8 Steps To Writing A Great Children's Book Manuscript
Let's face it: some kids just don't like to read. Increasingly, parents, teachers, librarians, and editors are looking for books that will appeal to reluctant readers. When I was writing The Best Books for Kids Who (Think They) Hate to Read (Random House), I read hundreds of children's books, old and new, that I thought would fit the bill. I discovered that there are eight qualities possessed by great books for reluctant readers, and to my surprise some of my childhood favorites didn't pass the test. If you can work at least three of the elements listed below into your book, it will have a good chance of being loved by all kids, even those to whom reading is a chore.
* Humor. Making kids laugh is essential to building a pleasant association with reading. But you need to understand what tickles kids' funny bones at different ages. The humor in picture books is broad and very visual. Easy readers (and some picture books for ages 6 and up) begin to introduce verbal humor: wordplay, puns, double meanings. As kids move into the chapter book arena they can handle jokes that need a setup and a payoff that's played out over several scenes. Dialogue, how characters react to each other, or the situation in which a character finds himself may be innately humorous.
* Well-Defined Characters. Many kids want to identify strongly with the characters in their books; for reluctant readers, this is essential. It doesn't matter what the character looks like on the outside (be it space alien, a clown or a talking frog), on the inside this character needs to embody the perspective of the reader. This means the character is dealing with issues the reader might face, or seeing the world in a childlike way. Book characters must have multidimensional personalities with strengths and weaknesses in order for the reader to care about them and want to stick with them for the entire story. In nonfiction such as biographies, authors who find an element of their subject's life that is relevant to the target audience have a better chance of reaching reluctant readers.
* Fast-Paced Plot. Kids who love to read don't mind a story that takes a few chapters to unfold, but reluctant readers don't have that much patience. The action needs to start in the first paragraph, and by the end of the first chapter the reader should know quite a bit about the main character and have a good idea about the conflict or problem that character will face. Subplots are fine for chapter books and up, but too many will get in the way of the forward movement of story. Keep the pages turning.
* Concise chapters. Ideally, each chapter should contain one clear event (or one specific point in nonfiction), and have an arc of its own (a beginning, middle and end). This makes reading even one chapter a satisfying experience. Chapters that end on a high note in the action will make the reader want to see what happens next. Episodic novels (where each chapter stands alone as a short story) are also good bets for reluctant readers. Richard Peck's A Long Way from Chicago and Louis Sachar's Sideways Stories from Wayside School are two middle grade examples.
* Kid Relevance. This applies to the themes and ideas that form the basis for plots or how an author approaches a nonfiction topic. These ideas should be relevant, meaningful, and applicable to the reader's life. Instead of conveying a lesson your adult perspective tells you the reader needs to know, try using the reader's frame of reference as a starting point. Write to your audience, not at them. And remember, books can be just for fun.
* Suitable Text. Depending on the age and ability of the reader, the text needs to be challenging but not overwhelming. Strive to write your story as clearly as you can, using active sentences and concrete nouns and verbs. When writing for a broad age range of reluctant readers (8-12, for example), make the vocabulary accessible to the younger end, but the interest level appealing to kids on the older end of the spectrum.
* Unique Presentation. Reluctant readers often choose nonfiction over fiction because it speaks to their personal interests. Finding a new or unusual slant to your topic helps keep that interest alive. Humor doesn't hurt either. It's Disgusting and We Ate It! True Food Facts from Around the World by James Solheim appeals to middle graders' love of the gross while sneaking in some history on the side.
* Visual Appeal. Authors generally don't have much say in a book's design, but author/ illustrators might. Larger typeface, the generous use of white space, and illustrations that elaborate upon the text all help break up the string of words and make the book less intimidating to read.
Laura Backes is the publisher of Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers. For more information about writing children's books, including free articles, market tips, insider secrets and much more, visit Children's Book Insider's home on the web at http://write4kids.com
Related Articles:
Choosing A Toddler?s Backpack
If your child has just turned two he or she will probably think that they are completely independent now. A good way to encourage them and to plan some fun in the park is to buy them a backpack.
The Moms' & Kids' Playground, Friendly Online Games for Parents & Preschoolers, Launches on Funbrain.com
Safe, Fun, Online Environment Features Exciting Activities for Kids Ages 2-6 to Share With Parents
Hannah Montana 3D Movie Tickets on Sale Now
The Hannah Montana Movie tickets are going just about as fast as her Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour tickets sold out. The tickets are on sale now at a theater near you and online at various online movie ticket stores.
Stammering Toddler
Some parents have the shock of hearing their young child start stammering as a toddler. I am somebody who runs a speech centre in Birmingham, England, I now help people to achieve fluency.
Charitable Braille Product Line Launches New Hip Collection of Infant and Toddler Tees
Bitty Braille is a new hip and trendy children's t-shirt line that will make you "see" things a little differently. The fashion forward tees for infants and toddlers featuring simple words in Braille are not only cute but give back to a good cause.
How Should I Put My Toddler To Bed : Build A Routine
Do you have the same problem every night after all your chores are done and you are looking forward to some down time? It's about this time of night you ask, "how should I put my toddler to bed (http://baby-products-guide.org/)?" You're tired and so it your child. They can be very difficult, as it is typical for them by that time of day.
Trendy Baby and Toddler Boy Clothes for Fashionable "Cost" Conscious Parents
Trendy Remedy, a cool online children's boutique specializing in unique cost conscious baby and toddler clothes and gifts for boys, was created to fill the void in an industry historically focused on expensive merchandise for girls. Now you can find all the cool baby clothes and gifts for boys in one location and they won't break the bank.
Breastfeed a Toddler - Why?
Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and you're
considering weaning?The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that "breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired."If you and your baby are still enjoying the nursing experience, why not take a look at some of the advantages of nursing beyond
that first year?1) Immunological BenefitsContrary to popular belief, mother's milk does not have an expiration date!Your baby continues to receive all the benefits of human milk for as long as he is nursing.
Front Row USA Now Offers Hard To Find Hannah Montana Tickets
If you have seen the series, you may already know that the 'Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana' tickets are sold out for every show across the U.S. Front Row USA now offers hard to find Hanna Montana tickets for every city.
Buying Childrens Toys
There is a task in our home that brings out the procrastinator in me. This particular task is so big and so difficult, that we create new tasks just to avoid starting the dreaded job. What could be so bad: Our toddlers bedroom, fighting the battle of too many toys!
Baby Photo Contest ? 5 Good Reasons To Enter Your Baby Or Toddler
You think your child is the cutest thing on the planet, but so does every other parent. While that may be your sole purpose in entering a child into a photo contest, here are 5 other reasons you should considering entering your baby or toddler into a baby photo contest.
What to give consideration to before you buy that baby toddler car seat
Before You Buy a Baby Car Seat. Parents often ask which of the many car seats is the best car seat on the market. The truth is, the best car seat is the one that fits your vehicle, your budget, your baby and that you will use properly each time your baby rides in the car. Use the following criteria to determine which car seat is the best choice for your baby.
Educational Toys For Preschoolers
A lot of experts say that the best way to teach a child a certain subject or value is to introduce the concept during his or her play time. Because kids give their utmost attention to things that interest them, it is but natural to presume that they will more easily grasp ideas if they are incorporated into things that pique their fancies.
Big Universe's Unique Program Increases Sales for Children's Book Publishers
New website provides children's picture book publishers with an effective, no-cost, Internet marketing tool to increase revenues via online book sales
A Young Ladybug Must Find Her True Self and Purpose in this Delightful New Children's Book
Lila, a young ladybug, faces the difficulties of growing up and finding her own identity as she seeks friendship and acceptance among the other forest creatures. Written and illustrated by the dynamic and talented husband-wife team of Boazu and Balestrieri, Lila's Quest is sure to please.