A few years ago, a first-grade teacher shared a story. She had a student, a quiet boy named Eli, who never seemed interested in reading. Books gathered dust on his desk until one day, she read The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak aloud. The class erupted in laughter. Eli’s eyes lit up. For the first time, he begged to take a book home.
What changed? It wasn’t the plot or the pictures. It was the voice. Novak’s book doesn’t just tell a story; it talks to kids. It jokes, it teases, it feels like a secret conversation between the author and the reader. That’s the power of a unique voice in children’s book writing. It doesn’t just entertain; it connects.
Finding that voice isn’t about copying someone else’s style. It’s about digging deep, understanding what makes your stories special, and learning how to share them in a way that feels like you.
If you’ve ever stared at a blank page, wondering how to make your writing stand out, this guide is for you. We’ll break down what “voice” really means in children’s book writing, how to discover yours, and most importantly, how to make sure it resonates with young readers.
What Exactly Is “Voice” in Children’s Books?
Let’s start simple. In children’s book writing, your voice is the way your words sound when a child hears them. It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. Think of it like this:
- Dr. Seuss sounds like a playful song.
- Roald Dahl feels like a mischievous friend telling a secret.
- Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are) reads like a dream you can’t forget.
A strong voice does three big things:
- Grabs attention – It makes a child stop scrolling, put down their toy, and listen.
- Creates a bond – It makes the reader feel like the book was written just for them.
- Sticks in their memory – Long after the book is closed, the voice lingers.
But here’s the tricky part: Voice isn’t something you make up. It’s something you uncover by knowing yourself, your audience, and the story only you can tell.
Step 1: Get to Know Your Reader Like a Friend
The golden rule of children’s book writing? Write for kids, not adults.
This seems obvious, but it’s easy to forget. Many writers create what they think is clever or funny, without asking: What do kids actually love?
Ask Yourself:
Who am I writing for?
- Toddlers (0-3): They love rhythm, repetition, and bright, simple words. Think Goodnight Moon.
- Preschoolers (3-5): They want humor, silliness, and stories they can “read” along with. Think Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
- Early Readers (6-8): They’re ready for short chapters, relatable problems, and characters who feel like friends. Think Frog and Toad.
- Middle Grade (9-12): They crave adventure, mystery, and deeper emotions. Think Harry Potter or Percy Jackson.
What makes them laugh, gasp, or beg for “just one more page”?
A Real Classroom Story
Last year, a librarian told me about a second-grade class that couldn’t sit still until she read The Bad Seed by Jory John. The book’s snarky, honest voice had the kids hooked. Why? Because it sounded like them. It didn’t talk down. It didn’t preach. It just got them.
Try This: Spend 10 minutes with a child in your target age group. Listen to how they talk, what jokes they laugh at, and what stories they ask for again and again. Write those things down. That’s your audience speaking.
Step 2: Write Like You’re Talking to a Kid (Because You Are!)
One of the biggest mistakes in children’s book writing is using words or sentences that sound like they came from a textbook. Kids don’t want fancy, they want real.
How to find your natural voice:
Tell the Story Out Loud
- Grab your phone and record yourself telling your story like you’re talking to a child. No script. Just you, speaking naturally.
- Play it back. Does it sound fun? Boring? Forced? That’s how your writing will sound, too.
Write Like You Talk
If you wouldn’t say it in real life, don’t write it.
Example:
“The juvenile protagonist exhibited apprehension upon observing the canine.”
“The boy froze. That dog was huge.”
Read It Aloud
If you trip over a sentence, kids will too. Fix it.
Why This Works
J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books feel like a friend telling a story by flashlight. That’s why kids (and adults!) keep reading them. She doesn’t talk at readers, she talks with them.
Try This: Take a page from your manuscript and read it to a child. Watch their face. Are their eyes wide? Are they fidgeting? Their reaction is your best feedback.
Step 3: Let Your Personality Shine
Your voice isn’t just about how you write—it’s about who you are. The best children’s books feel like they were written by a real person, not a robot.
Questions to Unlock Your Voice:
- What makes you laugh? (Humor is a huge part of children’s book writing.)
- What were your favorite stories as a kid? (Your childhood loves often hold clues.)
- What do you care about? (Passion shows in your writing.)
A Personal Discovery
When I was writing my first children’s book, I struggled with the voice. It felt stiff, like I was trying to impress someone. Then I remembered how my grandma used to tell stories full of drama, silly voices, and sudden twists. I started writing like she would tell the story. Suddenly, the words flowed. That book became a favorite with my nieces and nephews.
Try This:
Make a list of:
- 3 things that make you unique.
- 3 emotions you want readers to feel.
- 3 words that describe your writing style.
Use this as your “voice guide” to keep your writing consistent.
Looking for professional children’s book writing services? Fleck Publisher can help you refine your voice and bring your story to life with expert editing and publishing support.
Step 4: Learn from the Best (But Stay True to You)
Reading other children’s books is one of the best ways to improve your children’s book writing. But here’s the key: Learn from them, don’t copy them.
How to Study Like a Pro:
- Notice what works – Why do kids love The Gruffalo? Is it the rhythm? The repetition? The suspense?
- Ask: “How would I tell this story?” – If you were rewriting Where the Wild Things Are, what would you keep? What would you change?
- Mix influences – Maybe you love Dr. Seuss’s rhymes but also Maurice Sendak’s emotional depth. Combine them in your way.
A Lesson from The Pigeon Books
Mo Willems, the genius behind Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, studied cartooning and comedy before writing for kids. His books feel like a mix of a stand-up routine and a heart-to-heart chat. He didn’t copy anyone; he took what he loved and made it his own.
Try This: Pick 3 favorite children’s books. For each, write down:
- What do you love about the voice?
- One way you could adapt that style into your writing.
Step 5: Experiment, Edit, and Keep Going
Finding your voice isn’t a one-time thing; it’s a journey. Here’s how to keep improving:
1. Try Different Styles
Write a scene in a funny voice, then rewrite it seriously. Which feels more like you?
2. Get Feedback
Share your work with parents, teachers, or kids. Ask: Does this sound like me?
3. Edit Ruthlessly
Cut anything that doesn’t sound authentic.
Why a Unique Voice Matters in Publishing
Publishers and readers are always looking for something fresh. A strong, unique voice in children’s book writing makes your book stand out in a crowded market.
Real-World Success Stories
- The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith became a sensation because of its playful, sing-song voice.
- Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña won awards for its poetic yet accessible voice.
Final Thought!
Your Voice Is Your Superpower
Finding your unique voice in children’s book writing isn’t about being the loudest or the most elaborate. It’s about being you, unapologetically, authentically, and joyfully.
Remember:
- Kids crave real connections. Be the writer who gives them that.
- Your voice is your signature. No one else can tell your story the way you can.
- The best children’s books feel like a conversation. So write like you’re talking to a friend.
Now, pick up that pen (or open your laptop) and start writing. Not like someone else. Not like you think a children’s author should. But like you, because that’s the voice the world needs to hear.
Need help bringing your children’s book to life? Fleck Publisher offers expert children’s book writing and publishing services to help your story shine.