How to Write a Children’s Book That Lasts a Lifetime

When you think about children’s books, specific characters and storylines probably blossom in your mind immediately.

Maybe the mischievous Cat in the Hat, the curious Peter Rabbit, or the lovable Winnie-the-Pooh.

Often, these characters or plots are from a book you read as a child. You might even share the same book with a child in your life right now.

What's incredible is that, although many years may have passed, the emotions you experienced when you first read the book still arise.

For me, that timeless book is The Velveteen Rabbit—I can instantly picture the rabbit’s pink satin-lined ears and feel its longing for companionship. Margery Williams wrote this classic in 1922, but it remains on the shelves of children’s rooms over 100 years later.

So, what makes certain stories worth being passed down, reread, and remembered long after childhood? Ultimately, the key to writing a children’s book that lasts a lifetime comes down to thinking beyond trends and focusing on creating depth. 

If you’re dreaming of crafting a children’s book that will be read and remembered with fondness for generations to come, this blog will be your reference point. I know how tempting it is to get swept up in current fads that may garner momentary attention. However, keeping the following tips in mind will put you on a steady course to inspiring beautiful intergenerational memories.

Create Memorable Characters 

Children’s books that are passed down from one generation to the next nearly always star a relatable main character. For instance, Mo Willems’ character The Pigeon (featured in multiple of his books) is known for his persistent attempts to get his way. The Pigeon is grumpy, humorous, and exaggerated in ways children can relate to. 

Here are some tips for creating equally memorable characters:

• Embrace realistic flaws: Vulnerable characters offer children a mirror to their own experiences, fostering a deeper sense of identification.
• Define distinct personality traits: Characters with unique quirks and mannerisms are endearing. Let their specific traits guide their actions, dialogue, and appearance. 
• Show character growth: Let your characters face challenges and learn from mistakes, just like your readers do. 

Creating a memorable character will set your children’s book apart from others and make a lasting impression. Still, crafting a timeless children's book demands consideration of more than just the protagonist.

Explore Imagination & Humour

The books that stay alive in our minds the longest are typically the ones in which we felt the most immersed. One author who has perhaps immersed his readers better than any other is Dr. Seuss. He constructed vivid and whimsical worlds both through words and images. 

The fantastical creatures he fashioned encourage a sense of playfulness and adventure in many readers. While the setting of your book may not be quite as dramatic, you can still spark your reader’s imagination in the following ways: 

• Employ vivid descriptions: Paint a picture in the reader’s mind rather than simply stating the facts. 
• Introduce plot twists: Unexpected events can jolt readers out of their assumptions and encourage them to interpret the story differently.
• Leave room for interpretation: Use creative language like similes and metaphors so readers can create their own understanding of the story.

Beyond the imaginative worlds Dr. Seuss built, he also used humour to engage his readers. His inventive, nonsensical words surprise children and induce laughter, while repetition and rhythmic patterns also create a predictable humour that promotes a positive mindset in children. Immersing your little readers via imaginative worlds and humorous words will make for a timeless children’s book.

Choose Universal Themes

A theme that lasts 100 years is usually rooted in emotions—it's smart because emotions stay relatable across decades. Themes like kindness, courage, friendship, and overcoming challenges are emotional human endeavours that children will face no matter the culture or time. 

One classic children’s book that draws on emotion is Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight Moon. This beloved book has remained a bestseller since its publication in 1947 (with over 40 million copies sold!). Her success comes from highlighting the universal childhood experience of bedtime, pairing familiar rituals with calming, rhythmic words that soothe children to sleep.

Lots of other classics typically rely on a balance of emotion and action. Paulette Bourgeois’s books about Franklin the Turtle teach emotional lessons about friendship, problem-solving, and family, all centered around common childhood experiences and challenges. Choosing a universal theme based on human emotion and common situations is imperative to any timeless children’s book.

Let Your Authenticity Shine

Finally, the aspect that will add a special sparkle to your timeless children’s book is you. 

Remain authentic to the passions that drive you to write. A major obstacle in childhood is feeling different or alone—when you let your authentic self shine through your story, you're leading the charge in helping children create a greater sense of self-love.

One renowned author whose authenticity is evident in each of his books is Shel Silverstein. His works are unique because they invoke an honest exploration of complex themes that are traditionally seen as taboo in children’s books. Themes such as loss, death, and self-acceptance underlay his whimsical narratives. Silverstein even embraced dark humour to broach these topics and connect directly with young readers. 

So, what drives you to tell children’s stories? What unique characteristics or values do you carry into your books? Lean on your unique quirks and perspectives to create an authentic masterpiece that will speak to children for years to come.

Ready to Write Your Own Timeless Children’s Book? 

I hope these tips make you feel confident in your ability to write a children’s book that will stand the test of time! Come back to these points periodically to ensure your story is memorable, imaginative, relatable, and authentic. 

If you’re ready to take your story to the next level, join me in my free training as I share the proven process that’s helped 4,000+ first-time authors go from “I have an idea…” to “I wrote my book!”

In this free training, you’ll discover:

The 5 golden rules to writing a quality children’s book

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Don’t wait—save your spot today and take the first step toward becoming a children’s book author that readers will love.

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FAQs

Should I write a children’s book inspired by a fad?

If a fad sparks your excitement, go for it—it could delight young readers right now! Just know that timeless themes have the magic to keep your story loved for generations.

Does the age of my audience affect how I utilize these tips?

While the age of your readers doesn’t change the essence of the tips in this blog, you should consider their age in the specific ways you apply them. You can do so by choosing personality traits, humour, conflicts, and values that align with those your target audience is likely to relate to based on their age. 

How do I know my theme will stand the test of time? 

Thankfully, the themes that will continue to be relatable to children over the years are relatively predictable. Simply choose a theme that is universal to children, regardless of culture or time period. These universal themes are usually related to emotion and values, such as friendship, courage, and kindness.