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In this way, a good children’s book goes beyond being a good book and enters a realm of timelessness and treasure. My favorite children’s book of all time, and one that I believe embodies all of the qualities on this list, is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Its lovable, relatable characters and straightforward lessons, in ...
- Vicky Weber
- A Relatable Topic. A relatable storyline is essential for a good children's book because kids need to be able to connect with the story and the characters.
- A Hook or Powerful Message. Every great children's book has a purpose. It teaches a concept, models a desired behavior for children, makes children laugh, provides coping mechanisms...
- Character & Plot Development. Even though children's books are short, you still need to develop tension and show growth of some kind. Think of it like a roller coaster; if your ride only goes in a straight line...
- Adults Love It Too! While children are the primary audience for children's books, it's important to keep adults in mind because they are usually the ones reading picture books aloud time and time again.
- Tracy Marchini
- Illustrations that are colorful, varied and full of movement. Successful picture books surprise the reader by the art on the next page — whether it’s by using an unexpected image for humor, or using a different perspective (looking at something from above rather than below, or close up rather than far away), or using mixed media in ways artists haven’t done before, etc.
- Lovable, identifiable characters. Kids read picture books to see other kids (or kid-friendly characters) accomplish big things. The typical “try 3 times and then succeed” type of picture book requires the protagonist to fix their own problem, because what we want to tell children is that though they may be small, they can be independent/fix their problems in their own ways.
- Universal appeal. Fancy Nancy has taken off because it found something that almost all little girls like to do (play dress up) and turned the book into something as sparkly and fabulous as the activity itself.
- Humor. Funny picture books that take a new/unique look at something old do wonderfully. For example, in Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin’s Duck For President, we saw someone climb through the ranks of government — but that someone was a duck.
- The Book Reflects Your Child’s Interests. The interests of a child are key to what makes a good children’s book. By choosing a book that your child will find interesting, you can help promote a love of reading.
- A Good Children’s Book Has Meaningful Illustrations. Illustrations are an important aspect of what makes a good children’s book – especially for young readers.
- Interesting and Varied Language is Used Throughout. A good children’s book uses rich and interesting vocabulary. Providing your child with books that offer varied language is essential because these books help to capture their attention.
- The Story Includes Relatable Characters. Good children’s books have relatable characters. When a child reads a book with relatable characters, they become more invested and engaged.
Sep 22, 2023 · Six characteristics of a good children’s book. Although children’s books come in different shapes, styles, and voices, the books that are consistently recommended by parents, librarians, and teachers all share these six common characteristics. If you can incorporate these elements in your story, perhaps you will be able to create a classic ...
"Good picture books come in all shapes and sizes – they can be heart-warming and moving, funny and silly, or all of these things at once! Lastly, endings are really important. A good picture book is wrapped up with a satisfying resolution or a twist. Read lots of other picture books for your research and don’t be afraid to be silly!"
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May 7, 2021 · One helpful way to learn the differences is to study picture books that have already been published. Go to the bookstore and you will notice that there is a specific section of picture books that are “award winners”. They have the Newbery and/or Caldecott seals on the cover, indicating that they are exceptional.
