As an author and teacher of those who want to write fiction for children and young adults, I am constantly encouraging students to read, read and read more. I believe being well read helped me to become a successful author and I still read widely.
What makes a children’s book truly great?
There is usually something original about a great book. It has what publishers and agents would call a USP, a unique selling point. This may be the concept, the engaging characters, the clever twist, the thought-provoking content, the humour, the page-turning quality.
The book must be well-written but the language can be simple or complex. A book that stands the test of time, and has been popular for many years, is likely to come into the ‘great’ category. That is not to say some great books aren’t published which are ‘of their time’ and don’t become classics.
Contemporary vs. classic children’s books
As an aspiring children’s writer, I think it is especially important to read what is being published now. Publishing is an ever-changing industry and books that we loved as children do not reflect the way children’s books are written today.
However, there is much to be learnt from reading great books of all time, from classics to contemporary. Styles may change but the elements that make a book ‘great’ are still there.
Common traits of the most successful children’s books
What do the most successful children’s books have in common?
- Engaging: The voice grabs the reader and makes them want to read on. With longer books, the page turning element of the story is a vital aspect.
- Distinctive characters: The characters are memorable and sometimes have unusual characteristics.
- Age appropriate: The challenges and stakes suit the age for which the book is written.
- Relatability: The themes are linked to children’s experiences (e.g. starting school, making friends)
- Emotional pull: The books we love most often also impact our feelings.
Understanding the key age groups in children’s publishing
There are five key age groups in children’s publishing:
Picture Books
0-6 year olds | 0-800 words
These are most commonly 500 words or less, 24 pages and highly illustrated. Rhythm is important and although rhyme is popular with children, it is less popular with publishers due to reliance on co-editions (where the book is also published in other languages). Full colour pictures make these books expensive to produce so co-editions are important and rhyme harder to translate. While language is often simple, more complex words can be included as these books are intended to be read by adults to young children, rather than for children to read themselves. The books need to be written to be read over and over again and young children often retell the story using the pictures or learn the text from listening to it so many times. Themes can include family life, common experiences, emotions, and humour is prevalent.
Early Readers
4-7 year olds |1000-3000 words
These books are written specifically for children who are learning to read and starting to want to read books for themselves. The vocabulary is therefore simple and the sentence structure simple too. Stories need to be engaging and clear, with few characters and concepts that are easy to grasp. These books are illustrated, usually in colour. Themes expand to include school, friendship and hobbies.
Chapter Books
7-9 year olds | 5000-15,000 words (but lengths do vary a lot)
These books are aimed at newly confident readers, so they are longer and more often illustrated in black and white. The vocabulary and sentence structure are more complex but the stories need to be page turning. Children love a series of books about the same characters. Diary format and graphic novels are popular. Children like sassy characters who get things wrong.
Middle Grade
9-12 year olds | 25-60,000 words
Middle Grade books are aimed at confident readers across the upper primary to lower secondary age group. More challenging themes can be addressed, including divorce, illness, bullying, bereavement, family secrets and within fantasy, good against evil and power struggles of various kinds. Middle Grade is sometimes split into ‘lower’ and ‘upper’ middle grade.
Young Adult
13+ | Realism: 50-65,000 words | Fantasy 60-80,000 words
As with MG, YA is often split into ‘lower’ and ‘upper’ with lower for 13-16 year olds and upper for 16+. Many readers of YA are actually in their 20s and 30s, looking for strong stories that are gripping but relatively ‘easy’ to read. Themes can include mental health, addictions, romance, horror and dystopia.
Some great books you can learn from for each age group
(This is my own selection of books from each category and it was very difficult indeed to choose. I had to leave out many favourites!)
The Best Picture Books
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (1969)
Published over fifty years ago, this book is still much loved by young children today. This book achieves so much, combining learning opportunities (days of the week, counting, life cycle of a butterfly) with humour (the one day binge that includes ice cream, a pickle, chocolate cake etc.) The rhythm and choice of words makes it immensely pleasing to read. The story is timeless, which adds to its popularity.
Tip: Combine learning opportunities with a good story
Dogger by Shirley Hughes (1977)
This is an unusually long picture book but there is much to learn from the quality of the writing, in particular the emotional tension. A favourite soft toy is lost and the pain of the loss is so relatable to young children. It is impossible not to turn the pages to see if and how Dave will find his beloved cuddly dog. This story benefits from Shirley Hughes own beautiful illustrations.
Tip: A relatable theme with emotional tension
Five Minutes Peace by Jill Murphy (1986)
The family of elephants are wonderful characters in this story of a mother desperate for 5 minutes peace but constantly interrupted by her children. This is so relatable to parents but also to children with lots of humour in the text and illustrations.
Tips: Everyday themes, appeal to parents as well as children.
Owl Babies by Martin Waddell (1992)
Owl Babies is a sweet story about three baby owls whose mother goes off hunting. The babies miss their mother and worry but what they say reflects their different personalities. Missing a parent is a common theme, beautifully addressed here, aided by Patrick Benson’s amazing illustrations.
Tip: Powerful emotional themes relating to children’s experience
Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett (2006)
There is much to learn from this book because it contains only five different words in total. It can be a fun challenge to see if you can write a picture book story in 10 words or less (illustration notes are permitted in addition to the 10 words!)
Tip: A few words can say so much
I Want my Hat Back by Jon Klassen (2011)
This story of a bear looking for his missing hat, is written entirely in dialogue. The question ‘Have you seen my hat?’ is repeated on each double spread. Children love the repetition as well as the anticipation. Muted Illustrations enable the child to spot the hat when the bear does not. The dry humour has appeal to children and adults, and with picture books it is vital that the adult reading the story is engaged too. The ending is dark, which adds to the fun. I recommend Jon Klassen’s other books for this same dry humour.
Tips: Children like dry humour, let the reader know more than the main character
Goldilocks and Just the One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson (2012)
I’ve included this as variations on fairy tales are still extremely popular and this is a good example of the kind. A bear lost in the city is reunited with Goldilocks.
Tip: Modern variations on fairytales are very popular
Oi Frog by Kes Gray (2014)
This book is an example of how rhyme can be used to great effect. The story is great fun, with a strong but simple concept. A cross cat argues with a frog, on the basis that all animals must sit on something that rhymes with their animal name. Helpful for children learning phonics and great fun with colourful illustrations by Jim Field. This book was so popular Kes Gray went on to write a series of these with Oi Dinosaurs the last that came out in 2024.
Tip: For a rhyming book you need a very strong concept
Look Up! By Nathan Bryon ill Dapa Adeola (2019)
Rocket loves science and especially space and is full of energy, eager to become an astronaut, while her brother won’t stop looking at his phone. A fun story for today with an inspiring heroine.
Tip: Books with science links are popular. Challenge stereotypes.
Barbara Throws a Wobbler by Nadia Shireen (2021)
A story about managing big feelings beautifully written and highly recommended. All children feel angry sometimes and coping with this feeling can be particularly challenging. Barbara’s wobbler becomes visible.
Tip: Address strong emotions in clever ways
The Best Early Readers
The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss (1957)
This is an example of a book that hasn’t aged, written in simple rhyme, ideal for a child learning to read. The theme of children being bored is still relatable and the humour still appealing.
Tip: Distinctive character with a wild personality.
Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel (1970-79)
Simple stories of a friendship between an optimistic frog and a neurotic toad address feelings and friendship with humour and charm.
Tip: Two contrasting characters
Claude by Alex T Smith (2011+)
Quirky humour about a small plump dog and his sidekick Sir Bobblysock. Appealing characters, laugh out loud storylines.
Tip: Children love funny books!
Isadora Moon by Harriet Muncaster (2016 +)
Half vampire/half fairy. Fun, relatable stories for children trying to fit in or navigating complex feelings.
Tip: Not fitting in is a popular relatable theme, mix and match characters are fun.
The Fairytale Hairdresser by Abi Longstaff (2011-2021)
High concept stories where fairytale characters visit the hairdresser.
Tip: A novel idea with great series potential
Narwhal and Jelly by Ben Clanton (2016-2026+)
Fun graphic novel style books.
Tips: Characters with opposite personalities, stories with warmth and humour.
Izzy the Inventor by Zanna Davidson and illustrated by Elissa Elwick (2023)
Blend of science, fairytale, magic and adventure with inquisitive mixed heritage heroine, and her side kick a loveable unicorn called Henry.
Tips: Genre blending with diverse modern heroes plus magical appeal
The Best Chapter Books
Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne (1926)
Milne’s animal characters are memorable, relatable and flawed. The stories are humorous and gentle about friendship and kindness, and pleasing to read aloud.
Tips: Give your characters a flaw
A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond (1958)
Paddington Bear is another very distinctive character – newly arrived in a strange country, not knowing the rules and conventions, a situation familiar to many. He has quirks, like his love of marmalade sandwiches and gets into scrapes, usually not through his own fault. He has good manners and believes in the good in everyone.
Tips: Stranger in a new place, characters with quirks
The Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborne (1992-2022)
Short books with short chapters and fast-paced time travel adventures (in books 1-28) These books combine wonder with comfort. Later books in the series (there are 110 altogether!) are longer and more for middle grade.
Tip: Keep it short – short chapters, fast pace.
The Worst Class in the World by Jo Nadin (2020-2024)
Best friends Stanley and Manjit often cause chaos. Children love stories about naughty children and this is a fun, more recently published series example.
Tip: Children love a bit of naughtiness
The Best Middle Grade
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1865)
The absurdity of the characters and the focus on delighting and entertaining the reader rather than moralising, has kept this story popular for so long. The Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat are great characters, and fun elements like shrinking potions add to the drama.
Tip: Embrace the absurd
Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie (1953)
Peter Pan addresses universal themes, the bittersweet nature of growing up, desire for eternal youth and the power of the imagination. Being able to fly, pirates, and children living without adults, has given the story enduring appeal.
Tip: Universal themes have wide, long-lasting appeal
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1911)
This story is about transformation, growth and friendship and shows children dealing with strong emotions. The magical, gothic setting of the house and garden mesmerise and engage the reader.
Tips: strong emotions, growth and change, gothic settings
The Story of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson (1991)
Jacqueline Wilson’s feisty, rebellious girl in care, Tracy Beaker has issues with losing her temper but struggles with loss and finding friends, while also getting into trouble. Humour adds a lighter touch, with moments of poignancy too.
Tips: Feisty character, unusual families, humour, poignancy
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell (2003 – 2015)
The title itself reveals the high concept of this series. A child having responsibility to train a young dragon is instantly appealing. Add in the name Hiccup for the Viking boy and Toothless for his dragon and who could not turn the page to read more? Dragons have endless appeal.
Tips: Great idea, immediate appeal, fun names.
Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens (2014+)
Agatha Christie style murder mystery series set in a nostalgic 1930s boarding school, written with humour and clever plotting, exploring friendship and loyalty. Hazel is a Hong Kong Chinese heroine, and her English friend Daisy is her fellow detective.
Tip: A twist on a classic
Tom Gates by Liz Pichon (2011-2025+)
Written like a fun notebook/diary with doodles and varied fonts, the books are full of familiar experiences and an upbeat funny tone.
Tip: Diaries and doodles have appeal
Planet Omar by Zanib Mian (2019 +)
Planet Omar has strong humour and like Tom Gates, is full of witty illustrations. Stories are engaging and energetic, with relatable themes and a Muslim protagonist who has a zest for life and strong imagination.
Tip: A protagonist with a strong imagination
The Best of Young Adult (YA)
Forever by Judy Blume (1975)
Judy Blume’s Forever treated teenage relationships with maturity, including first sexual relationships, honest, realistic and authentic portrayal of the intense emotions of first love.
Tip: Honesty and realism
Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman 2001-2021
A world where black people have power, and white people don’t, great concept, strong relatable characters.
Tip: Big themes challenge the reader.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 2008-2025
A dystopian fight to the death competition.
Tip: High stakes
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (2014)
Raw, authentic portrayal of teenage love amidst terminal illness, witty and life-affirming, emotional depth.
Tip: Embrace strong emotions, don’t shy away from physical and mental health issues
Scythe by Neal Shusterman (2016-2022)
In a future where natural death no longer occurs, Scythes are those appointed to select people for death in an act called gleaning. Two teenagers are chosen as apprentice scythes, but only one of them will ‘get the job’ at the end of the year.
Tip: Let your imagination loose to create a world that challenges and engages
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman 2019-2026
Graphic novel series about a first gay relationship, issues of coming out, the power of friendship. Relatable, positive, upbeat.
Tips: Graphic novels grow and grow in popularity. Readers want diverse characters.
Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi (2025 +)
Dystopian fantasy romance (a spin off from the ‘Shatter Me’ series) Enemies to lovers romance, fast paced action, familiar and new characters.
Tip: Combining genres is increasingly popular in YA, with Romantasy a current favourite.
Current trends
Current trends include short funny picture book texts with strong ideas, narrative non-fiction books, where facts are mixed into a fictional story, early readers and chapter books with concepts that have series potential, middle grade books with environmental themes, humour, upbeat books, fantasy, diversity, and YA with blended genres, especially romantasy. Dark academia is another popular trend in YA.
Final tips
Finally, if you want to write for children or young adults, I encourage you to read widely across age groups, and to re-read as well if you enjoy a book, so you can take a closer look at why and how it works so well.
- Examine the structure and pacing
- Pay attention to language and rhythm
- Observe how illustrations and text work together (if illustrated!)
- Look at dialogue, world building and humour
And last of all,
- Consider taking a course.
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