Why You Should Write A Children’s Book

I just spent a rainy afternoon reading and re-reading books to a toddler. Some of them were fantastic classics such as Where the Wild Things Are and The Little Engine That Could — delightful tales filled with wonderful imagery and positive messages. And others were spin offs of popular Disney and Pixar movies, lacking originality and creativity.

This got me thinking about writing.

We are what we read. The books we read throughout our childhood are partially responsible for who we are today. Sometimes, we even read them to find out who we are or may become.

Wouldn’t it make sense then to read what we want our children to be? Kindness, patience, empathy — all these moral principles can be instilled and strengthened by reading books emphasizing these very values.

Unlike adult literature, successful children’s books are generally simple works that tell a short story or anecdote in a way that appeals to young minds. So in the spirit of trying new things, here are five reasons why you (yes you) should write your own children’s book.

1. Everyone has a story to tell.

Unlike adult fiction, children’s fiction is literally boundless. You don’t need a complex plot theory for a children’s book. You can (and some have) literally used a trip to the laundromat or grocery store as the basis for a book. Some of the most beloved children’s books center on simple everyday situations. Children often prefer these types of books to the fantastical, especially when they are still at the age where they are trying to understand the “normal” world.

Drawing inspiration from everyday life creates stories your child can identify with.

2. Everyone has a past to share.

It’s a great way to share some of your own history or interests. Telling your little ones about your childhood, for example, is a wonderful way to stimulate their imagination while sharing your memorable moments with them. They will discover a piece of your past, hear stories about how the world used to be, and most importantly, learn more about you.

Sharing your past with your children is one of the most valuable and interesting gifts you can ever bestow upon them.

As you bring your past to paper, it is permanently preserved for not only your children, but your grandchildren, and the children of your grandchildren. What better way to preserve a bit of your own history than to make it into a children’s book?

3. It’s a fantastic way to encourage your child’s unique interests.

Sometimes, your children’s interests may be so unique that even after searching high and low for books that would address their interests on a subject, you are unable to find any. So why not make it your personal mission to transfer your kids’ peculiar interests into something tangible and meaningful by authoring a children’s book?

Validating their likes and interests will strengthen their creativity, imagination, and more importantly, their confidence.

And who knows? By writing about your children’s unique interests, you could be helping other families as well. You may think you have the only kid that is obsessed with lawn mowers, garbage trucks, or gemstones. In reality, there might be hundreds, if not thousands of other families out there waiting for the garbage truck to rumble by, or making a special trip down the street to watch the neighbor mow the lawn.

4. It’s not nearly as hard as you think.

Modern methods of self-publishing have substantially lowered the cost and difficulties associated with writing, illustrating, and publishing your own book. There was a time when you had to either convince a publisher to pick up your work or outlay a significant amount of money in upfront-costs to pay for a few hundred copies, which you then had to sell on you won. Today, you can self-publish in a print on demand fashion for a fraction of that cost. And for extra support, there are numerous coaches and guides that can show you how to write and publish your own children’s books.

5. And finally, the very reason mentioned above.

Kindness, patience, empathy — all these moral principles can be instilled and strengthened by exposing your children to books emphasizing these very values. Have a kid that loves monster trucks, but has a hard time saying please and thank you? Combine those two, and you’ll have an instant winner within your house.

Children, just like grownups have their preferences, favorites, and likes. So why not tap into them to teach those values we want them to learn and apply in everyday life? Writing your own children’s book will give you this flexibility.

There are many reasons to write your own children’s book, and very few excuses not to. Next time you find yourself thinking “that would make an adorable story for a children’s book,” don’t let it slip to the back of your mind. Instead, grab a pen and make it a reality. The little ones in your life will be forever grateful.

xo

~ Eevi