Children are naturally curious. They feel big emotions, ask hard questions, and sometimes experience life-changing events. Yet, unlike grown-ups, they don’t always know how to navigate these experiences or emotions properly.
Picture books can be a wonderful gateway to meaningful conversations, helping children explore big concepts, gain understanding, and feel more at ease when navigating hard or confusing things. Here are some scenarios you might consider writing about:
- A child coping with the loss of a loved one
- Curiosity about where babies come from (a question that can catch many parents off guard)
- Confusion around the range of emotions they're experiencing
- Anxiety about starting school or adjusting to a new one
- Learning to understand and love a sibling better
- Questions about different cultures and ways of life
Children’s books are a tool to help engage in these important conversations. Whatever the topic is, books can be a safe space for children to explore their thoughts and feelings. Children are perceptive and know when something isn’t quite right, but they often need support and guidance from adults to navigate through it. So, as a writer, how can you ensure that your children’s book becomes a supportive resource for grown-ups and a source of comfort for young readers?
In this blog, I’ll share six tips to help you take a difficult topic and write it in a way for children to understand.
- Using Simple Metaphors
- Using Repetition of Key Themes
- Keeping Dialogue and Narration Simple
- Focusing on the Child’s POV
- Sticking to One Story
- Including Discussion Questions at the End
1. Using Simple Metaphors
Metaphors are a great way to explain complex ideas simply, especially for children. Reason being, metaphors take something abstract (feelings or situations) and connect it to something that is familiar. This comparison can help children process and comprehend more clearly.
For example, “Life is a roller coaster.” While children may not understand what “life" means yet, they likely know a bit about roller coasters. They understand that a roller coaster moves fast, has ups and downs, and can be both thrilling and a little scary—but the main goal is all about enjoying the ride. From this, they can begin to comprehend that life may feel the same at times.
2. Using Repetition of Key Themes
Why do we use repetition? Because it helps the message stick. With children, repetition is often essential; hearing something multiple times is key for true comprehension to take hold.
This same principle is effective in children’s books. When used thoughtfully, repetition becomes a powerful tool for conveying meaning. By repeating a phrase or message, a book invites children to actively engage with the story, helping them develop a deeper understanding and reflect on its themes. This repetition creates familiarity, which not only reinforces the message but also builds their confidence in grasping the story’s ideas.
3. Keeping Dialogue and Narration Simple
Tough concepts can often involve strong emotions. Simple dialogue allows children to grasp these feelings without confusion. If the topic you are writing about feels sensitive, abstract, or difficult, the last thing you’ll want to do is to use complex language and dialogue. Children need to easily grasp the story, so keeping it straightforward can help them follow along, stay engaged, and comprehend their own feelings more easily.
4. Focusing on the Child's Point of View
Consider your story through the lens of a child. Children often interpret events through their limited experiences, seeing the world quite differently from adults. For instance, when a child loses a pet, they might not be able to grasp the finality of death. But a children’s book that shows a character experiencing something similar can validate their feelings and help them navigate this new life experience and the emotions that come with it.
5. Sticking to One Story
As authors, we want children to resonate with the stories we tell. The reality is that life is complicated, and often multiple problems can arise at once. However, in picture books, it’s best to focus on one main problem per story. This approach keeps the message clear, allows for a manageable word count, and helps children stay engaged and focused.
This approach also makes it easier for adults to discuss the story with children. For instance, a book about starting a new school lets parents center the conversation on first-day feelings, without needing to address multiple issues at once.
6. Including Discussion Questions at the End (Optional!)
To reinforce your story's message, consider adding discussion questions at the end of your book. These can be a valuable tool for adults who might find it challenging to discuss serious topics with children. Discussion questions can be used as the topic arises in the story or saved for reflection at the end. Offering this type of additional resource sparks a conversation that may have not otherwise been had—and furthers children to express their feelings and emotions.
Not every child may be able to articulate the message of the book right after reading, but asking questions can reveal their curiosity and show how inquisitive they really are. For example, in a book about friendship, a question like, “How do you think the friends felt when they disagreed?” can open up a meaningful dialogue. As they answer, adults can gain insight into what a child is processing or learning, and support them even further.
The Goal? Gently Explore Topics Without Overwhelming
Sensitive topics like death, acceptance, or diagnoses can be hard for children to understand and navigate. Picture books help start conversations and allow children the space to make sense of heavier questions. Children are not alone in their experiences, and picture books can be an incredible resource in helping ease them through it.
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