David Maybury | Blog

Ever wanted a checklist for writing a children’s book? How about a sneak peak at what Little Brown consider to be the essential ingredients? Well – thanks to Upstart Crow Literary – here it is. The recipe to a good read:

LIST OF ATTRIBUTES THAT MAKE A GOOD CHILDREN’S BOOK (in our opinion):

1. Child or child surrogate (animal) is the hero/heroine.
2. Author uses engaging, lively language with distinctive dialogue.
3. Author is not condescending or cloying, and is careful about using stereotypes.
4. Characters seem real, complex, dimensional, and show growth.
5. Author/Artist creates a completely believable and interesting world for the story’s characters to inhabit.
6. Possesses an economy of language and a coherent structure
7. Includes details that appeal to a child’s sensibilities
8. Story has clever twists and/or connections that make the reader say, “A-ha!”
9. Isn’t overly predictable (although for some picture books, predictability can work)
10. Makes a point without being overly didactic or preachy
11. Illustrations (if applicable) expand in some way on the words of the story
12. Story/art is compelling and makes reader want to turn the page to see what happens
13. Has a clear climax, point of tension that is resolved in a satisfying way
14. Author takes reader on a journey; opens up new world and ideas to the reader
15. Story moves and/or entertains; makes reader laugh, cry, and/or think. This satisfying feeling should linger with the reader after the book is over.
16. On repeated readings the book offers fresh revelations or details that may not have been caught the first time through
17. Story gives enjoyment to the child and the inner child.
18. Author is not afraid to be daring and takes risks—such as being willing to portray unlikeable characters or fantastical situations, take on controversial subjects, etc.
19. Author has a clear, fresh, and interesting point of view on his/her subject.
20. Be particularly careful about following any current trends; ideally the story should have some lasting value beyond mere trends.

So – what do you think? Would ticking ticking the boxes make a good book better?