An excellent example of a picture book is “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. An easy reader book is for beginning readers in Kindergarten through second grade. These books have simple, easy to read sentences with patterns or repetition of phrases or words. Chapter books are for children who have outgrown the easy reader stage and are ready for a challenge. These books have more action and dialogue than easy readers and contain about 80 – 100 pages. Young Adult books have a more complicated plot and a wide range of subject matter. Usually the hero or heroine in the book is about the same age as the reader. Finally, Hi-Lo books are for older children who are not reading at their grade level. They need books written in simple language, which discuss topics that interest teenagers. The books need high interest with a low reading level, thus the name hi-lo.

Children’s writers should read as many quality children’s books as they can. Choose the genre that interests you most, and read a variety of books from a variety of authors. No two styles are exactly alike. The subject matter of the books can be something simple, like a trip to the grocery store, to complex, like the death of a family member.

A writer must also find time to write. If you are just starting out then you probably have a job outside the home. Try to rework your schedule so you can find a little time each day for your writing. Small chunks of time can add up quickly. You might be able to write 500 words a day in 30 minutes or less. Take a notebook in your car and on errands with you. You might have to wait at the dentist’s office for fifteen minutes and sit in the carpool lane at the school for ten minutes. Use this valuable time for writing instead of daydreaming or talking on your cell phone.

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