Ernest Hemingway<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nI think everyone can relate to Hemingway\u2019s feelings about writing. Sometimes the ideas come easily, but it\u2019s hard to find the right words; other times it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
no no 9780375870866 Rocket Writes a Story<\/i> by Tad Hills <\/p>\n
You can\u2019t go wrong with this #1 New York Times<\/i> 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.
\n(Ages 4-8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781536230000 The Story Factory <\/i> by Jam Dong <\/p>\n
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.
\n(Ages 3-7)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781536215915 Also an Octopus<\/i> by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, illustrated by Benji Davies <\/p>\n
Every great story begins with \u2026 nothing. But from that nothing come endless options to create a silly story just for you! Maggie Tokuda-Hall\u2019s Also an Octopus<\/i> 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!
\n(Ages 3-7)<\/i> <\/p>\n
9780394800936 My Book About Me by ME, Myself <\/i> by Dr. Seuss <\/p>\n
When a friend gave my daughter My Book About Me<\/i> 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 \u201creal\u201d 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 \u201cSeussian.\u201d I still haven\u2019t found a better way to get kids excited about writing.
\n(Ages 4-8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781536239331 You\u2019re a Poet: Ways to Start Writing Poems <\/i> by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Sam Usher <\/p>\n
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.
\n(Ages 3-7)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781662665141 Written and Drawn by Henrietta<\/i> by Liniers <\/p>\n
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!
\n(Ages 5-7)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780823444915 The Story of a Story<\/i> by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Hadley Hooper <\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.
\n(Ages 4-8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780803730557 The Best Story<\/i> by Eileen Spinelli, Illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf <\/p>\n
Once upon a time, a girl wants to enter the library\u2019s story contest, but she can\u2019t 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\u2019s quirky heroine and Anne Wilsdorf\u2019s lively illustrations.
\n(Ages 5-8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781623543273 Janie Writes a Play<\/i> by Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight <\/p>\n
Based on a true story about the children\u2019s book author Jane Yolen. When Janie\u2019s elementary school teacher announces that the class is going to perform a play, Janie is so excited. The only problem \u2026 the play is boring! So, Janie takes matters into her own hands, rewrites the play, and creates a hit! Written by Janie\u2019s daughter, this book is a testament to the power of creativity.
\n(Ages 5-8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780525577003 I Am\u2026: A Journal for Extraordinary Kids <\/i> by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Chris Eliopoulos <\/p>\n
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.
\n(Ages 5-9)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781684373628 Write! Write! Write! <\/i> by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, illustrated by Ryan O\u2019Rourke <\/p>\n
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\u2019s a fantastic book for teaching children to appreciate the process and significance of writing.
\n(Ages 5-9)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781644727836 The Highlights Book of Things to Write<\/i> created by Highlights <\/p>\n
The ultimate cure for writer\u2019s 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.
\n(Ages 7+)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780525576877 Write On: My Story Journal <\/i> by Wee Society <\/p>\n
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\u2019t realize it\u2019s making them better writers at the same time. It\u2019s sneaky education at its best!
\n(Ages 6-9)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780744051490 Mrs Wordsmith How to Write a Story, Grades 3-5<\/i> by Mrs Wordsmith <\/p>\n
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!
\n(Ages 7-11)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780307952967 Q&A a Day for Kids<\/i> by Betsy Franco <\/p>\n
Keeping a journal is a great way to exercise your writing muscles, but sometimes it\u2019s hard to know what to write. Q&A a Day for Kids<\/i> solves that problem with a thoughtful question from children\u2019s author Betsy Franco on each page. Even children who aren\u2019t 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\u2019t go to bed until they\u2019ve done his question.
\n(Ages 4-12)<\/i><\/p>\n
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2024.<\/small><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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