdom.

To brainstorm ideas for imaginative worlds, try the following exercises:

Make a list of settings or environments that you find interesting or inspiring. These could be places you have visited in real life, or they could be completely fictional.
Think about what kind of characters or stories would be a good fit for each setting on your list. For example, if you come up with an idea for a futuristic city, you might create a story about a group of robots who go on adventures together.
Research what kinds of worlds are popular in children’s literature and try to come up with a unique twist or spin on the concept. For example, if you are interested in creating a magical forest, you could look for inspiration in folklore and mythology, and then add your own twist to the concept.

Research what is currently selling

It can be helpful to research what kinds of children’s books are currently selling well in the market. This can give you an idea of what publishers and readers are looking for, and it can help you tailor your ideas to fit the current trends.

To research what is currently selling, you can do the following:

Check out bestseller lists for children’s books. These lists can give you an idea of what books are currently popular and selling well.
Look at the children’s book sections of online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. See what books are featured prominently or have a lot of customer reviews.
Check out industry publications like Publishers Weekly or The Children’s Book Review. These websites often feature articles about what is currently selling well in the children’s book market.
Talk to booksellers or librarians. These people often have a good sense of what kinds of books are popular with young readers and can give you valuable insights into the current market.

Use your personal experiences and passions

One of the best ways to come up with children’s book ideas is to draw on your own experiences and passions. This can help you create authentic and relatable stories that resonate with readers.

To brainstorm ideas based on your personal experiences and passions, try the following exercises:

Make a list of your hobbies, interests, and life experiences. These could be things like traveling, cooking, or playing sports.
Think about how you could turn each hobby or experience into a children’s book idea. For example, if you love cooking, you might create a story about a group of friends who start a cooking club at their school.
Look for inspiration in your own childhood. What were your favorite stories or characters when you were young? How could you update or reinvent these ideas for a modern audience?

I hope these tips and techniques help you come up with some creative and engaging children’s book ideas! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your imagination run wild. Good luck, and happy writing!