How to Write Picture Books That Speak to Big Emotions
Children feel emotions in big, powerful ways. Joy can be as bright as the sun, while sadness can feel like a rainy day. Picture books are the perfect way to help little ones understand these feelings, showing them that it’s okay to feel everything—both the happy and the hard. If you’re a writer looking to create stories that speak to big emotions, here’s a friendly guide to help you craft stories that comfort, inspire, and connect.
1. Start with an Emotion, Not Just a Plot
Before diving into your story, think about the emotion you want to explore. Is it the excitement of a new sibling arriving? The sadness of saying goodbye to a pet? Or the nervous flutter of the first day of school? Let the emotion guide your story.
When you write with a specific feeling in mind, your story naturally resonates with readers. The plot becomes a journey through that emotion, helping children connect the story to their own experiences.
Writing Tip: Close your eyes and imagine how a child might feel in the situation you’re writing about. What do they see, hear, and think?
2. Create Relatable Characters
Children need characters they can relate to—whether they’re human, animal, or something magical. Relatable characters show children they’re not alone in their feelings. They see themselves in the character’s struggles and triumphs.
Give your characters distinct personalities, but let them feel like real children. Think about their fears, hopes, and reactions. The more authentic the character, the stronger the connection.
Fun Exercise: Create a character sketch where you list their favourite things, biggest fear, and one quirky habit.
3. Let the Setting Reflect the Emotion
The setting in a picture book can amplify the emotion you’re trying to convey. A sunny meadow might highlight joy, while a stormy night can reflect fear or sadness. Use the environment to visually mirror the character’s feelings.
This helps young readers not only understand the story’s mood but also learn how external cues (like rain or sunshine) can be linked to emotions.
Creative Idea: Describe the setting through the character’s eyes. How does it change as their emotions shift?
4. Don’t Shy Away from Big Feelings
Children are capable of understanding more than we sometimes give them credit for. Don’t be afraid to explore deep emotions like grief, loneliness, or anxiety. What matters most is how you present them—with warmth, honesty, and hope.
Use simple language that’s easy for children to understand but powerful enough to convey meaning. Avoid over-explaining. Sometimes, a single sentence can speak volumes: “He missed Grandma, but he felt her love in every breeze.”
Writing Tip: Balance the heavy moments with light, comforting ones to show that difficult emotions are part of a bigger journey.
5. End with Hope
Even when tackling serious topics, picture books should leave children with a sense of hope. Show them that emotions change, and even on the hardest days, there’s light ahead. The resolution doesn’t have to be a perfect ending, but it should provide comfort.
Think of endings that inspire discussions with parents or caregivers. For example, after a story about loss, the closing message could highlight the memories that live on.
Comforting Tip: Use metaphors like stars, seasons, or nature to symbolise change and healing.
Let Your Story Speak to the Heart
Writing picture books about big emotions is about creating a safe space for children to explore their feelings. It’s about giving them words when they don’t have their own and showing them that they’re never alone. Whether you’re writing about joy, fear, or grief, let your words spark understanding and comfort.
