Writing for Children: A Guide for Australian Authors
Writing for children is a unique and rewarding challenge. It requires not only creativity and passion but also a deep understanding of the developmental stages, interests, and concerns of young readers. Whether you’re a seasoned writer looking to shift focus or a newcomer hoping to break into the children’s book market, crafting stories that engage and inspire young minds can be a deeply fulfilling endeavour. In this post, we will explore the essentials of writing for children, including key considerations specific to the Australian market, the importance of representation, and practical tips for bringing your ideas to life.
Why Write for Children?
Writing for children offers a chance to shape the imaginations and attitudes of future generations. Children’s books play a crucial role in their cognitive and emotional development, helping them make sense of the world around them. Moreover, children are some of the most enthusiastic and discerning readers—if a book resonates with them, they’ll read it again and again, forging a lifelong love of reading.
From picture books to young adult (YA) novels, writing for children also offers a wide variety of formats and genres to explore. Whether you’re interested in fantasy, adventure, or real-world issues, the children’s book market is diverse and constantly evolving. Importantly, writing for children in Australia allows you to connect with young readers who have their own unique cultural and social backgrounds, influenced by the country’s rich history and diverse communities.
Understanding the Different Age Groups
One of the most important things to consider when writing for children is the target age group. Each stage of a child’s development comes with distinct cognitive, emotional, and social needs. Understanding these stages will not only help you create a story that resonates but will also inform the language, themes, and length of the book.
Picture Books (Ages 0–5)
Picture books are often a child’s first introduction to reading, and they’re as much about the illustrations as they are about the text. These books are generally written for children aged 0 to 5, and the stories are simple, yet rich with meaning. Picture books are typically 32 pages long, with a small amount of text per page. The language should be rhythmic, repetitive, and accessible.
For the Australian market, picture books often incorporate local themes and landscapes. Australian animals like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats are frequent characters, while the vast and varied landscapes of the Outback or coastal areas can provide both settings and metaphors. Understanding your audience’s needs at this stage involves acknowledging that children’s comprehension is limited, so the focus should be on engaging their senses through vibrant images, sound patterns, and simple narrative arcs.
Early Chapter Books (Ages 5–8)
This category caters to emerging readers who have progressed beyond picture books but still require simpler language and sentence structures. These books are often shorter (around 60-100 pages) and feature illustrations that support the text. Early chapter books are ideal for children learning to read on their own, but they still need plenty of support to keep their interest.
In this stage, it’s essential to focus on clear, action-driven plots. These books are often episodic, with self-contained stories that don’t require long-term commitment. Characters tend to be relatable and go through simple conflicts that mirror real-life issues in a way that young readers can understand. In the Australian context, these stories may include aspects of school life, family dynamics, or everyday adventures in the unique Australian setting.
Middle Grade (Ages 8–12)
At this stage, children are beginning to understand more complex plots and characters. Middle-grade books tend to feature longer stories (around 150-250 pages) with a more intricate narrative, though they still rely on straightforward language. Stories in this age group often explore themes of friendship, identity, family, and the transition from childhood to adolescence.
Australian middle-grade books often address topics such as the environment, sports, and multiculturalism, reflecting the country’s diverse society. These books can explore issues such as Indigenous history, family expectations, or the challenges of growing up in a remote area, all while being age-appropriate.
Young Adult (Ages 12–18)
Young adult (YA) literature is targeted at older children and teens. At this stage, readers are ready for more mature themes, more nuanced characters, and more complex plots. YA novels can span a wide range of genres, from fantasy and dystopian fiction to romance and contemporary realism. Length-wise, these books often range from 250 to 400 pages or more.
In Australia, YA books have gained significant traction in recent years, with a growing focus on themes such as mental health, identity, sexuality, relationships, and social justice. YA books also often provide a platform for diverse voices, including those from LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as stories about multicultural, regional, or Indigenous perspectives.
Key Considerations When Writing for Children
When writing for a younger audience, there are several essential things to keep in mind.
1. Age-Appropriate Language: It’s essential to match your vocabulary and sentence structure to the developmental stage of your intended readers. Picture books for young children should rely on simple, repetitive, and clear language. Early chapter books can introduce more complex sentence structures, but the words should still be simple and direct. For middle grade and YA novels, you can start to experiment with more complex themes and dialogue, but be mindful not to overcomplicate things. Readers in this group often appreciate relatable, authentic voices rather than formal or overly sophisticated language.
2. Creating Relatable Characters: Children connect with characters who feel like “real” people, even if they exist in fantastical worlds. The characters in your story should be relatable to your audience’s emotional experience. Picture book characters may be animals or anthropomorphised objects, but they still face challenges that children understand—like overcoming fear or sharing with friends.
For older readers, characters should feel authentic, dealing with emotions, dilemmas, and situations that mirror their real-life experiences. YA books often feature protagonists navigating questions of self-identity, friendship, or difficult family relationships. Australian authors should strive to create characters that reflect the diversity of young readers in Australia, which includes not just cultural and ethnic diversity but also varying socioeconomic backgrounds, abilities, and geographic locations.
3. Themes and Morals: While children’s books often have clear moral lessons, it’s important not to be overly didactic. Young readers are perceptive; they’re more likely to connect with stories that feel genuine rather than overtly instructional. Stories should aim to show, rather than tell, values like kindness, honesty, and perseverance.
For example, in Australian literature, you might explore environmental conservation, showing children how to care for the planet, or issues related to the country’s history and Indigenous communities. However, these topics should be handled with nuance and sensitivity, ensuring that the story’s impact is greater than just its educational message.
4. Diversity and Representation: Representation is increasingly important in children’s literature. Australian readers, particularly those from culturally diverse or Indigenous backgrounds, should see themselves reflected in the books they read. As an Australian author, you have the opportunity to include a wide array of voices, settings, and experiences, from the urban landscape of Sydney to the remote communities of the Northern Territory.
Stories that include diverse characters—whether in terms of ethnicity, culture, gender, or ability—help children develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world. It also affirms that every child has a place in the world of literature. Australian authors have a unique role to play in making this diversity visible and meaningful for young readers.
Crafting Your Story
Plot Structure: Children’s stories need to have clear structure and pacing. Whether you’re writing a picture book or a YA novel, the plot should be engaging and move forward without unnecessary digressions. For picture books, the plot often revolves around a single event or theme, while for older readers, you’ll likely deal with a more complex narrative arc.
– Beginning: Establish your main character(s) and introduce the world they inhabit.
– Middle: Present a problem or challenge that the character must face.
– End: Resolve the conflict in a way that feels satisfying and educational without being overly simplistic.
The narrative should always serve the emotional or developmental growth of the protagonist, allowing young readers to learn and grow alongside them.
Visual and Sensory Appeal: In picture books and early chapter books, the visual aspect of the book is just as important as the text. The illustrations should complement and enhance the story, helping to bring the characters and the world to life. Even in novels for older readers, you can use descriptive language to evoke strong sensory imagery that pulls readers into the world you’ve created.
Think about the language you use—how can you make the setting vivid? How can you bring the emotions of the characters to life through description? Use sensory detail to make your story more immersive.
Keep It Fun! – Ultimately, children’s books should be fun to read. Whether it’s a wacky adventure, a poignant family drama, or a quiet moment of reflection, young readers need to be engaged and entertained. Don’t be afraid to play with language, take risks, and create something that will leave readers feeling excited and inspired.
Finding Your Voice as an Australian Children’s Author
Writing for children is an art form that requires patience, dedication, and a deep understanding of your audience. As an Australian author, you have the opportunity to create stories that are uniquely reflective of the country’s diverse culture, landscape, and history. Whether you’re writing for the youngest readers or for teens navigating complex emotions, there is a place for your voice in the children’s book market.
By focusing on age-appropriate language, relatable characters, authentic themes, and diverse representation, you can create stories that speak to young readers and leave a lasting impact on their lives. So, take the leap—your next great children’s book may just be waiting to be written.
