7 Clever Hacks for Writing Children’s Books That Kids Actually Love

1. Think Like a Kid (Not an Adult)

Kids don’t want lectures. They want adventure, laughter, and wonder. Get down on their level — what makes them giggle? What makes them curious? Write to them, not about them.

2. Rhyme with Purpose

Rhymes stick in kids’ heads like songs. But forced rhymes feel clunky. Read your lines out loud — if they trip you up, they’ll trip up a child too. Smooth, sing-songy rhymes are golden.

3. Keep It Short and Punchy

Whether it’s a sassy squirrel or a brave little can (😉), make your characters pop. Quirks, catchphrases, and expressive actions make them memorable.

5. Build Page-Turn Moments

End each page with a hook: a funny question, a cliffhanger, or a surprise. Kids should beg to flip the page and see what happens next.

6. Add a Hidden Lesson

Your best editor is a child. If they laugh, repeat the lines, or ask for it again, you’ve nailed it. If they wander off, back to the drawing board.