How to Write a Children’s Book: Where to Begin When You Have an Idea

If you’ve been thinking about how to write a children’s book, you might be wondering where to begin, or whether your idea is even “good enough.”

I hear this question often, especially from people who feel a pull toward writing, but aren’t sure how to take that first step.
I’m going to walk you through a simple, grounded way to begin—without pressure, without perfection, and without needing to have everything figured out.

We’ll Cover:

• Start With What You Already Have
• Read Like a Writer
• Create a Simple Writing Rhythm
• Build Your Story From the Inside Out
• Let Your Character Lead the Story
• Why Community Matters More Than You Think

Start With What You Already Have

When someone asks me where to start and how to write a children’s book, my first answer is always the same:

Start by writing everything down.

Every idea. Every character detail. Every little moment you imagine.

You do not need a perfect outline or even a polished concept. You simply need a place to begin.

I often encourage writers to ask themselves:

• What do I already know about my character?
• What kind of world are they in?
• What moments or scenes keep coming to mind?

Let it be messy. Let it be incomplete. Let it be yours.

Children’s books don’t begin as finished stories. They begin as fragments of something meaningful.

One of the most practical things you can do—especially in the beginning—is to read children’s books.

Not just one or two, but many.

If you’re writing a picture book, I would gently encourage you to read ten, twenty, or more.

As you read, more children’s books, you’ll begin to notice patterns that will inform your own writing, such as:

• How stories are structured

• How much is said with very few words

• What feels engaging, and what feels unnecessary

You move from reading as a reader to observing as a writer.

This is one of the simplest ways to build your instincts when you're learning how to write a children's book.

Writing a children’s book does not require long, complicated writing sessions.

What matters more is consistency. Even a small amount of writing each day builds momentum.

I often think of writing like planting seeds. You don’t plant once and expect a garden. You return, gently and consistently, and over time, something begins to grow.

Write your ideas. Write your scenes. Write without editing.

There will be time to refine later.

Before you focus on structure or wording, I want you to think about something deeper:

How or what do you want the child to feel at the end of your book?

• Confident?
• Comforted?
• Courageous?
• A sense of belonging?

Once you’re clear on that feeling, you begin to uncover your message.

And from there, you can ask: What is the opposite of that feeling?

That opposite becomes your story problem.

For example:

• If your message is confidence → your story may begin with self-doubt.
• If your message is belonging → your story may begin with feeling left out.

This creates a natural emotional journey for your character, and for the reader.

There is one principle I hold very strongly when it comes to children’s books:

The child in your story must be the hero.

They are the one who:

• Faces the challenge
• Learns the lesson
• Finds the solution

This is what makes a story empowering. When children see a character like them solving a problem, it affirms something deeper:

“Maybe I can do that too.”

That is the quiet power of a well-written children’s book.

Why Community Matters More Than You Think

Writing can feel like a very personal journey, but it does not have to be a lonely one.

I have seen, time and time again, how much growth happens when writers surround themselves with others who are walking a similar path.

When you find a community:

• You stay encouraged
• You gain perspective
• You build momentum

There is something very impactful about being in a space where others are also choosing to keep going.

It reminds you to keep going too.

Finding a community while writing can feel difficult, which is why I wanted to make it easier. I created my StoryMakers membership to be a place where authors could connect with each other and share in the journey together. 

Whether you’ve already published a book (or two, or three), or are just starting on your very first manuscript, there is a place for you here. You don’t have to go through this alone.

If you’re interested in learning more about StoryMakers and joining this thriving community of like-minded children’s book writers, then click the button below.

A Thought I Want You to Hold Onto

If you are just beginning, I want you to hear this clearly:

Your story matters.

Children need stories that:

• Reflect their emotions
• Affirm their experiences
• Help them see new possibilities

You do not need to have everything figured out to begin.

You simply need to begin.

If you’re wondering what to do next, here’s a simple place to start:

• Write down everything you know about your story idea
• Read several children’s books in your chosen category
• Set aside a small amount of time each day to write
• Identify the feeling you want your reader to leave with
• Build your story problem from the opposite of that feeling
• Let your main character be the one who solves the problem
• Consider finding a supportive writing community

I know what it feels like to sit at the beginning, holding an idea and wondering what to do with it.

So let me leave you with this:

You do not need to rush, or be perfect. You only need to keep going.

One page leads to another. One idea leads to a story.

And your story is worth writing.

Looking for even more ways to find community? Consider joining me and my community of children’s book authors at Believe LIVE!

Believe is an incredible event that I started to bring writers and creatives together under one roof, to motivate and connect with each other. The growth and inner change that I’ve witnessed at this event is truly inspiring, and I can’t wait for this year to be even bigger and better than ever.

To learn more about Believe and get your tickets now, just follow the link below!