I run into so many people who want to write children’s books but don’t realize that children’s books have rules. You can’t simply write an arbitrary number of words or pages. You need to know and follow the industry’s rules. Yes, there are exceptions to these rules, but they are rare and usually written by authors who have built a strong following.

Today, let’s look at board books. These are the first books that children receive. They’re small and made out of heavy cardboard so that children can chew on them. They appeal to children ages 0-2. Keep this in mind so that your word choice accurately reflects the age group that you’re trying to reach.

These books generally have 0-200 words and 16-24 pages. This includes the book’s front matter (i.e. copyright info and dedication). Notice that some don’t contain any words, they are simply pictures. Many are are plotless. In other words, they usually don’t have a story arch with a beginning, middle and end. Instead, they may be a book about numbers, letters, colors or animals. Sometimes board books are interactive (i.e. Peek-a-boo books, feel and learn books).

So, if you have an idea for a board book, begin to lay out your book’s words with these parameters in mind. And if you want read some great board books, I suggest you check out Sandra Boynton’s books, especially Moo, Ba, La La La and Barnyard Dance. They are terrific.

Be sure to check back. In my next Getting Started entry I’m going to talk about picture books. Not only will I talk about the rules for writing picture books, but I’ll also answer the question: Do I need to know how to illustrate in order to write a picture book? And I’ll talk about a major blunder that new authors make when writing their picture books. So stay tuned.

If you want to learn more about writing, check out my writing seminars. I’ve taught these sessions with great success at writers’ conferences around the country. And if you’re looking for a speaker for your conference, writers’ group, book club or school, be sure to contact us.