Children’s books require illustrations to sell their stories. The illustrations should support and enhance the written narrative and add to the book’s mood or theme.

Children’s books for babies and toddlers are usually board books made of durable materials. Older toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy larger picture books and lift-the-flap books.

Age Group

There are so many options for children’s books that it might be daunting. Selecting age-appropriate, well-written stories can encourage your child to read and learn. A great method to develop a relationship with your child is to read to and with them.

Younger children enjoy illustrated children’s book that encourage their imagination. They are interested in real-life circumstances that mirror their experiences, such as attending school or having brothers or sisters. They also enjoy alphabet and counting books and simple information books such as dinosaurs, trains, trucks, animals, or geography.

Children want to study and laugh with memorable, intriguing characters. They enjoy reading books with pleasant endings. This is crucial for young readers who might find it difficult to process a sad conclusion mentally.

Theme

For children learning to read, the theme of a book should capture their interest. This may mean a story about a particular topic that relates to their own experiences or that can be compared to the lives of their friends. Children also appreciate books that promote imagination or solve problems creatively.

Wordless books that require children to interpret the illustrations are an excellent choice for children 4-8. Children will develop vocabulary and literacy skills by making predictions, filling in gaps, and comparing what they see in the pictures to the words on the page. Children can explore cultures through stories about other countries and families. Young children often have sibling rivalries, so a story about loving your siblings is helpful. Musically inclined children will be inspired by a story about a girl who plays various instruments, even after losing her hearing.

Style

If you are illustrating your book or teaming up with a professional, look for a style appropriate for your story’s age group and theme. Browse your favorite children’s books or portfolios of professional illustrators to get an idea of what you like and don’t like.

For younger children, stick to a simpler style that is familiar and appeals to their visual imagination. Similarly, older kids will appreciate more detailed illustrations conveying feelings or moods.

A good illustrated children’s book can inspire children to read independently. It raises an emotional reaction that can be shared with parents or peers and teaches important skills to carry over to future reading. It can also help a child feel less alone by showing that others experience the same feelings, such as being the new kid at school. This award-winning book does exactly that. It features diverse characters and challenges gender stereotypes, like the idea that pink is for girls and blue is for boys.

Subject

For younger children, a wordless book that relies solely on illustrations to tell the story can be a wonderful way to engage young readers and introduce them to storytelling. Word count, length, and book type also vary with age.

Kids need relatable characters that they can identify with. Stories that deliver timeless morals and life lessons or teach core subjects such as the alphabet, numbers, fruit, or days of the week are important for preschool and school-aged children.

Studying older children’s books to find stylistic inspiration and see what trends are occurring is a good idea. If you’re illustrating your children’s book, practice with various styles to find what suits your story best. Look for ways to experiment with color palettes, shapes, and more to ensure your book is unique. Children love quirky illustrations that stand out and help them recall the story even after many readings. Children also love to be surprised and will stay engaged in a story if the end is happy or surprises them.