The Way to Write for Children

In addressing "the way to write for children," Joan Aiken starts at the beginning. Is writing a children's book as simple as it looks? Do you want to write for children or about them? Do you want to write a picture book for young children, a book for new readers, or a chapter book for preteens? Why is Beatrix Potter so beloved? E. Nesbit? A. A. Milne? Maurice Sendak?

After more than fifteen years as a writing shelf classic, The Way to Write for Children has been completely revised and updated. From analysis of what makes the best-loved children's books so successful, to where to look for inspiration, to practical advice on how to structure a plot, Aiken delivers an extremely useful book for anyone who's ever considered writing a children's book.

Praise

"Hopeful authors exploring 'the way to write for children' could ask for no finer guide than Joan Aiken."—Lloyd Alexander, Newbery Award winner

"Joan Aiken has a very clear and unique voice which she brings to the Matter of Children's Books. Any writer who wants to learn the business—of writing—can learn much here."—Jane Yolen, Caldecott Medal and Skylark winner

"The Way to Write for Children is unquestionably bound to become the definitive practical guide for anyone wanting to enter a genre that looks so easy and turns out to be such a mine field for the unwary. But what I cherish in the book is Joan Aiken's passion . . . Whether or not you hope to write for children, this is a book for the permanent shelf of every thoughtful writer."—Peter S. Beagle, author of The Last Unicorn and The Innkeeper's Song

About the Author(s)

Joan Aiken

Joan Aiken is the award-winning author of over a hundred books for children and adults, including The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, The Whispering Mountain, The Shadow Guests, and A Necklace of Raindrops and Other Stories. She lives in Sussex, England.