So, you want to write a children’s story that will stand the test of time—one that will be remembered like Alice in Wonderland, The Secret Garden, Harry Potter, or the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen?
Great children’s books aren’t just about words on a page; they transport readers into worlds of wonder, introduce them to unforgettable characters, and make them feel something magical.
Here are 10 storytelling secrets from the Master of Children’s Literature to help you write a story that children (and their parents) will love.
1. Begin with an Irresistible Opening—The Hook
The first few sentences of your story should pull readers in immediately. It should make them curious, excited, or even slightly uneasy.
- Alice in Wonderland starts with Alice feeling bored—until she sees the White Rabbit and falls into an entirely new world.
- Harry Potter starts with a mysterious letter and the revelation that he is not an ordinary boy.
- The Secret Garden begins with an orphaned girl who finds herself in a lonely and mysterious mansion.
Your Tip:
Start your story with a question, mystery, or unusual event to make your readers want more.
❌ “There was a girl named Lily, and she lived in a town.” (Too boring!)
✅ “Lily had never seen a talking flower before, but today, the roses whispered her name.” (Now we’re interested!)
2. Create Characters That Feel Real
Children remember characters, not plots. Whether it’s Mary Lennox from The Secret Garden, Harry Potter, or The Little Mermaid, these characters feel real because they have:
- Flaws (Mary Lennox starts off as rude and spoiled, but she grows into a kind-hearted girl.)
- Dreams and fears (Harry want to belong, The Little Mermaid longs for a different world, Alice is curious but uncertain about Wonderland.)
- Relatable emotions (They feel lonely, hopeful, excited, or scared—just like real children.)
Your Tip:
Think of your character’s biggest wish and their biggest fear. These will drive your story forward.
3. Build a World That Feels Alive
Children’s stories often take place in rich, imaginative settings:
- Wonderland is chaotic, whimsical, and dreamlike.
- The Secret Garden is lush, hidden, and filled with mystery.
- Hogwarts is full of magical secrets waiting to be discovered.
These settings are more than backgrounds—they influence the story and make it feel magical.
Your Tip:
Don’t just describe a place. Make it part of the adventure.
Instead of: “The garden was pretty.”
Try: “The garden whispered in the wind, vines curling toward her fingers as if they wanted to tell her a secret.”
4. Keep Your Language Simple, Yet Magical
The best children’s stories use beautiful, clear, and vivid language that paints pictures in the mind.
Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales feel poetic:
“The sea was as smooth as glass, and as clear as the purest crystal.”
J.K. Rowling uses imaginative names that feel real (Hogwarts, Dumbledore, Hagrid).
Your Tip:
- Use strong sensory details (What does the world smell like? Sound like?)
- Play with rhythm and flow so your story feels good to read aloud.
- Avoid complicated words—children love language that is fun, but not confusing.
5. Add a Touch of Magic or Wonder
The best stories feel larger than life—even if they don’t have literal magic.
- Alice enters Wonderland.
- Mary Lennox discovers a hidden garden.
- Harry learns about a magical world hidden within our own.
Even if your story is realistic, you can add a sense of wonder through mystery, discovery, or imagination.
Your Tip:
Ask yourself:
- What is the one magical or mysterious thing in my story?
- How does my character discover something unexpected?
6. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Instead of saying, “She was scared,” show it through action and emotion:
✅ “Her hands trembled as she stepped into the dark garden, her breath quick like a hummingbird’s wings.”
Instead of saying, “He was excited,”
✅ “His eyes widened as he unwrapped the package, hands shaking with excitement.”
Your Tip:
Whenever you describe something, ask:
Can I show this feeling instead of telling it?
7. Give Your Story a Mystery or a Problem to Solve
The best stories keep children turning the pages because they want to know what happens next.
- Alice is lost in Wonderland—how will she get home?
- Mary Lennox wants to unlock the Secret Garden.
- Harry Potter must uncover the truth about his past and his connection to Voldemort.
Your Tip:
Think about what your character wants—and what is stopping them from getting it.
If your character solves a mystery, discovers a secret, or overcomes an obstacle, children will want to read to the end.