Writing for children is fun and rewarding—and more complex than it looks. Many aspiring kid lit writers dive in with enthusiasm, only to get tripped up by common pitfalls. If you're hoping to craft a story that delights young readers, steering clear of these five mistakes can make all the difference.

(1) Writing with a Lesson Instead of a Story

Children’s books are often seen as vehicles for teaching. It's natural to want to impart some wisdom to the next generation. But young readers don’t want to be preached at any more than you do. They want a story. The best picture books let the lessons and themes emerge naturally.

Try this: Ask yourself, What does my character want? What’s getting in their way? Follow that thread.

(2) Underestimating the Audience

Of course we know that children are not miniature adults, but they’re not simple, either. Kid lit fails when it talks down to readers, flattens emotions, or skips nuance. A child might not have the vocabulary of an adult, but they have complex feelings, rich imaginations, and a keen sense of fairness and fun.

Try this: Read your manuscript aloud to a child in your target age group. You’ll quickly see what lands—and what loses them.

(3) Using Adult Language and Logic

Writers new to children's literature sometimes forget what it means to be fully immersed in a child’s world. Kids live in the moment. They don’t process events with the same cause-and-effect thinking as adults. So much is new to them, and they're constantly trying to make meaning from their experiences.

Try this: Rewrite your story from the point of view of your main character at their age. Simplify the language, but not the meaning.

(4) Overwriting the Text

In picture books, less is more. You don’t need to describe what the illustrations will show. You don’t need to narrate every detail. And you definitely don’t need long backstories. Young readers want action, so keep the word count age-appropriate and move the story along  at a brisk pace. 

Try this: Cut your word count by 25% on your next revision. You might find the story gets stronger.

(5) Skipping the Read-Aloud Test

If your book doesn’t sing when read aloud, it’s not ready. Picture books are meant to be heard as much as read. Clunky phrasing, awkward rhythm, or overly long sentences will take away from the fun of reading the story.

Try this: Read your manuscript aloud (preferably with a child on your lap). You’ll hear what needs fixing.

These are all common, fixable mistakes. The key is to revise with intention, listen closely to your audience, and keep reading great books. 

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash