The Write Stuff:
15 Kids’ Books To Encourage Storytelling
by Liz Lesnick
“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” —Ernest Hemingway
I think everyone can relate to Hemingway’s feelings about writing. Sometimes the ideas come easily, but it’s hard to find the right words; other times it’s a struggle to know how to even begin. If you have an aspiring writer in your house, or a child struggling with a writing assignment for school, here are some of my favorite books that provide inspiration, encouragement, and practical advice.
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Rocket Writes a Story
Available from:You can’t go wrong with this #1 New York Times bestselling picture book about the dog Rocket as he learns how to write a story. With encouragement from a yellow bird, Rocket explores the world around him to find the perfect story idea. The familiar character and gentle narrative make this an excellent pick for inspiring young readers and writers.
(Ages 4-8)Also available from: -
The Story Factory
Preorder from:The Story Factory manufactures every book using the same elements, like characters and plot. When the factory breaks down, the workers comb through the entire machine, looking for the problem. Instead, they find an imaginative new way to make books that readers everywhere love. This beautiful picture book celebrates unique stories and encourages young writers to break the mold.
(Ages 3-7)(On sale: 1/21/2025)
Preorder from: -
Also an Octopus
Available from:Every great story begins with … nothing. But from that nothing come endless options to create a silly story just for you! Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s Also an Octopus is a story about writing a story. It starts with an octopus who wants to travel to faraway galaxies in a purple spaceship and then hands the baton to readers to see where their imaginations take them!
(Ages 3-7)Also available from: -
My Book About Me by ME, Myself
Available from:When a friend gave my daughter My Book About Me for her fourth birthday, I think I was more excited than she was. I remembered how much I loved making my own book about me and the thrill of being encouraged to write in a “real” book. Each page has a question or an activity for kids to complete about themselves asked in a way that can only be described as “Seussian.” I still haven’t found a better way to get kids excited about writing.
(Ages 4-8)Also available from: -
You’re a Poet: Ways to Start Writing Poems
Preorder from:Join Piglet in this picture book omnibus, which contains five cozy stories about writing poetry. In each story, Piglet explores a new way to write poetry, shares tips and tricks, and encourages young children to try their hand at the unique art form. This book is an excellent introduction to the world of poetry and what it means to be a poet.
(Ages 3-7)(On sale: 3/4/2025)
Preorder from: -
Written and Drawn by Henrietta
Available from:Henrietta loves reading books so much that one day she decides to write her own! With the help of her cat Fellini and some colored pencils, she creates a story about the many adventures of a brave girl and a three-headed monster. Kids will love being a part of the creative process and may even be inspired to create their own story!
(Ages 5-7)Also available from: -
The Story of a Story
Available from:When you sit down to write a story, it can be challenging to get started. This gorgeous picture book is for anyone who has experienced writer’s block (pretty much everyone). Told in second-person narrative, this delightful book shows young writers the value of persistence. With the help of a few writing tips and prompts, readers will feel encouraged to tap into their creativity and write their stories.
(Ages 4-8)Also available from: -
The Best Story
Available from:Once upon a time, a girl wants to enter the library’s story contest, but she can’t figure out how to write a story. She gets advice from family and friends about what makes a story good. As you can imagine, everyone has their own take on what they like in a story. Young writers (and readers) will be entertained and inspired by Eileen Spinelli’s quirky heroine and Anne Wilsdorf’s lively illustrations.
(Ages 5-8)Also available from: -
Janie Writes a Play
Preorder from:Based on a true story about the children’s book author Jane Yolen. When Janie’s elementary school teacher announces that the class is going to perform a play, Janie is so excited. The only problem … the play is boring! So, Janie takes matters into her own hands, rewrites the play, and creates a hit! Written by Janie’s daughter, this book is a testament to the power of creativity.
(Ages 5-8)(On sale: 2/11/2025)
Preorder from: -
I Am…: A Journal for Extraordinary Kids
Available from:Kids always enjoy writing about themselves, and this guided journal from the creators of the Extraordinary People Change the World series gives kids the chance to write about their own heroism. Simple prompts and plenty of illustrations will soon have young writers putting their best qualities on the page.
(Ages 5-9)Also available from: -
Write! Write! Write!
Available from:The twenty-two poems inside this book take young readers through the entire writing journey, from learning the alphabet to completing an entire story. The poems also share the power of strong writing and the work it takes to create something worth reading. It’s a fantastic book for teaching children to appreciate the process and significance of writing.
(Ages 5-9)Also available from: -
The Highlights Book of Things to Write
Available from:The ultimate cure for writer’s block, this book has over 175 writing prompts guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing. On each page, kids will learn to enhance their writing skills, expand their imaginations, and most importantly, learn how to express themselves through words.
(Ages 7+)Also available from: -
Write On: My Story Journal
Available from:This one-of-a-kind journal will have kids writing in no time. Colorful artwork, quirky writing prompts, and a tear-out card game make it a unique journaling experience unlike anything else. Kids will have so much fun writing in this book that they won’t realize it’s making them better writers at the same time. It’s sneaky education at its best!
(Ages 6-9)Also available from: -
Mrs Wordsmith How to Write a Story, Grades 3-5
Available from:Help your kids build confidence and fall in love with writing with this fun and quirky illustrated guide. Throughout this workbook Mrs Wordsmith offers silly story starters, visual guides, vocabulary lists, and tried-and-true techniques. Your child will be writing stories all by themselves in no time!
(Ages 7-11)Also available from: -
Q&A a Day for Kids
Available from:Keeping a journal is a great way to exercise your writing muscles, but sometimes it’s hard to know what to write. Q&A a Day for Kids solves that problem with a thoughtful question from children’s author Betsy Franco on each page. Even children who aren’t writing on their own can answer the questions and have a grown-up record them in the diary. I gave this to a friend who told me that she sets aside time each evening to do an entry with her young son, and when she forgets, he dutifully reminds her that he can’t go to bed until they’ve done his question.
(Ages 4-12)Also available from:
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2024.