Hey there, fellow story lovers! Let me tell you something… after writing kids books for nearly two decades, I’ve seen what makes little eyes light up and what makes them yawn and reach for the iPad instead.
And honestly? It’s not rocket science. But it IS something that too many of us adults forget when we sit down to write for kids.
## **The Secret Sauce (Spoiler: It’s Not What You Think)**
You know what I love about places like Playful Platypus? They get it. They’re not just selling books—they’re curating stories that actually *work*. Stories that kids beg to hear again and again. And again.
So what’s the magic formula?
Well first off, throw away any formula you think you have.
## **Kids Can Smell Fake From a Mile Away**
Here’s the thing. Children are the most honest critics you’ll ever meet. They won’t pretend to like your story just to be polite. Nope. If it’s boring, they’re gone. If it’s trying too hard to teach them something? They’re REALLY gone.
The best stories—the ones that really grab kids—have a few things in common:
– **Characters that feel real** (even if they’re talking platypuses!)
– **Problems that matter** to the character
– **Surprises** that make sense
– **Emotions** kids actually experience
– **A pace that moves** like they do—fast!
## **Let Me Paint You a Picture**
Imagine this. You’re six years old. Someone hands you a book about a perfect little boy who always shares his toys and never gets mad.
Boring, right?
Now imagine a book about a kid who accidentally turns his annoying sister’s favorite doll purple. And has to fix it before she gets home. NOW we’re talking!
## **The Playful Platypus Approach**
This is why I admire what Gary Campbell’s doing with his books. And why pairing them with Trevor’s artwork is genius. Kids don’t just read stories—they experience them. They need to SEE the adventure, FEEL the textures, IMAGINE themselves right there in the action.
Good children’s books (the kind you’ll find at places that actually care about quality) understand something crucial:
**Kids want to see themselves in stories. But not perfect versions of themselves. Real versions.**
## **Real Talk: What Actually Works**
1. **Start with action.** Not description. Not backstory. ACTION.
2. **Make your main character want something.** Really, really want it. Even if it’s just finding their missing sock (which, let’s be honest, is a real struggle we ALL understand).
3. **Add obstacles.** But make them kid-sized obstacles. The monster under the bed is way scarier than global warming to a 5-year-old.
4. **Use words kids actually use.** “Awesome” beats “magnificent” every single time.
5. **End with satisfaction.** Not necessarily “happily ever after”—but something that feels complete.
## **Why This Matters More Than Ever**
Look, I get it. We’re competing with YouTube and video games and a million other shiny things. But here’s what those things can’t do—they can’t create that magical moment when a parent and child are cuddled up together, lost in a story.
They can’t recreate that feeling when a kid sees a piece of art (like Trevor Campbell’s work) and their imagination just… explodes.
That’s what engaging stories do. They create connections. Between kids and books, sure. But more importantly? Between kids and the people reading to them.
## **My Challenge to You**
Next time you’re picking out a book for a child—whether it’s from Playful Platypus or anywhere else—ask yourself:
– Would I have wanted to read this as a kid?
– Does it respect children’s intelligence?
– Does it spark questions, not just give answers?
– Can I imagine a child asking to hear it again tomorrow?
If you answer yes to these… congrats. You’ve found a winner.
And hey, if you’re writing stories yourself? Remember this: Kids don’t need perfect stories. They need real ones. Ones that make them laugh, gasp, wiggle with excitement, and beg for “just one more chapter, pleeease?”
That’s the real magic. And honestly? It never gets old.
**Happy reading, friends!**
—Bryce
