The Magical Pencil
Write a story about a magical pencil that anything you draw with it becomes real. What do you draw first, and what fun things happen with your drawings?
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.
- Use one silly sound word kids will want to say.
- Use a repeated line young readers can join in on.
- Make the ending warm, safe and a little bit funny.
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
- The Day the Colors SwappedThink of a silly day when all the colors got mixed up: the sky is green, the trees are blue, and the cats are pink! Describe what happens and how…
- Blue and Yellow's SunriseImagine a world where colors talk. Write a story about Blue and Yellow's adventure to find the perfect spot to watch the sunrise.
- The Bubble-Breathing DragonCreate a tale about a young dragon who is learning how to breathe fire but accidentally keeps blowing out bubbles instead. Describe the dragon's…
- The Puppy at the BakeryImagine a mischievous puppy who can't stop wagging his tail. One day, his wagging tail causes a little bit of trouble, but it also leads to an…
Fifteen minutes in? Keep going.
Chapterly gives a draft somewhere to grow: chapters, daily word goals, and readers when you're ready.
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