The most iconic children's book characters have distinct and relatable personalities. Once you’ve landed on a great story idea, don’t forget that you’ll need a memorable lead character. And of course, this idea ingeniously combines three things that many children love: princesses, carbs, and cheese. For example, in The Princess and the Pizza, Mary Jane Auch subverts the classic princess story: instead of accepting her fate and marrying into another royal family, Princess Paulina becomes a self-sufficient founder of a pizza empire. There are always new themes bursting onto the scene, like empowerment or mindfulness, which you can tap into to bring fresh stories to market. But you don’t have to tie your story too closely to the specific holiday you’re targeting 一 a Mother’s Day book can be about a mother-and-daughter relationship, or a graduation title can be an aspirational tale set around education, making the story evergreen and relevant year-round. Some smaller holidays are on the rise too, like Mother's and Father’s Day, as well as graduation celebrations. Image: Trick or Pete: A Halloween Book for Kids by James Dean “Also high on the list have been holidays, in particular Christmas, Easter, and Halloween, and the reason for this is because they're marketable.” By marketable, Vitale means that these sorts of picture books are ones that people could easily buy as gifts for children. “Across the board, the top-selling themes for picture books have been bedtime, farm, and ABC.” This is because they’re subjects kids can relate to: bedtime rituals, farm animals and their sounds, and learning to read. What are the most popular picture book themes?Īs long-time children’s book editor Brooke Vitale points out, the most popular picture book concepts haven’t massively changed over the years. Try to assess what's working in the marketplace already, and if your book idea fits in. This is an experience many kids will relate to 一 and will make them feel good as our young hero learns to care for and respect the little creatures around her.īut before you run with your story idea, it’s important to validate its market potential. Image: It's a firefly night by Dianne Ochiltreeĭianne Ochiltree’s picture book It's a Firefly Night tells the story of a girl who catches fireflies in a jar on a warm summer night, but ultimately makes the decision to release them. The story reflects an anxiety many children experience and provides a hopeful message that things will be okay. Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes is about a little mouse who’s concerned about all kinds of things - especially starting school. Maybe your story can address some of their fears and doubts, or evoke their most cherished moments. Most importantly, consider what’s compelling to them. Remember the sorts of things that make them laugh. Connect with the way they experience life and the things they value. If you are a parent, a teacher, or have dealt with kids personally, think of them as you write your story. It can help to write your story with a specific child in mind - one you know personally.
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