How to Come Up with And Refine Great Children’s Book Ideas

I sat there thinking and thinking. It was like I got into a fantasy zone of my own imagination — a universe that hadn’t been discovered before. All those bedtime stories my mom used to read came alive. I could see the tortoise and the hare racing against each other, while the wolf from Little Red Riding Hood was disguising himself in Grandma’s clothes in the background. 

That’s when that “what if” came to me: 

“What if I wrote a book for children?” 

One filled with thrills, emotions, and a moral lesson. Since then, there’s been no looking back. That was almost twenty years ago — what started as a “what if” has now become the primary purpose of my life. And through trial, error, blank pages, and midnight bursts of brilliance, I’ve learned something crucial: great children’s books don’t just appear — they’re discovered, shaped, and refined. 

Let me show you how you can get children’s book ideas too. 

Where Do Great Ideas Come From? 

Mine Your Own Childhood Memories 

On my journey to becoming the best children’s writer, I’ve realized one thing: some of the best stories hide in the dusty corners of your own childhood memories. Do you remember the monster who lived under your bed? Or eating a cookie you weren’t supposed to touch? What made your heart race? What made your stomach hurt from laughter? 

Revisit those emotional highs and lows like old friends. Children’s book ideas are like treasures hidden in your own mind. Childhood isn’t just a phase; it’s a treasure chest of emotional truths waiting to be retold with magic and meaning. 

Observe the Children Around You 

Look around — children are pure, unscripted inspiration. Watch how they question everything, how they build whole kingdoms out of cardboard and string. Their logic is often more poetic than rational, and that’s where brilliance hides. 

Eavesdrop on their chatter, study how they play, argue, make peace. Every ridiculous question, every weird game, every silent pout holds a story aching to be told. Writers often chase originality — but kids are living, breathing reminders that the original is right in front of you. 

Also, when you have an idea, try to picturize the story in your mind too. Plot isn’t the only thing that makes a children’s book great — it’s about illustration too. Once you have a baseline idea, you can get your entire book illustrated with custom book illustration services. 

Ask “What If” — Over and Over Again 

Ever wondered: “What if the ants living in your backyard had a whole secret society of espionage?” “What if the clouds started pouring fast food instead of rain?” 

That one little phrase — what if — is a golden key. It unlocks wild worlds and oddball ideas. Let your imagination stretch its legs and run free. Don’t censor the silly. Absurdity is often the birthplace of brilliance. 

The most beloved children’s book ideas didn’t begin with logic — they began with wonder. Ask “what if” until the question itself becomes a portal to a place even you didn’t expect to find. 

Here’s How You Can Conquer Writing Blocks 

Embrace the Blank Page as a Playground 

Trust me when I say, I get it — I’ve been where you are. You’ve tried everything but still can’t find the words to fill the blank page, right? 

Well, it doesn’t have to be like this. The blank page doesn’t mock you — it invites you. Not every writing session needs to bleed ink. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is sit still and let your thoughts play. 

Daydream with reckless abandon. Jot down half-baked lines, random dialogue, a weird character name that popped into your head while waiting in line for coffee. Sketch something silly. Doodle your way into inspiration. Creativity isn’t a machine; it’s a garden — and gardens bloom in silence, not pressure. That’s how the greatest children’s book ideas are born. 

Revisit Classic Children’s Books 

As the saying goes: “When your well is empty, drink from the rivers that have been flowing for years.” 

If nothing feels right and all you see are blank spaces, pick up your favorite childhood book or one you’ve always admired, and read it like a writer. Feel the tempo, the magic in the page turns, the way a character’s voice rings true. 

Ask yourself how the author made you care. Study the mechanics behind the whimsy — it’s craft wrapped in candy. Rediscover the beat of those stories and let their rhythm reawaken yours. 

Pro Tip: Some top book illustration service providers not only illustrate — they can also write a complete children’s book from scratch for you. 

Talk It Out — With Kids or Fellow Writers 

What if I told you that children are the best editors you can find? Believe it or not, kids are the most honest editors you’ll ever meet. 

Pitch your idea to a child — if their eyes widen and they ask, “Then what happens?” — you’ve struck gold. And when the kids are asleep, talk to fellow writers. Share your stuck points, your plot holes, your half-ideas. Feedback doesn’t just fix problems — it ignites new paths. 

Sometimes, all you need to break the block is to let someone else hold the flashlight. 

The Magic Is Already in You 

Writing children’s books isn’t about chasing fairytales — it’s about unearthing the ones that already live inside you. The wonder, the mischief, the quiet lessons — they’re all tucked away in memory, in moments, in passing questions. Don’t wait for lightning. Hunt it down. Play with ideas. Fail gloriously. Doodle nonsense. Talk to kids. Ask “what if” like it’s your life’s mantra. 

And when your story’s bones are in place, don’t skimp on the visuals — they matter more than you think. Partnering with the best book illustration services can bring your story to life with the kind of magic words alone can’t capture. A well-illustrated page is a spell, a portal, a heartbeat. 

The truth is, you already have the spark. 

You just need to feed it till it catches fire. 

So go ahead — write that story. The world’s waiting to read it. 

You’ve Got Questions? Let’s Hit ‘Em Head-On 

Q1: What if I don’t have kids — can I still write a great children’s book? 
Absolutely. You were a kid once. That’s your secret weapon. Tap into that version of you, the one who believed in monsters and miracles. That’s more than enough. 

Q2: I’ve got a basic idea. Should I wait until it’s fully developed before hiring an illustrator? 
Nope. Many top illustrators love to collaborate from the concept stage. Some even help flesh out characters and environments visually, which can fuel your writing. Just make sure your idea has a heartbeat — a direction. Then let the visuals evolve alongside the story.