The Backyard Spaceship Repair
A 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.
Suggested length: A picture book: 300 to 800 words
Start the clock
Pick a sprint, press start and keep going until it stops. Momentum beats polish on a first draft.
Make it yours
Three ways to take this prompt somewhere nobody else will.
- Name the feeling the character has, simply and honestly.
- Read it out loud as you write. If it doesn't sound good, change it.
- Give every page or scene one picture worth drawing.
Writing children's
Ages 0 to 8: books made to be read aloud, again and again.
Children's books run from board books and picture books for the youngest to early readers and chapter books for kids reading on their own. Every word counts, and the adults reading aloud are an audience too.
What readers expect
- Simple, rhythmic language
- A child's point of view
- Room for the illustrations
- A satisfying, often gentle ending
A tip before you start
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.
More Picture Book prompts
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- Talking to Backyard AnimalsImagine you wake up one morning and find that you can talk to animals! Write a story about your first conversation with your pet or a wild animal in…
- Hide and Seek with TeddyYou find a talking teddy bear hidden in your closet who wants to play hide and seek. Tell the story of your day playing hide and seek with the teddy…
- The Full Moon Toy QuestEvery full moon, the toys in your room come to life. Write a story about a special night of adventures with your toys. Where do you go, and what games…
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