As a picture book author, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that writing for children means stepping into their world—not just writing from my childhood or imagination, but from getting to know and understanding young readers. Whether you’re just beginning your writing or are a seasoned children’s book writer, understanding your reader is the key to writing successful picture books that connect, engage, and endure.
In this blog post, I’ll share some practical strategies to better understand your target audience—young readers and the adults who read to them.
Why Understanding Your Picture Book Audience Matters
Knowing your reader is essential for every picture book author. Picture books are unique in that they serve two readers: the child and the adult (often a parent, teacher, or librarian) who reads the book aloud. When you understand young readers, you can write stories that speak to children’s developmental stages, emotional needs, and sense of wonder, while also appealing to adults who value storytelling, education, and emotional connection.
Observe Your Audience in Action
If you want to write a children’s book that children will love, start by observing children in real-life settings—libraries, schools, parks, bookstores, or your own home. This is often where I will jot down ideas or I will note language they are using. These notes come in handy and will make your story more authentic. Take note of:
- What topics excite them?
- How do they respond to storytelling?
- What makes them laugh, pause, or ask questions?
- Note words, phrases or sentences from their conversations
This kind of hands-on research gives you authentic insight into your ideal reader’s behavior and interests.
Read Aloud—A Lot
Reading a wide variety of picture books for children can teach you pacing, rhythm, vocabulary levels, and page turns. Notice how successful authors handle tone, dialogue, and visual storytelling. It may sound wild, but I will take a few books from the library and head to my room. I close the door and read those books aloud. I pause to look at the illustrations before turning the page. You can learn a great deal about writing from the illustrations. Sometimes there are hidden clues about the story or one of the characters. If you get the opportunity you might try reading aloud to children and watch their reactions. Which books do they want to hear again and again? What themes do they relate to?
Engage With Parents, Librarians, and Educators
To write a picture book parents will want to buy, understand what adults are looking for in a story: age-appropriate content, strong morals or lessons, inclusive representation, humor, and engaging illustrations. Ask parents and educators what types of stories their children gravitate toward. Librarians, especially, are treasure troves of information about popular topics, seasonal trends, and literary themes. The librarian can also share where there are gaps or a need for more stories on a particular topic. Educators are also an excellent source of information, they can share what books are needed to accompany their curriculum.
Leverage Reviews and Market Trends
Check out the reviews of best-selling picture books on Amazon, Goodreads, and bookstore websites. Look at both positive and negative comments. What are readers praising? What are they criticizing? You can also stay ahead by researching picture book market trends—search terms like “top picture books 2025” or “most popular children’s books” can offer insights into what’s working right now. Don’t forget to check out those books that have received an award.
Ask for Feedback from Your Target Age Group
Before you are ready to publish your manuscript, you should share it with your critique group. Revisions can be fun, if you have the right attitude. Revisions make your story stronger. Next, I would read your story aloud. You will want to practice reading it aloud before you read it to children in your target age range (typically 2–8 years old for picture books). Their honest, unfiltered feedback is invaluable. Watch their faces. Do their eyes light up? Do they interrupt with questions? Are they engaged from start to finish? I often ask them, what they might change about the story? I find their answers very helpful!
You can also partner with teachers or parent groups to host small story sessions. This is a fun, low-pressure way to test your manuscript while building early buzz.
Final Thoughts: Your Reader is Your North Star
Understanding young readers isn’t just good advice—it’s essential for writing books that sell, resonate, and endure. As a picture book author, your goal is to craft stories that delight, inspire, and reflect the real experiences of children and their families.
Whether you’re writing for children for the first time or revising your tenth manuscript, never stop asking: “Who am I writing for, and what do they need to hear right now?”
With gratitude …
I am so glad you’re here. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am grateful that I can share my writing journey with you. It is an endless journey of learning and growing. A journey that I am enjoying.
I am now booking author visits for the fall, 2025 school year. If you are a classroom teacher, teacher assistant, Parent Teacher Association President, or After School Director I can work with you to create a visit that will meet the needs of your students. Please contact me to book your visit.
My website has been updates and it is now interactive. There are surprises everywhere. There’s even a special freebie to anyone who subscribes to my newsletter. Check out the resources for children, parents and teachers, librarians and homeschooling families.
Please consider purchasing a copy of Two Wins for Wiley or Gertie Saves the Day for gifts. Books make great gifts. Books can be read over and over again. It is my wish to get as many books as I can into the hands of children. Children need to hear all kinds of stories. A book is the best gift for both children and adults!
Call to Action …
You can really help this author by leaving a book review on Amazon or Goodreads. You can leave a review for Gertie Saves the Day here or here. Two Wins for Wiley here or here. Reviews can be as easy as 2-3 sentences. It should take about 30 seconds to leave and would make a huge difference for this author.
