Writing prompts for kids
Stories for young readers, sorted by age, from board books to middle grade. Each age has its own length and its own rules.
All 101 Kids prompts
Showing 1 to 10Write a story from the perspective of a cloud in the sky. What does the cloud see during the day? Does it meet any airplanes, birds, or even a kite? What happens when it gets too heavy with water?
Baby-2A little blue bird loses her song. She travels through the garden, asking the flowers and trees for help to find her melody again. Along the way, she learns about the music that nature makes.
Ages 3-5You receive a mysterious letter in the mail, but it's not addressed to you—it's addressed to your favorite stuffed animal! Write about your journey to help your stuffed animal read the letter and discover who it's from and what it says.
Ages 3-5A little cloud gets lost from its family in the sky and must find its way back. Along the journey, the cloud learns how it can change its shape to become anything it wants, from an elephant to a ship!
Baby-2A mysterious, enchanted forest is only visible at midnight and your main character and their best friend decide to explore it. What whimsical creatures do they meet, and what challenges do they face in the heart of the forest?
Imagine you've discovered an old, dusty board game in your attic that doesn’t abide by the usual rules. When you play, the game transforms your room into its various environments. Write about your first game night and the mystical lands you explore, all from the safety of your home.
Ages 9-12Write a story about a teddy bear who comes to life every night when its owner goes to sleep. The teddy bear loves to sneak out to the kitchen to make snacks. One night, it decides to cook something very special. What does it make and what adventures does it have in the kitchen?
Baby-2Write a story about a little duck who is afraid of water. Describe how the duck's friends help overcome this fear and enjoy their first swim together in the pond.
Ages 3-5Write a story about a mysterious map you find tucked inside an old book in your library. The map doesn't just lead to a hidden location in your town, but to a secret world. What do you find there, and who do you meet?
Ages 9-12A little robot lands in a backyard and needs help to fix its spaceship. The children in the house team up with the robot, using household items for repairs. Describe their inventive solutions and the fun they have.
Ages 3-5
Writing kids, answered.
How long should a kids story be?
It depends on the reader's age. Board books for ages 0 to 2 run under 100 words. Picture books for 3 to 5 run 300 to 800. Early readers for 6 to 8 run 1,000 to 2,500, and a middle grade story for 9 to 12 runs 2,000 to 5,000. Write it long, then cut: every word has to earn its place on a small page.
What do readers expect from children's?
Ages 0 to 8: books made to be read aloud, again and again. Most readers come looking for simple, rhythmic language; a child's point of view; room for the illustrations; a satisfying, often gentle ending. You don't need an illustrator. Publishers pair picture book writers with artists, so leave room in your text for the pictures to tell part of the story.
Which kids prompt should I start with?
Start with the shelf that pulls at you: Ages 9-12 (21 prompts), Baby-2 (20 prompts), Ages 3-5 (20 prompts), Ages 6-8 (20 prompts), or any of the 4 shelves above. Can't choose? Press "Pick one at random" and write whatever comes up.
How do I make a kids prompt my own?
Change one thing the prompt takes for granted. Three ideas that suit kids: make the ending warm, safe and a little bit funny; keep it to one problem and one place; let the child solve the problem, not a grown-up.
More kids & YA fiction prompts
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