Tips and Techniques for Writing Great Children’s Book Titles Across the Ages

Hi there Kathy Temean readers, it’s Mira Reisberg again and I’m so excited to be back to share some tips and techniques for writing great children’s book titles. Before a reader opens your book, the very first thing they read is the title. It’s the first impression, the beacon that draws readers into the wonderful world that you’ve created. And while it doesn’t always make or break whether an editor or agent says, “Yes!” to you or your story, your title can make a huge difference. And then of course, once your story is made into a book, ready to sell and get into children’s hands, your title is critical. So, let’s dive into some tips for creating great titles for children’s picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels. With all ages, language is key so wherever you can – use wordplay and lyrical language techniques to elevate your title. Also, know that cover art can radically help in clarifying what your title is about.

Children’s Picture Books:

Keep it Simple: Short, catchy titles that reflect your story’s throughline, heart, humor, and/or characters are ideal.

Create Evocative Imagery: Titles should conjure vivid images, sparking curiosity and excitement.

Keep your concept as concrete as you can (abstract ideas are better for older readers).

If you are up for it, I’m going to give you a little homework. I want you to write down what it is that makes each of these titles evocative, exciting, or appealing to kids so that it will hopefully help you with your own titles.

PB Examples:

· Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

· Finding Mr. Trunks by Annemarie Riley Guertin (hint, Mr. Trunks is an elephant stuffie who gets lost)

· Finley: A Moose on the Caboose by Candace Spizzirri

Chapter Books:

Glimpse an Adventure: Titles should offer a peek into the exciting adventures in your chapter books (these days CBs are often in series).

Reflect the Protagonist’s Journey: Try centering titles around main characters or central themes.

CB Examples:

· Super Happy Party Bears: Tiny Prancer by Marcie Colleen (Super Happy Party Bears series)

· Emily’s Big Shot by Bryan Patrick Avery (Mr. Grizzly’s Class series)

· The Fantastic Freewheeler vs. the Mall of Doom (Chapter Book Graphic Novel series) by Molly Felder

Middle Grade:

Utilize Wordplay and Symbolic Language: Language can become more abstract to symbolize deeper concepts.

Evoke Intrigue: Titles should hint at mysteries, inviting readers to uncover hidden secrets.

Reflect Emotional Depth: Titles should convey the story’s emotional complexity.

MG Examples:

· The Moon Within by Aida Salazar (clue the main character is a young girl coming-of-age)

· Just Shy of Ordinary by A.J. Sass (what kind of kid would be just shy of ordinary?)

· The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera (what type of story does this title hint at?)

Crafting great children’s book titles requires patience, creativity, insight, language skills and an understanding of your audience. Whatever age you are writing for remember these keys: Use lyrical, poetic or word play language. Keep it short. Reflect or hint at what’s going on in the story. Get the drama out of your life and into your title and story. Use puns and humor if appropriate. Make it memorable. Incite curiosity and speak to the age of your reader.

BIO:

Dr. Mira Reisberg, director of the Children’s Book Academy, has worked in the children’s literature field for over 36 years in just about every capacity. Now as she prepares to leave the Academy to focus on her own work, she has created some extraordinary craft and publishing opportunities to add to her legacy of helping hard-working creatives publish wonderful children’s books.

Receive a lovely free 7-day course here! https://wj168.infusionsoft.app/app/form/free-7-day-intensive28

Consider signing up for one of the Academy’s epic and extraordinary new membership clubs right here. https://www.childrensbookacademy.com/join-the-club.html

Apply for Club membership scholarships here: https://www.childrensbookacademy.com/club-scholarships.html

See Dr. Mira’s honor wall of fabulous former student’s books here: https://www.childrensbookacademy.com/honor-wall-of-students-books.html

And testimonials here: https://www.childrensbookacademy.com/testimonials.html

Below are just some of the extraordinary people joining the Clubs for teaching and mentoring that will blow your socks off!

Sending much children’s books love, Mira and the CBA gang

PS Feel free to reach out to Mira at: https://www.childrensbookacademy.com/club-scholarships.htmlchildrensbookacademy.com with any questions.

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Talk tomorrow,

Kathy