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300 Fun Writing Prompts for Kids: Story Starters, Journal Prompts & Ideas

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Are you a parent or teacher? Here are 300 fun and creative writing prompts for kids to spark the imagination of young writers everywhere. Use these kids writing ideas as journaling prompts, story starters or just for fun!

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It’s never too early to start writing, and so we’ve created this fun list of 300 creative kids writing prompts for teacher and parents to use.

You’ll love these fun ideas for kids writing prompts to use as creative sparks to get young imaginations writing in no time!

writing prompts for kids

These are perfect to use as kids journal writing prompts, as short story writing prompts, or just for exercises to help students and children of all ages tap into their creativity. Maybe your kids will write an essay, maybe a poem, or maybe even a whole book!

Whether you are a teacher or parent looking to inspire your kids to write, or maybe even an adult who would like to practice writing with a more playful and young-hearted approach, I hope you find these creative writing prompts inspiring!

Buy the Printable Cards! Ā We will always have this list of 300 kids writing prompts available for free, but Iā€™m very excited to now also offer anĀ  ad-free printable version of these prompts Ā in my online Etsy shop. Thank you for your support!

The Ultimate List of 300 Fun & Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

#1. Imagine a giant box is delivered to your front doorstep with your name on it. What’s inside and what happens when you open it?

#2. Write a short story about what it might be like if you woke up one morning with a mermaid tail.

#3. Which is better, winter or summer? Write about the reasons why you think winter or summer is better.

#4. Write about what would it be like if you had an alligator as a pet.

#5. If you had $1,000, what would you buy and why?

#6. Write a story using these 5 words: apple, train, elephant, paper, banjo

#7. What do you want be when you grow up and why?

#8. Who is your favorite person on the planet? What do you like most about that person?

#9. If you could have any secret super power, what would you want it to be and why?

#10. Write about 3 places you would like to travel someday. What do these three places have in common?

#11. Write about a time you felt really happy. What happened? What made you feel happy?

#12. Imagine what would happen if someone shrunk you down to be only 1″ tall. How would your life change?

#13. If you were in charge of the whole world, what would you do to make the world a happier place?

#14. Write a story about what it would be like to climb to the very top of the highest mountain in the world.

#15. If you were in charge of planning the school lunch menu, what foods would you serve each day?

#16. What are some of your favorite animals? What do you like about them?

writing prompt card for kids example

#17. Imagine that dogs take over the world. What do they make the humans do?

#18. Write a story about flying to outer space and discovering a new planet.

#19. You are a mad scientist and have invented a new vegetable. What is it called? What does it look like? What does it taste like? Most importantly: Is it safe to eat?

#20. You go to school one morning to discover your best friend has been turned into a frog by an evil witch! How do you help your friend?

#21. Describe what it is like when trees lose all of their leaves in the autumn season.

#22. Write about your favorite sport and why you like it so much.

#23. Imagine what it might be like to live on a boat all the time and write about it.

#24. If you had one wish, what would it be?

#25. Write about what you might do if you have the super power to become invisible.

#26. You are walking through the forest when one of the trees starts talking to you. What does it say? What do you do?

#27. The weather forecast is calling for a blizzard in the middle of the summer. What do you do?

#28. What types of transportation will people have in the future?

#29. What were some of your favorite toys when you very little? Do you still enjoy playing with them?

#30. What would a day in your life be like if you were a movie star?

#31. Imagine you’ve invented a time machine! What year do you travel to?

#32. What are your favorite things to do over summer vacation?

#33. What is your favorite holiday and why?

#34. If you could meet any fictional character from a book, who would it be?

#35. You are writing a travel guide for kids visiting your city. What places do you think they should visit?

#36. What is a food you hate? Write about it!

#37. Imagine what it would be like if there was no electricity. What would be different in your daily routine?

#38. You are building a new city! What types of things do you think your city needs? How will you convince people to move to your new city?

#39. What is your favorite movie? Write your review of the movie and why you think people should watch it.

magic sweater writing prompt for kids

#40. Imagine you get a magic sweater for your birthday. What happens when you wear the sweater? What do you do with these new found magical powers?

#41. You are the security guard at the zoo and someone has stolen a rhinoceros! How do you track down the thief?

#42. You have been invited to have lunch with the queen. What foods do you eat and what topics do you and the queen discuss?

#43. If you could design a school uniform, what types of clothes would you suggest? What colors would they be?

#44. Imagine you are a reporter interviewing a celebrity about their life. What questions do you ask?

#45. You are running a lemonade stand. Describe the steps for how you make lemonade and the types of customers you see during the day.

#46. Write a story about being the ruler of an underwater world.

#47. Write an acrostic poem for the word “treehouse”.

#48. You decide to grow a sunflower, but the sunflower grows so tall it reaches up to the sky! Write about what happens when you decide to climb to the top. What do you discover?

#49. Imagine you look out the window and it is raining popsicles from the sky! Write a story about the experience.

#50. If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why?

#51. If you were on a spaceship, what would you be most excited about seeing?

#52. Do you have any pets at home? Write an essay about how you take care of your pets. If you do not have a pet, what type of pet might you like?

writing prompts for pets

#53. Imagine you are opening a store that only sells items which are blue. What types of items do you sell?

#54. Have you ever lost something that is important to you? Were you able to find it?

#55. Write a story about a kid who is moving to a new school. How do you think they might feel?

#56. Rewrite the ending of your favorite fairy tale. For example, what would have happened if Cinderella never went to the ball?

#57. Have you ever forgotten to do your homework? What happened?

#58. Do you have a favorite song? Write about the type of music you like to listen to.

#59. Imagine your parents wake you up one morning to tell you they will take you to do anything you want to do for the whole day – you don’t even have to go to school or do your chores. What would you choose to do and why?

#60. Do you like amusement parks? What are some of your favorite rides?

#61. Write a story using these three words: detective, piano, and pizza.

#62. Have you ever been to the beach? Write about your favorite things to do. If you have never been to the beach, what would you like to do the first time you visit?

#63. Is there a favorite tv show you like to watch? Write about your favorite character and why they are your favorite.

#64. Write a poem using onomatopoeia , where the words you use are pronounced similar to the sound they make. For example, buzz, bark, sizzle, slam and pop.

#65. Have you ever had to stand in line to wait a long time for something? What did you do while you waited? How did you feel while waiting? How did you feel once the wait was over?

#66. Is it a good idea to keep ALL secrets a secret? Write about examples of when it is okay to spill a secret – and when it isn’t.

#67. Is there something you are good at doing? Write about your best strengths.

#68. What historical time period and location would you go back to live in if you could? Write about it!

#69. Write about 5 things you can do that are important for you to stay healthy and safe.

#70. Do you think thunderstorms are scary? Why or why not?

#71. What would you most like to learn over the next year? Think about things that interest you or questions you might have about the world and make a list!

#72. You are going on a trip to a jungle safari! What items do you pack in your suitcase?

writing stories for 7 year olds

#73. Imagine you are sitting at home one day and you hear someone shrieking in the living room they see a mouse in the house! Write a story about what might happen next.

#74. You are writing a letter to someone who is having a hard time making new friends at school. What do you write? What advice do you give them?

#75. Imagine you just met a magician – but their beloved rabbit who they pull out of a hat for all the tricks has been kidnapped! How do you help find the rabbit?

#76. Do you hear what I hear? Set a timer for 5 minutes and write about all of the sounds you hear in those 5 minutes.

#77. Imagine you go to get a haircut and they accidentally shave your head! How do you feel about that and what would you do?

#78. Do you find it easy to talk to people you don’t know? What are some ways you can start up a conversation with someone you have never met before?

#79. Are there any chores you have to do at home? What are they? What do you like – and not like – about each one?

#80. Open up a random book to any page. Write for 5 minutes about the first word you read.

#81. Pretend you are a writer for your city’s newspaper. Who would you like to interview for a news story and why?

#82. There are many fictional characters who live in unusual houses, such as the old woman who lived in a shoe. What kind of unusual house would you like to live in? Write about what it would be like to live in an unusual house!

#83. Write a list of 10 things you can do to practice kindness to others.

#84. Is there a homework subject you dread? Why do you not like getting homework in that subject?

#85. What is your favorite month of the year? Write about why you like it and some of your favorite things to do during that month.

#86. Imagine you are planning a surprise birthday party for someone. How do you keep it a surprise?

#87. Pretend you walked outside to find a sleeping dragon in the grass! Why is the dragon there? Is it a friendly dragon? What do you do? Write about it!

#88. What are you grateful for today and why?

#89. You were on your way to a very important event when you fell into a puddle. Now what?

#90. Have you ever watched a movie and didn’t like how it ended? Write what you think should happen instead.

#91. Can you answer this riddle from Alice in Wonderland ? How is a raven like a writing desk?

#92. Imagine you are the captain of a pirate ship. Write a diary entry for what your day was like.

#93. If you could start any type of business, what kind of business would you start? What types of products or services would you provide?

#94. Write a sequel to one of your favorite fairy tales. For example, what was Goldilocks’s next adventure after she left the bears?

#95. What is something you are afraid of? What helps you to feel less afraid of something? What would you say to a friend who feels scared to help them feel less afraid?

#96. Write a letter to your future self in 20 years.

kids writing prompts and ideas

#97. In addition to basic survival needs such as food, water, air and shelter, what are 3 things you would you need to be happy?

#98. If you could invent a robot of any type who could do anything you imagine, what types of things would you would have the robot to do?

#99. Which do like better? Apples or Oranges? How are they alike? How are they different?

#100. Why did the chicken cross the road? You are a detective and are assigned to the case. How do solve the mystery?

#101. Write instructions for how to make your favorite snack. Be sure you add your favorite tips and suggestions for how to select the best ingredients!

#102. Imagine you borrowed a friend’s favorite lucky pencil to help you pass a math test – but then it snapped in half! How will you ever tell the news to your friend?

#103. Look around the current room you are sitting in and choose 3 random objects that are nearby. Now write a story or poem that includes those three items!

#104. Write a letter to the author of a book you recently read and tell them what you liked most about the book.

#105. Ernest Hemingway is famous for writing a six word story. Can you write a story in just 6 words?

#106. What do you think will be the future for cell phones? Will people still use them in 25 years or will something else take its place?

#107. Do you want to go to college? Why or why not?

#108. Write a story or poem about a kitten who wanders off and gets lost. How does the kitten find its way home?

#109. Currently, it is required by law that kids go to school. Do you think this is a good or bad idea?

#110. If you could invent a new board game, what would it be called? How is it played? What are the rules? What makes it fun to play? Write about it!

#111. Imagine you come home to discover your entire bedroom is covered in ketchup! What on earth happened? What is your reaction? How do you clean everything up?

#112. What is something you learned today?

#113. Would you rather have a goldfish or shark as a pet?

#114. From A-Z: make a list of something for every letter of the alphabet.

#115. Have you ever gone fishing? If you have, did you like it? Why or why not? If you haven’t, do you think you might want to?

#116. What is one of the most important things you do each and every day?

#117. Write a story about Gretchen the Grouch, a girl who is always angry! Will she ever be happy? Why is she so grumpy all of the time?

#118. How do you feel when someone takes something of yours without asking? What is a good way to deal with it when that happens?

#119. Write a poem that starts with the word “if”.

#120. Write a story about a family of rabbits who live in the woods. What are some of the challenges they face?

#121. What clothes do you think are the most comfortable? What kind of clothes do you like to wear the most? What clothes do you NOT like to wear?

#122. Imagine there are no grocery stores and you must get your own food. What are some of the ways you find food? What types of things do you eat?

#123. What are 3 things you can do that are good for the environment?

#124. If you could meet any famous person today, who would you want to meet and why? What questions might you ask them?

#125. A tongue twister is a quick poem where many of the words start with the same letter and are similar in sound. For example, “Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers.” Try writing your own with this fun kids writing prompt!

#126. What is the first thing you think of when you hear or see the word green?

#127. A hero is someone who is admired for their courage and achievements. What do you think makes someone a hero? Who are some of your heroes?

#128. What did you do during summer vacation last year? What do you want to do for summer vacation this year?

#129. Write a story about a super hero dog who saves the day! Who does the dog help and why?

kids journal prompts

#130. Would you rather live somewhere that is always cold, or somewhere that is always hot? Write about which one you would rather choose.

#131. Have you ever volunteered to help a charity? If so, write about the experience! If not, what are some charities you think you might like to volunteer for?

#132. What does the word courage mean to you?

#133. What makes you unique? What are some things about you that make you an individual?

#134. Have you ever been to a museum? What is your favorite thing to look at on display?

#135. What can you do to set a good example for others to be kind?

#136. A Tall Tale is a story that exaggerates something that actually happened. Write a tall tale about something that recently happened to you.

#137. What is one of your favorite toys that you think you might still want to have and play with when you are 22 years old?

#138. Oh no! Everyone around you is sick with a nasty cold! Write a silly poem about how you try to avoid catching their germs!

#139. Personification is when a non-living object takes on human characteristics. Write a story where you personify a common electronic gadget in your house, such as the Television or toaster.

#140. Write a poem using similes, which is when you say an object is like something else. Here is an example of a simile: “Her eyes were as blue as the sky.”

#141. Have you ever read a book written by Dr. Suess? Write your own “Suess-style” story, complete with rhymes and made up words.

#142. Do you have any siblings? Think about what it might mean to be a good brother or sister and write about it!

#143. Make a list of questions to interview your parents or grandparents about what it was like when they were growing up as a kid. Then, ask them the questions and write about their answers!

#144. You are in charge of writing a new radio show just for kids! What topics will you talk about? What music do you play?

#145. What do you usually eat for breakfast every day? What, in your opinion, is the greatest breakfast food ever created? What makes it so great?

#146. Write a 12 line poem where every line is about a different month of the year.

#147. What is something you look forward to doing the most when you are an adult?

Use these prompts in your classroom! Ā Get theĀ  ad-free printable version of these prompts Ā to inspire your students to write! Thank you for your support!

#148. Do you like to try new things? What is something new you have tried recently or would like to try?

#149. Imagine what it might be like to be alive in Egypt when the pyramids were built. Write about what it was like.

#150. A credo is a statement of personal beliefs. Try writing your own credo for things that you believe in and feel are important.

#151. The circus has come to town but they have no place to perform! How do you help the ringmaster find a place to put on a show?

circus lion

#152. Do you like to act? What are some of your favorite actors or actresses? What do you think makes someone a good actor or actress?

#153. “Practice makes perfect” is a popular saying. What is something you like to practice so you can become better at it? A sport? A musical instrument? A special skill? Do you like to practice?

#154. Write about what it might be like to be water drops freezing and turning into ice.

#155. Do you think it is important to keep your room clean? What do you like about having a clean room?

#156. Imagine your parents are sending you away for a two week summer camp trip. Would you be excited? Why or why not?

#157. What are you currently learning about in history class? Write a fictional story about someone from the past you are learning about.

#158. Many wars have been fought in the past. Instead of going to war, what do you think countries could do to resolve their differences peacefully?

#159. Every year over 8 billion plastic bottles and cans are thrown away. What are some things you can do to help encourage your family and friends to recycle?

#160. Imagine if you were the principal of the school. What might you do differently? What things would you do that are the same? Write about it!

#161. Pretend that one day you are at your neighbor’s house and you notice a strange noise coming from the basement. You go downstairs to investigate to see a large machine running with many lights and buttons. Why is it there?

#162. Write an essay that starts with the line, “Tomorrow, I hope…”

#163. If you could give one thing to every child in the world, what would you want to give them?

#164. Do you have a piggy bank at home? How do you earn money to add to your savings?

writing ideas for kids

#165. What qualities make a house a home? What are 3 things you think every house should have?

#166. Would you rather go scuba diving or rock climbing? Write about which one you think you would like to do more and why.

#167. Do you think it is a good idea for kids to write a daily journal? What are some of the benefits of writing every day?

#168. Do you like watching fireworks or are they too noisy? Write about a time when you saw fireworks in the sky.

#169. Oh no! Your friend has turned into a statue! How did this happen? What do you do? Does your friend ever turn back into a person again?

#170. If you could be any movie character, who would you be and why?

#171. A mysterious message appears in code on your computer screen. What could it mean?

#172. If you could go to work with one of your parents for a day, what do you think the day would be like? What types of things do your parents do at work all day long?

#173. Imagine you are the President and you are creating a new national holiday. What is your holiday about? How is it celebrated? What day of the year do you celebrate? Write about it!

#174. You won a never-ending lifetime supply of spaghetti noodles! What will you do with all of these noodles?

#175. Would you rather be a bunny rabbit or a hawk? Why did you choose the one you chose?

#176. Your teacher has been acting mysterious lately. After school one day, you notice a weird green light shining through underneath the door of your classroom. What do you do? What is happening with your teacher?

#177. Write an article about tips for how kids can be more organized and study well for tests.

#178. Look at any product in your house and read the ingredients labels. Research what each ingredient is. Do you think these ingredients are good or bad for people?

#179. If you were a doctor, what do you think would be the most important part of your job every day?

#180. The school librarian needs your help! A truck just arrived with 2,000 books and she can’t fit all the books onto the shelves! What do you do? How do you find a place to put all these books?

#181. Do you think it would be fun to plant a garden? What types of plants would you want to grow? Write about your garden ideas.

#182. What is a sport or activity you would like to try playing for the first time?

#183. Do you think kids should be allowed to do the same things as adults? What things do you think kids should be able to do that only grown-ups can?

#184. Imagine you and your parents switch places for a day. Your parents are the kids and you are now in charge! What would you do?

#185. Write a get-well letter to someone who has been sick. What can you say to make them feel better?

#186. If you could visit any planet in the solar system, which planet would you like to visit the most and why? Write about what it might be like.

#187. Have you ever been to a farm? What did you like about it? If you haven’t been to a farm, do you think you might like to visit one? Why or why not?

#188. The mayor of the city has a big problem and needs your help! What is the problem and how will you solve it?

#189. Pretend your little sister ate carrots for dinner and the next morning woke up with rabbit ears!  How did this happen? What do you do? Will she be a rabbit forever?

#190. Imagine you wake up in the morning to find out you get to relive any day of your life again for the whole day. What day would you want to experience again and why?

#191. Do you think you might like to be a firefighter? Why or why not?

fire fighter writing prompt

#192. You are a lawyer and your client has been accused of stealing a car. How do you convince the jury your client is innocent?

#193. Think of the four elements: fire, air, earth, and water. Which of these four elements do you like the best?

#194. What would you do if you could be invisible for a whole day? Do you think you would enjoy it or be glad to be back to normal the next day? Write about it!

#195. Imagine you are a meteorologist and people are starting to get angry that your weather predictions are always wrong. What do you do?

#196. If you could create any law, what would it be? Why do you think the law is an important one to have?

#197. You are going incognito and need to hide to your identity so you aren’t recognized or discovered while you walk through the city. What type of disguise do you wear?

#198. Write a persuasive letter to your parents explaining why you should get a new pet. Make sure you provide a convincing argument they won’t be able to refuse!

#199. Your friend wants to do something dangerous. What should you do?

#200. How do you think the world would be different if there were no oceans?

#201. What do you do when someone disagrees with your opinions? Is there a better way to handle conflicting opinions?

#202. What do you think you as a kid could do to help encourage more people to read?

#203. Do you have a good luck charm? What makes this item lucky? When do you use it? How do you use it?

#204. What is at the end of a rainbow? Imagine you follow a rainbow to the end. What do you discover? Is it a pot of gold, or something else?

Use these prompts in your classroom!  Get the  ad-free printable version of these prompts  to inspire your students to write! Thank you for your support!

#205. What do you think the consequences should be for someone who is caught cheating on a test at school?

#206. Imagine you are riding your bike one day when you encounter an older kid who wants to steal your bike. What do you do?

#207. You are the lead singer and star of a famous rock and roll band, but there is one problem – your drummer is jealous of your fame! How do you solve this situation?

#208. If you could help a group of kids in any part of the world, what kids would you want to help the most and why? What are some things you think would help these kids?

#209. Everyone knows the house on the end of the street is haunted. What are some of the strange things that happen there? Why is the house haunted?

#210. You notice at school one day there is a door to a secret passage next to the janitor’s closet and decide to explore. Where does it lead? Why is it there? Do you go alone or bring a friend along?

#211. A bucket list is a list of things you want to accomplish in your lifetime. What are 5 things on your bucket list?

#212. Imagine the perfect treehouse or clubhouse for you and all of your friends as a place to hang out. Describe what it is like inside.

#213. Do you get bored easily? Make a list of things you can do whenever you feel like you are bored and there is nothing fun to do!

#214. Now vs. Then: Think about how today is different from one year ago. How have you changed? What things in your life are different?

#215. Write your autobiography about your life.

#216. It’s a heat wave! What do you do when the weather is hot? What are some of your favorite ways to stay cool?

#217. What are three important safety tips every kid should know to stay safe?

#218. What genre of books do you like to read the most? Write about the characteristics of the genre and list some of your favorite books as examples.

#219. Holiday Traditions: How does your family celebrate the different holidays and events? What are some traditions you do each and every year?

#220. Imagine one day in science class a science experiment goes terribly wrong and now you and all of your classmates have superpowers! What are your superpowers and what do you do with them?

superheroes writing prompts for kids

#221. Who is favorite teacher? Why are they your favorite?

#222. You are baking a cake, but you accidentally put salt in the cake instead of sugar. Nobody will eat it! How do you feel? What will you do next time?

#223. Do you think it is important to have good table manners? What do you think some good manners to practice might be?

#224. Many schools no longer teach cursive handwriting. Do you think this is a good or bad thing? Do you know how to write cursive handwriting? Would you like to learn if you haven’t?

#225. If you were the owner of a theme park, what types of rides and attractions would have? Describe what they would be like and why people would want to visit your park.

#226. Your parents give you $100 to spend at the grocery store. What do you buy and why?

#227. Some people who are alive today grew up without computers or video games. What would you do if you didn’t have a computer or video games? How would life be different?

#228. You walk into your living room and discover there is a giant elephant standing there. How did the elephant get there? What do you do about it? How do you explain the elephant in the living room to your parents?

#229. Have you ever had a weird dream? What happened in the dream? What do you think it means?

#230. Do you like to draw or paint? Write a story inspired by a painting, doodle, or sketch.

#231. You are being sent on a mission to outer space to live in a space station for 5 years. What supplies do you pack and why?

#232. What is the scariest creature alive on earth? Describe in detail what makes it so horrifying.

#233. What do you think your pet might say if they could talk to you?

#234. Imagine your school is putting on a talent show. What act will you perform? What other acts will be in the show?

#235. If you could breathe under water, what would you do?

#236. What time of day do you think school should start? Write a convincing argument on why or why not the time of day school starts should change.

#237. If you were to start your own YouTube video channel, what would the videos on your channel be about?

#238. Do you like to cook? What are some things you like to make and eat?

#239. Your school is having a field day and you are in charge of planning the activities and games. What types of activities and games would you plan for the event?

#240. If you had a remote control drone that takes video of everything it sees from the sky and you could take it anywhere, what would you film? For example, the inside of a volcano or soar it over the plains of Africa.

#241. The Bermuda Triangle is an area of the ocean where many ships and planes have gone missing. Why do you think this could be? Write a story about what it might be like to travel there.

#242. There are 7 great wonders of the world – which one do you think is the most wonderful?

#243. If you could speak any foreign language fluently, which one would you like to speak and why?

#244. You are inventing a new flavor of ice cream! What is the new flavor called and what ingredients do you need to make it?

#245. Would you rather go to a baseball game or read a good book? What reasons do you have for your choice?

#246. You walk outside to get your mail and your mailbox starts talking to you! What does your mailbox have to say?

#247. Imagine you are a famous person. What are you most famous for? What is it like to be famous?

#248. What do you think would be the most fun job in the world to have? Give examples of why you think it would be a fun job to have.

#249. Write a poem about an object that is shiny and dazzling.

#250. Do you like to watch the Olympics? Why or why not? If yes, what is your favorite Olympic sport?

#251. What kind of car do you want to drive when you are older? Do you think learning to drive will be easy or hard?

#252. What do you think would make for a great gift to give someone on their birthday?

#253. Describe a time when you needed help and someone helped you. What did they help you with and how did it make you feel?

#254. If you could be any type of fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?

Love these prompts? Ā Get theĀ  ad-free printable version of these prompts Ā to use at home or in the classroom!

#255. Do you think it is more important to have a good imagination or have all the facts proven?

#256. Do you have a favorite aunt, uncle, or another relative? Write a story about their life and why you like to be with them.

#257. Think of a time you laughed really, really hard. What was so funny? Why were you laughing? Write about it!

#258. Write a poem about an emotion. For example: happy, sad, angry, embarrassed, guilty.

#259. Do you ever have a hard time falling asleep? What are some things that help you feel sleepy?

#260. If you could drive a car, where would you drive and why?

#261. Imagine you are trading places with your friend for a day. What will it be like to be at their house? What will your friend think while they are at your house? Write about it!

#262. If you could break a world record, what would it be? What do you think would be necessary to be able to break the world record?

#263. Imagine you live in Colonial times. What would it be like to grow up as a kid in Colonial America?

#264. You are building a new city. What is the name of your city? What is the weather like? What buildings will you build?

#265. What do you think it would be like to work as a sailor on big ship in the ocean each day?

ocean writing prompt

#266. Imagine you are the teacher for the day. What types of activities do you make the students in the class do?

#267. How would you feel if your parents told you that you would be getting a new baby brother or sister? Write about it!

#268. Do you know any good jokes? What are some of your favorite jokes? What makes them funny? Do you think you could write your own?

#269. Imagine you are floating down a river on a raft. What types of things can you see from the river that you normally wouldn’t see from the land?

#270. You want to start a new hobby collecting something. What kinds of things would you collect and why?

#271. Your mom announces she is having a yard sale. Would you let her sell any of your things? Why or why not?

#272. Imagine you walk out your front door one morning and it is raining popcorn! What do you do?

#273.  You are camping in the woods one night and hear a scary noise. What do you do? What might be the cause?

#274. What do you think might make kids really happy to go to school? What are some things you think schools should do so that it could be more fun?

#275. Today’s lunch at the cafeteria was unusually horrible. You are a detective on the case to investigate. What do you think is the cause?

#276. If you had a tree that grows money, what would you do?

#277. What would you do if you had a unicorn as a pet?

#278. Would you rather go to the zoo or go to the aviary? Which one would you pick and why?

#279. What are some safety tips you should follow when riding a bike?

#280. You are designing the cover of a magazine. What are some of the headlines on the cover?

#281. Are you afraid of the dark? Why or why not?

#282. If you could learn to play any type of musical instrument, which one would you like to learn how to play and why?

#283. Imagine you are playing a sport that involves a ball, such as soccer, baseball or kickball. What would it be like if the ball could talk?

#284. You come home to discover a friendly alien has been living in your closet. What do you do? Why is there an alien in your closet?

#285. Is there something you are afraid of that you wish you weren’t afraid of? Write about it.

#286. Write about the best party you’ve ever been to. What made the day fun and special?

#287. What makes you feel loved and cared about? What are some ways people can show you that they love and care about you?

#288. There is a kite flying competition coming up and you are going to design your own kite. What will your kite look like? What colors will it be? Will it have any certain shape?

#289. You are given the challenge to drop an egg on the floor – without it breaking! What are some things you might try to make sure the egg wonā€™t break?

#290. What are some of the things you can do every day to stay healthy?

#291. Do you think grown-ups are boring? Why do you think they are so boring all of the time? What is something fun that boring grown-ups could do instead of being so boring?

#292. Write a lyrical poem or song about what kids do while they are at school all day long.

#293. What are the first things you like to do when you are done with school each day? What are some of the activities you like when you are not at school?

#294. Imagine dinosaurs were still alive today. How do you think our lives would be different?

#295. Would you rather visit a volcano or a desert? Which one would you choose and why?

#296. Is there a sound you think is annoying? What types of sounds drive you crazy? Write about them!

#297. What do you think it would be like to be the size of an ant for a day? What types of things would you do?

Writing Prompt: What would it be like if your teddy bear came to life?

#298. Imagine one of your stuffed animals comes to life and starts talking to you. What types of things will you talk about? What will you do?

#299. What makes you feel happiest? Write about the things in life that make you feel happy!

#300. Imagine there is no gravity. What kind of things would you do you for fun? How would some of the things you already do for fun be different?

Buy the Printable Cards!  We will always have this list of 300 kids writing prompts available for free, but Iā€™m very excited to now also offer an  ad-free printable version of these prompts  in my online Etsy shop. Thank you for your support!

Parents and teachers, I hope you enjoyed these 300 writing prompts for kids and that you will use them to inspire your children’s creative imaginations.

These prompts of course can be used in a number of different ways and can be adapted for a variety of different styles of writing !

What do you think? Do you think these are good conversation and story starters for kids? Do you have any ideas for writing prompts you would like to share?

And of course, if you’d like to make it super fun and easy to use these prompts at home or in your classroom, be sure to get our ad-free printable version of these kids writing prompt cards now available in my Etsy shop.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on different creative writing ideas and topics for kids to write about! Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.

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48 comments.

These are awesome! I feel like answering the questions myself! Thanks a million!

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed them! šŸ™‚

Lovely and amazing help

I wrote all 300! but my fingers hurt badly now. :l But i got to admit these are exellent questions!

Hi. Thanks for this list. So many great ideas. I will definitely use some of them for my Language Arts class.

hi people THIS WAS SO LONG but so worth it for my class thx mate

This was great for homework

Thank you for the topics. It was really helpful

Your writing prompts are awesome

These are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing. I will definitely be using it with my kids.

Thank you! I hope they enjoy the writing prompts!

I love these, they are awesome and very helpful too. Thank you very much.

these questions hooked me on easily thanks your the best!

They are all good prompts

This is always good and improves the brain.

These are very useful and very enjoyable topics, i enjoy by giving these to my students , their creations are marvelous

Itā€™s was very long but worth it

This is good. I love it. It helps me in my studies. I share it with my friends children that likes the writing. We love it. Please, think of another writing.

Thanks! Worth printing and providing for my middle school students as a first week of the year activity. Must have taken you ages to come up with all 300 of these!

I’m glad to hear you can use them for your students! It did take some time, but it’s well worth it knowing it might inspire kids to write! šŸ™‚

You need a printable version of this!!

Hi Katelyn, we have one! https://gumroad.com/UBnsO Hope you enjoy!

The link doesn’t seem to be working for me… Could you send me a copy of the list, please?

Hi Tori, the printable version of this post is available as an ad-free paid upgrade – you can purchase it through my Gumroad store: https://gum.co/UBnsO

I quite liked your ideas, I’ll try a few, surely!

How long did it take for you guys to make 300 ideas?

Definitely took some time Vilenti, but it was definitely worth writing all of them! Our prompts reach over a million people a year and are used in literacy, poverty, and mental health programs worldwide. šŸ™‚

These were awesome, thanks a TON

i have school work and this is one thing i do.

i do this for school work to

i do this for school work

Hello Chelle, thanks a lot for this. During these tough Covid times, I find your list to be a great idea to engage kids. Have got them started on some today. Hopefully this will be a long term engagement for them.

The prompts are grrrreat

This was really helpful i have looked for a lot of these, that have a lot of topics and only found one other good one and finished it all, i got to 17 and was like are they all this good! And they all are so thanks!

Glad you enjoyed them!

These are awesome

These are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing.

I loved looking at these prompts!! They were very helpful. I am loving writing and supporting my claims with these prompts. You should post more ideas!! Thanks for sharing the prompts.

Do you have any more?

This really was think written

I’d like to use a few of your questions in a journal for adults that I am creating for sale. I will absolutely credit you at the beginning of the book. Is that okay with you or not? I don’t want to infringe on any copyright laws. I think I used about ten of them.

Hi Kristen, you cannot use these prompts for products for sale, that would definitely be an infringement on copyright. These prompts can only be used for non-commercial use.

this is the greatest app ever

I like all the questions

thank you for all the ideas they are so good

OMG These are all very good and many questions i like all these Thankyou soooooooooooo much for these

I’m in class doing this and it is so fun yes every body is doing this

I LOVE these! My daughter and I stumbled across a post full of fun writing prompts on another website but they were more geared for adults. This list is HUGE and perfect for us to tackle together. Thank you! ā¤ļø

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Blog Header Bryn Donovan 2023

BRYN DONOVAN

tell your stories, love your life

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50 Story Ideas for Kids

a notebook, scissors, pens, paper clips and other school supplies

Hey friends! For a while now, people have been asking me to do writing prompts for kids. This year, more busy teachers and homeschoolers are looking for easy creative writing lesson plans, and some of them have used my summer writing prompts and my Christmas writing prompts .

So I put together this list of story ideas for kids. They include some story starters, some funny writing prompts, and some mystery and adventure ideas. I hope these are helpful for parents looking for creative writing activities, too…so their kids can learn how fun writing can be. Then again, maybe they already know!

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text: 50 STORY IDEAS FOR KIDS | fun creative writing prompts for busy teachers and parents (background: pens, notebook, scissors)

STORY STARTERS

The writing prompts in this first section are “finish the story prompts”…kids start with the first sentence given, and take it from there.

1. Once upon a time, there was a girl who did something that nobody thought she’d be able to do.

2. Once upon a time, a boy found a suitcase with his name on it and fifty thousand dollars inside.

3. My family’s camping trip didn’t go the way we planned.

4. I packed my suitcase to go on my dream vacation.

5. I packed my suitcase because I was moving with my family to another country.

6. An odd family moved in next to us.

7. George was a friendly snake, and he wanted people to stop being afraid of him.

8. Lila was a duck who hated getting wet.

9. One morning when I woke up, I was invisible.

10. One morning when I woke up, I was only six inches tall.

11. I was so surprised when I realized my new skateboard could fly off the ground.

12. A boy met his guardian angel.

13. A girl met the President.

14. I met a person from one hundred years in the future.

15. I opened the huge birthday present.

16. I was standing in the middle of a dark forest.

17. There once was a boy who painted his horse to look like a zebra.

18. There once was a girl who loved hats more than anything else in the world.

19. I was asked to star in a movie.

20. I got a robot to help me with things.

MYSTERY STORY IDEAS

21. You get an invitation to a secret party.

22. You find a strange map tucked inside a book.

23. You find a fancy key in your backpack.

24. Someone stole your bicycle, and you want to find out who it was.

25. Someone keeps eating all the cookies in the house when everyone else is asleep.

26. There’s glitter all over the living room floor, and nobody knows why.

27. There are animal tracks in your backyard, and you follow them.

28. There’s a house on your block that’s been empty for years, but at night, you can hear music playing inside.

29. At the beach, a bottle washes up on the shore with a mysterious note inside.

30. A girl keeps insisting she’s your sister, but as far as you remember, you’ve never met her before in your life.

ADVENTURE STORY IDEAS

31. You were chosen to be the first kid astronaut and you go into outer space.

32. You wake up on an island. You don’t know how you got there, and you’re the only person there.

33. You and your best friend explore Antarctica.

34. You and your best friend explore a volcano…avoiding the lava.

35. You walk into a store and find yourself in a whole other world.

36. You sail on a sailboat to a faraway place.

37. You go on a cruise, and pirates attack the ship.

38. You take a hike in the rainforest and meet some interesting animals.

39. You travel across the desert on a camel.

40. You explore a cave and make an amazing discovery.

OTHER CUTE WRITING PROMPTS

41. You’re not allowed to have pets, but you’re secretly taking care of a baby unicorn in your room.

42. Your new babysitter is a talking elephant.

43. A puppy tries to go to school like human kids do.

44. An ice cream company hires you to invent new flavors.

45. Your homework assignment is to interview a Disney cartoon character.

46. Someone from your favorite TV show shows up in real life and wants to hang out with you.

47. You get to design your own bedroom. You can have anything in there you want.

48. You become the king or queen of the world. Where would you live? What would you do?

49. Aliens visit Earth and believe you are the king or queen of the world, even though you keep telling them you’re not.

50. You dress up as something for Halloween, and everyone thinks that’s what you really are.

A pencil cup full of pencils, plus paper airplanes

If you liked my story ideas for kids, please share them on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitterā€”I really appreciate it! And if you don’t want to miss future posts, be sure to subscribe to the blog. Thanks so much for reading, and have a great rest of your week!

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5 JOURNAL EXERCISES FOR SELF-ESTEEM #journal exercises for healing #journal prompts #journal exercises for depression #journal ideas #journal exercises for anxiety #mental health #creativity

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21 thoughts on “ 50 story ideas for kids ”.

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These are great. They could work for adult stories too.

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You know…now that I think about it, you’re totally right, Darlene! I hope you have a good week!

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Hi Bryn, Thanks for this post. I think this is a great idea. Since my grandson always wants me to tell him stories and he always adds to them, I can simply give him one of these and let him create the stories. Also, I have several friends who are teachers. I will share your post with them. I’m sure they will appreciate these.

Hi Cheryl! Aww, I love it that your grandson loves stories…he takes after you! I would so appreciate your sharing. šŸ™‚ Have a good week!

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Hi Bryn, Just what I needed and at the perfect time! How did you guess? Tomorrow morning I am giving a Zoom meeting through Nepris for a class of 4th-graders. The topic is writing fiction. Since I am a Discovery Writer, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to present “how to write fiction” till I remembered your index card plot illustration from Blank Page to Final Draft page 61. I simplified it a bit. Haha. I’ll bet you didn’t think it could be simpler than what you created. (Don’t worry, I give you credit) I feel confident now, that I will be able to help the students “see” the structure of a story. And then the BIG FINISH. We can let them choose an idea from your list to write their own story. It’s Perfect! Thank you so very much not only for this post, but also for all the tips, ideas, encouragement, and (OK I admit it) LOVE you give and are willing to receive.

Jessie! You’ll probably be done teaching by the time you read this, but that’s so great that this was helpful! I love it. Lucky kids, getting you for a guest teacher! Thanks so much for the kind words…you made my day. šŸ™‚

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I love your prompts! So many wonderful ones! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you, Andrea! You’re so kind. Hope you have a great week!

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YES! This is perfect timing. Both my kids have expressed interest in writing, and the youngest is getting a word processing machine (a Neo2) from Santa (he asked; how can I say no??) so I might have to print out this list for them. Thank you, Bryn!! <3

Hey friend! Ahh, that’s awesome…they’re writers like you! I hope they like these. šŸ™‚

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wonderful prompts. shared.

Aww thanks Denise! Hope you have a great week. šŸ™‚

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Hi there! Thank you so much for this incredible prompts! I have a little cousin who doesnĀ“t like to write, she says that she never gets good ideas and that she gets bored when she’s writing, so I’ll try to use this prompts to increase her writing. There are so many funny and cute ideas in this post so I am sure that she will find something she would love to write about.

Thank you so much! :3 :3 :3

How nice that you’re helping your cousin be creative! I hope she likes one of the ideas. šŸ™‚ Thanks for commenting!

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This is a very generous list! Thank you. Also , it reminded me that my dad always used to make up a story when he tucked me in at night, so good for this too.

Naomi, that is so sweet about your dad. šŸ™‚ What a great memory!

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I’m a retired teacher (thirty-one years in grades 2-6), but I would have used many of these prompts.

Hi Pete! Ah, I’m glad I’m hitting the mark here. Hope everything’s going well with you!

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I’m using one of your prompts to write a story for my granddaughter! Thanks so much!

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thank you for all of these amazing prompts I am planning to enter this years BBC 500 words writing competition

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Creative Writing Ideas For 7 And 8 Year Olds

We are finally turning a huge corner in our homeschool when it comes to writing! This year, my 1st and 2nd grader (pretty equal in their writing abilities) are starting to write more on their own. I’m excited to share some creative writing project ideas we’ve been doing that don’t feel like school! They’ve actually improved their writing and I can see their confidence growing.

Below you’ll find short, natural, unschooly (just made that a word…) ways we’ve snuck in more writing this year. Some of these are so easy the kids don’t seem to think I’m checking that mental handwriting box off their daily to do list!

If you have a late writer, a sloppy writer, or a kid who avoids writing in the early elementary stages…this post is for you! Be sure to check out my homeschool resource page too! And if you are new to homeschooling, be sure to check out how to start homeschooling for the total beginner .

A handful of writing projects including mad libs, book bingo, a spinner, and mini books created by a 1st and 2nd grader.

My goal for 1st and 2nd grade writing

It’s been hard for me as a homeschool mom to trust the process…to believe they will write more when they are ready.

I’ve seen a huge leap in ability this year for both kids. My 7 year old has more stamina and desire to write, but lacks the spelling intuition because she’s a new reader. My 8.5 year old can spell quite a few things (or get close) because he is older and an avid reader. But he lacks the desire to write.

My goal for our homeschool writing at this stage:

  • Know what they have to say is important and can be put on paper!
  • Not worry so much about spelling perfection that they don’t write at all. (This is very hard for one of my kids.)
  • Find writing useful.
  • Write something every day , either in our handwriting books or creative writing projects.

This is largely inspired by Julie Bogart, author of Brave Learner .

What we’ve done to strengthen their hands up to this point

Before I tell you how I’ve seen my kids start to do more creative writing, I want to mention how they’ve learned to physically write letters.

Around preschool or kindergarten age we begin to do some letter tracing . (My oldest son was 5.5 and my daughter was 4). Totally different kids.

We had to back off of any pencil work with my son for a while and just encourage hand strengthening play like Legos, Play Doh, etc till he didn’t struggle so much.

My 3rd child just turned 5 and I’m going to hold off till he’s about 6 as well. So he’ll technically be in kindergarten when he learns to write his letters. It’s just SO much easier to wait.

Handwriting Without Tears as the foundation before writing projects

At the start of my kids 1st and 2nd grade year , I decided to have them start a formal handwriting curriculum (Handwriting Without Tears). I felt we needed a refresher on carefully writing letters. They were getting sloppy.

You can watch my YouTube video here on picking a level and what’s different about the kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade handwriting levels.

Levels we have:

  • 1st grade (My Printing Book)
  • 2nd grade (Printing Power)

Here’s a mid year update of how 1st and 2nd grade year has been going for all subjects if you want to read.

I love having a workbook so I can send them to do one page a day. I only have them do this if we don’t do any other writing for the day.

handwriting without tears copywork.

Copywork daily, except the days we do any other kind of writing

Handwriting Without Tears actually contains most of the copywork we do. We also copy 1-2 sentences from whatever book we are reading through the Brave Writer Darts , and we skip Handwriting Without Tears on those days.

As they’ve trained their hand to do the motions neatly, through copywork, it’s made writing on their own easier. They don’t have to think so hard about how to form an e, how to spell “the”, or how to space their words apart just right. It’s becoming automatic.

We don’t usually draw a picture with our copywork, but if you provide them with a space for it, like the one pictured below, I’m sure they’ll draw a picture more often!

Ok, onto writing projects I’ve asked them to do this year that don’t feel overwhelming!

copywork from Trumpet of the Swan plus pictures above.

Creative Writing Ideas for 7 And 8 Year Olds

1. making lists.

We’ve asked our 1st and 2nd grader to make a lot of lists this year. Christmas lists, birthday lists, lists of things to bring to the ocean, etc. You get the idea!

Lists are short, easy, and help them to group items.

a 1st grader writing a list

2. Scavenger Hunts

My husband made a short little scavenger hunt for the kids outside, with a piece of candy hidden with the last clue. They LOVED it. (Yes, he’s so fun like that!)

Anyways, it got their creative juices going because they’ve made their own too.

We’ve done it two ways.

  • One, they tell me what clues to write on strips of paper and I write it word for word.
  • They write the clues down and make up their own spelling or ask me here and there how to spell something.

I’ve learned from our Jot It Down curriculum by Brave Writer, that it’s ok to write for them if it’s their voice I’m writing. Contrary to what I’d believed, that they wouldn’t ever write if I do it for them, they have actually started writing their own with no coercion from me.

3. Book bingo from the library

Our library does this genius thing and makes a book bingo card every 3 months. The kids can fill in book titles they’ve read and turn it in for a change to win $50. Have we ever won? Nope. Are my kids motivated to fill theirs out? Yes!

Since my kids CAN write, I ask them to write the book titles in. It’s things like “Name of a book you read under a tree” or “Name of a book based on a true story”. Things like that.

book bingo papers written on by kids with book titles in the bingo squares.

4. Mini books

These are SO cute and the small size makes them less scary to the kids. We take a piece of printer paper, fold it in half and half again. Then cut the folds, stack, staple, and ta-da, you have a mini book.

writing stories for 7 year olds

My 2nd grader made a bug book, and my 1st grader made an animal book! We did this project maybe once a week, twice if I could remember.

Each time they’d pick ONE creature. They’d draw it (or cut it out of a magazine), and write something interesting about it from our Golden Books or from memory.

Whatever they wanted. No rules. Except sometimes I’d make them write a little more or add some color to the page. This will probably be the highlight keepsake for their homeschool records I keep this year!

BTW, I LOVE our Golden Guide Books for things like this, and also nature study. We have older ones, but the newer ones are very similar with updated covers. Here’s a few:

  • Reptiles and Amphibians
  • Butterflys and Moths
  • Rocks, Gems, and Minerals

5. Making a spinner

It’s super easy to make a spinner! To make this a writing project, your kids can be in charge of writing down what’s on the spaces.

We did this randomly one day when my son needed a prize for his sister for a game he made up. (I didn’t have any candy to his disappointment). So he made a spinner with cool prizes she could get. It melted my heart, not gonna’ lie.

a homemade paper spinner with a brad in the middle.This is a creative writing project perfect for 7 and 8 year olds!

How to make a spinner:

Trace something round on thick cardstock paper, (we used a bowl). Then, using a ruler draw your lines making as many sections as you like. Put a brad through the middle, with a paperclip (not pictured below) on the brad as the spinner.

What else could you make a spinner for? Here’s a few ideas:

  • Activities for a game like Simon Says.
  • Physical activity spinner where there’s actions on it like “10 jumping jacks” or “run around the house once”.
  • An “I’m bored” spinner with things to do on it.
  • Shows they like to watch but seem to argue over choosing…hmmm….this could be a good one!

6. Writing letters to family

Writing grandma or a cousin a letter is the perfect way to practice handwriting. I wish we did this more regularly.

Think of all they are learning here, while finding a PURPOSE in writing!

  • Caring about someone
  • Handwriting
  • Where the stamp goes
  • Their address
  • Drawing a picture

It’s also fun to put a little flat surprise in a letter if you can. The kids love it! A piece of gum, a sticker, a picture, origami, a photo, or even a dollar bill if it’s to another kid.

a handwritten letter by a 1st grader as a creative writing project idea for 7 and 8 year olds.

7. Labeling pictures

If you keep a nature journal, have your kids learn and label what they draw. Plus the date, and where they found it! These are short, small bursts of writing but they can do it and it has a purpose!

You could also trace their body outline on a long paper roll and have them label things like arms, legs, hair, etc.

Feel free to let them sound it out and guess spelling, help them spell it as they ask, or just write words down for them on a scratch piece of paper that they can copy onto their project.

A picture hand drawn by a small child and labeled in child's handwriting.

8. Mad Libs

We do this 2 ways.

  • I write while they practice thinking of verbs, nouns, adjectives, etc.
  • They write while I answer what verbs, nouns, adjectives which is where handwriting comes in.

This is SO fun. They ask to do this because it’s funny, doesn’t feel like school, and I love that it practices language arts and handwriting in such a natural way.

mad libs written by a 2nd grader for creative writing

9. Birthday cards

I have the kids make homemade birthday cards for any friend’s party they go to. I’ve found it’s easiest to write something they can copy so I don’t have to sit around.

Do I correct their spelling? Not unless they ask…here’s why.

There was a ton of “Mom, how do you spell —” for all these projects.

I used to stress over if I should do this or not. Would I create a dependence on me by helping them spell so much? Meh. For these projects…If they ask, I tell them. If they don’t ask and do creative spelling…I let them.

What I’ve found is they ask less as they get more familiar with common words . Also, the more they read, the better they get at spelling . Someday I may even do that teacher-y thing and get a poster up with a bunch of common words they can reference.

My oldest spells much better as he’s read TONS of books. He was an early reader, and can see the word’s spelling in his head often times. My 7 year old is just starting to read more, so spelling is farther off for her.

How I help them with spelling when they ask

With these creative writing projects for 7 and 8 year olds, I’m NOT concerned with perfection. I do want them to think about the sounds they know a word makes, like “black”.

If they write it on their own and spell it “blak” I’m ok with that for now. I’m also ok asking them, “How do you think you spell the sound bl in black?” They can often get that. Then I’ll help them finish the word if needed.

If I absolutely don’t want to be available to help with their spelling, I’ll tell them to write it how they think it sounds, and we can edit later if they want to. This *usually* satisfies them.

More homeschool posts and videos!

  • Pros and cons of homeschooling
  • First Grade Math With Confidence review
  • Switching to Singapore Math from Masterbooks
  • Singapore Math Primary 2022 Vs Math With Confidence comparison for 1st grade
  • Lily and Thistle Free Watercolor Birds Tutorials we use

If you enjoy video reviews and homeschooling tips, come on over and subscribe to my YouTube channel! Also check out my homeschool printables on Etsy . Thanks for supporting my blog by reading and sharing this post!

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127 Story Starters & Writing Prompts for Kids (Ages 10 – 14)

Coming up with story starters for kids can be difficult. This article provides 127 writing prompts that can get kidsā€™ creative writing off to a great start. Download my three great creative writing lesson plans that I use as a supply teacher. Theyā€™re easy-to-use lessons that you can teach on the go.

Article Key Points

  • Select from the list of 127 writing prompts below for story ideas that you like.
  • Put these writing ideas in a hat and have students randomly pick out their assigned story.
  • Use the 3 lesson plans provided for a ready-made creative writing lesson. Great for supply teachers!

creative writing prompts and story starters for kids

You can get my printable story starters sheet at the end of this article

A full list of 127 story starters and writing prompts for kids

Writing prompts for adventure stories.

  • A princess who needs to rescue a puppy from a river.
  • A family on a road trip who got lost and ended up on a whole new adventure.
  • Two friends who go on an adventure down a river on a rowboat.
A superhero who lost his superpowers in the middle of a rescue.
  • A kid who wakes up one day to find out he / she was turned into a dog.
  • The day in the life of an inanimate object (tree, statue, etc.).
  • Three friends who can time travel forward in time. What will the world look like when they arrive?
The main character of your story has to escape a pirate ship after being captured in the night.
  • Pioneers travelling the whole way across a new land in just a wagon. What challenges will they face?
  • Youā€™re a detective trying to uncover a crime: someone stole grandmaā€™s apple pie when it was cooling on the windowsill!
  • You walk past a phone booth that is ringing. You answer the phone. Who is on the other end?
You wake up one day to find out that you grew and youā€™re suddenly 12 feet tall! You try to go to school but you find lifeā€™s hard as a giantā€¦
  • A giant and a mouse live in a house together and are best friends. Tell a story about them preparing dinner together. What would each eat, and how would their preparations be different?
  • Youā€™re half way up Mount Everest when you drop your pack with all your climbing gear off a cliff. What are you going to do about it?
  • A dorky kid suddenly develops superpowers and fights crime in the city at night.
A talking dog and his best friend race against time to defuse a bomb.
  • A firefighter is in a race against time to put out a fire before it burns down a magical forest full of talking animals (who help him / her to put out the fire!). Help him put out the fire safely !
  • You are walking along the beach and find a message in a bottle. The message provides the directions to something special ā€“ follow the directions!
  • Write a story about a refugee. They have recently had to flee their home to go to a safer place. Explain their journey.
You wake up one day and youā€™re only 6 inches tall! Write the story of what happens next ā€“ will you go on an adventure? Will you go to school? What will your parents say when they see you?
  • Write a story about being lost in a maze. How did it make you feel? What did you come across as you turned corners in your attempt to escape?
  • Youā€™re going camping but youā€™re only allowed to bring 5 belongings. What would you bring, and why?
  • Youā€™re the only survivor of a plane that has crashed in the wilderness. Describe how you will survive.
Youā€™re a book that keeps getting passed from person to person and bookshop to bookshop. What sorts of people read your book and what crazy places do you end up going?
  • Youā€™re 5 feet tall and live in a garden. How will you make your own comfortable little home in amongst the leaves?
  • Youā€™ve found yourself trapped in a prison cell. What creative ways will you come up with to escape?
  • You dig a hole in your backyard and find a treasure. What is the treasure and what will you do with it?
You have to set up a new colony on Mars. Who would you take with you and what struggles will you have setting up your new colony? Who would be king? What would be the rules?
  • You have magical pockets. Every time you put your hand in your pocket, you pull something else out! Write a story of the 5 different, random things you pull out of your pockets. Will some of them be slimy and scary? Will some be alive? Will some be tasty?

Read Also: 25 Central Ideas for Stories

Writing prompts for stories about your life

  • Your favorite memory with your family.
  • The best vacation or adventure you ever had.
  • A time you went to the dentist.
Your two favorite movies (and how theyā€™re similar and different).
  • What you think would happen at a dinner party involving any three of your favorite people (living or dead).
  • Your hero and why theyā€™re your hero.
  • Write a story about your ideal day. Start with your alarm going off to wake you up, and end with you closing your eyes and falling asleep.
The happiest moment of your life. What was it that made you so happy?
  • What a day in your life would be like if you had your dream job.
  • You have swapped jobs with one of your parents. You have to go to work for the day and they have to go to school. What funny things will happen?
  • Write a story about a dream you have had in your past. Was it a logical story, or did your dream defy the rules of the world? If you canā€™t remember your dream, you can make it up or fill in the gaps.
Write a story about a time you were wrong and how you felt. Were you glad you learned something new? Were you ashamed? Did you apologize?
  • Write a story about your favorite place. If you donā€™t have a favorite place, invent one and explain why it would be your favorite place.
  • Write about a skill you recently learned. Was it frustrating? After learning the skill how did you feel? How do you use the skill in your life now?
  • Write a story about the things you think about just before you go to sleep at night.
Write about exactly what youā€™re going to do when you get home from school today.
  • Write a story about all the things youā€™re grateful for and why youā€™re grateful for each one.
  • Write about the moment your parents or grandparents met and how they felt at that time. If you donā€™t know about it, make it up!
  • Write about your first day at high school or university. What will your emotions be? Will you meet anyone?

Read Also: A List of 107 Effective Classroom Teaching Strategies

Writing prompts for imaginative stories

  • What you would do if you could travel back in time to hang out with one of your ancestors.
  • You have a metal detector and are using it on a beach. What do you turn up? Describe it and what you would do with it.
  • You invent your own tree house. Describe it ā€“ how do you get into it? How many rooms are there and what is in each room?
You could travel back in time to any time in world history. What is it and why?
  • You meet a fairy who gives you any one gift ā€“ what would it be and how would you use it?
  • You just bought a haunted house and are about to spend your first night in it. Itā€™s run down and creepy. Describe your first night, starting with when you step in the door at 5 pm.
  • Youā€™re shipwrecked on a deserted island with only 5 of your belongings. Which would they be and why?
Imagine an older version of you has traveled back in time and has come to give you advice. What advice will they give you and what will your conversation be like?
  • Imagine youā€™re a farmer. Describe the farm animals or plants you would farm and a day in your life.
  • Write a story about having fear of the grass, but needing to walk through a park. How will you get across the park without touching the grass!?
  • Imagine itā€™s the world 2100 and climate change has changed the climate where you live. Describe the new climate, the new plants that grow there, and whether itā€™s extremely hot or extremely cold!
Imagine an ice age has arrived and the whole world is -30 degrees! How will you live? In an igloo? What clothes would you wear? Would the cities be made of ice? Explain a day in the life.
  • You have created your own personal robot. What does the robot do and how does this improve your life?
  • You wake up one day and the only people left in the world are 3 of your closest friends. How will you survive?
  • Your house has been converted into a spaceship and youā€™re flying to the mysterious planet Obertoron. What is the climate like in this new planet? What challenges do you face settling into this new planet?
You are in the middle of a lesson at school when ā€¦ suddenly gravity stops working and everything starts floating into the air!
  • You can breathe underwater and go on underwater adventures to a city under the sea. Youā€™re on a mission to save the city from an evil octopus.
  • You wake up in the morning and suddenly youā€™re 30 years old. What is a day in the life of the 30 year old version of you?
  • Make up the rules of your own sport. You can get inspiration from real sports or a made up sport like Quidditch.
Write a story about the most peaceful place you could imagine. What is surrounding you that makes it so peaceful?
  • Peter Pan flies in through the window to teach you to fly. Describe how it feels to fly out the window and look down on the streets below.
  • Youā€™re in a garbage dump sifting for goodies. What do you find and what do you do with it?
  • You receive a mysterious item in the mail. Describe the item and why you might have received it.
You can read minds. What are the thoughts in the heads of people around you? Are you glad you can read minds, or will you end up regretting it?
  • Youā€™re born into royalty and will be the future king or queen. How are people treating you and what will be your responsibilities? Are you happy about being the future monarch, or will you end up just wishing you were a normal person.
  • Youā€™re the president, king or prime minister for the day. What will you do today to improve your society or change the world?
  • Invent your own movie. What is the main characterā€™s name and what is the movieā€™s plot? How will the movie end?
Imagine youā€™re a mermaid for a day. What sea creatures would you talk to? Where would you sleep and live under the sea?
  • Imagine you are a teacher. What would you teach and why?
  • Imagine you have a secret hatch under your bed that takes you into your own private cave. What will you keep in your cave that makes it the prefect secret room for you?
  • Imagine you woke up one morning and there was no electricity for the next year. What would change about your life?
Write a story that involves the following 5 objects: a foot, a lake, a spaceship, a pizza, and a dinosaur.
  • Imagine youā€™re from a tribe that has never had contact with anyone else in the world. You go for a walk and stumble upon a city. Explain how you feel and what you see.
  • Everything you touch with your right hand turns to candy. Write about a day in your life and the sorts of issues you might come across during your day.
  • You feel the emotions of all the people around you. Write about a day walking through a city, the people you see, and how your emotions go up and down like a roller coaster.
  • Imagine your toys have come to life (like in Toy Story!) What sorts of things will they get up to while youā€™re at school?

Writing prompts for descriptive stories

  • Write a story about the weather. Choose one type of weather (thunderstorm, sunny day, humidity, rain) and describe it. Use adverbs, adjectives and superlatives to describe how the weather makes you feel.
  • Write a story about a delicious feast you made for your friends. What will be served? Describe its taste in your mouth. Donā€™t forget to describe the appetizers, main course and dessert!
  • Pretend you are the god of your own little world and you can invent an animal. What would its features be? Think about its head, body and limbs. Donā€™t forget to describe its skin (fur? Scales? hair?), eyes, mouth (or is it a beak or bill?), ears, fingers, etc.
You are on the train observing other people and listening in to their conversations. Describe the people on the train and what theyā€™re doing with their lives.
  • You are Santa Claus and youā€™re reading childrenā€™s wish lists. Describe three different childrenā€™s wish lists. The children need to have different personalities and this needs to be reflected in their wish list.
  • Youā€™ve been given $100 to spend in the supermarket. Start the story of you walking down the aisle trying to pick out what you want. First youā€™ll describe 7 objects that you find, but then you can only choose 3. Explain your choice.
  • Describe the taste of chocolate to someone who has never tasted it before. How will you explain it?
Youā€™ve met someone who has never smiled before. Explain to them how to smile without using the word ā€˜smileā€™.
  • Describe what itā€™s like to see to someone who was born blind.
  • Describe what itā€™s like to hear to someone who was born deaf.
  • You start your own club. What would the club be, and what would be the conditions for entry to the club?
Youā€™re about to take an exam. Describe your feelings before the exam begins, then your feelings during the exam, and finally your feelings after you leave!
  • Youā€™re walking through a refugee camp. Describe what you see.
  • Write a story about how you feel on the first warm, sunny day of the year.
  • Describe snow to someone who has never seen or touched it.
Write a story about how it feels to be cold to someone whoā€™s from Jamaica and has never felt the cold!
  • Write a story about how it feels to be hot to someone from the North Pole whoā€™s never felt the heat!
  • You invent your own board game . What is the theme and what are the rules?
  • Describe what it feels to walk through a city to someone who has never been in the city before.
Describe what it feels like to be all alone in the forest to someone whoā€™s never been in among trees before.
  • You move into a new house and have to set up your new bedroom. What would its theme be? What posters would you put on the walls?
  • Youā€™re an architect and can design your dream house. What would it look like? What rooms would there be? What cool things would you include in your new house?
  • If there was one thing you could invent, what would it be? Describe it and how it is used.
A fire has started in your home. You can only save 3 of your belongings. What are they and why would you save them?
  • You make a new friend. Describe the friendā€™s personality and why you like them so much.
  • You have to plan a birthday party for yourself. What will be the partyā€™s them? Where will it be?
  • You can invent your own car. What special features will it have that will make it your ideal car?
You are going to go a full year without creating and trash. Write about the lifestyle changes you will make in order to prevent making trash. How will you get food without wrappings?
  • There is a new kid who has arrived at school today. Write about what you will do to make them feel welcome.
  • You have to buy Christmas gifts for all of your family members. Describe what the gifts will be and why you think theyā€™re ideal for each family member.
  • You can change your style to any style you like: what would you wear, what would your hair look like, and what sort of music would you listen to?
Describe what itā€™s like to feel hungry to someone whoā€™s never felt hunger before in their life.
  • You have $50 to buy food for a week. What foods will you buy and why? Will you focus on health food to keep yourself healthy, or binge on junk that tastes so yummy?
  • Imagine you work for the post office. What is a day in your life? What dogs will you come across? What different sorts of letters will you deliver? Happy letters? Sad letters?
  • Describe what it feels like to take a shower to someone whoā€™s never had a shower before.
Itā€™s opposite day and you have to lie about everything. What sorts of trouble are you going to get into from all of your lies?
  • Explain how you would start a fire without a lighter or matches.
  • Describe the feeling of being sticky to someone who has never felt the feeling of being sticky. You canā€™t use the word ā€˜stickyā€™.
  • Describe the feeling of being dirty to someone who has never felt being dirty. You canā€™t use the word ā€˜dirtyā€™.
Write a story about how it feels to be bullied, and someone who arrives and is kind to you. Describe how it feels to have a friend who is kind after youā€™ve been bullied.
  • You have been asked to create a new game show on TV (Think: Family Feud or Wheel of Fortune). What will be the rules of your new game show?
  • You are a genetic scientist and can create a new fruit. Describe the fruit: how it feels, tastes, and looks. What does the tree that it grows on look like? In what climate does it grow?
  • Youā€™re an architect and youā€™ve been asked to design the ideal playground. What sort of cool play equipment will you place in your playground?

3 Great Writing Prompts and Story Starter Lesson Plans

Lesson 1: mix-and-match story starter lesson.

Printable 1: Fun Story Stater and Writing Prompt Mix-and-Match Lesson (Takes you to a Google Doc)

This lesson plan download has a list of mix-and-match story starters. Cut up each story element and put them into three hats: Character, Setting and Plot (you might also want to read my article about about all 8 elements of a story ). The students are blindfolded and must take one story element out of each hat and make a story out of the three elements they get!

Lesson 2: Planning your Creative Story Plot

Printable 2: Story Planning Template (Takes you to a Google Doc)

Teach students about the important elements of a story using this story planning lesson template. Your students need to describe their main character, plot and setting before they tell their story. Itā€™s a great scaffold to ensure your students follow the conventions of story writing.

Lesson 3: Random Creative Writing Story Prompts

Printable 3: A List of 127 Story Starters (Takes you to a Google Doc)

I love this one for an easy afternoon. Simply cut up the 127 creative writing story ideas below, place them in a hat, and have students close their eyes and pick out the story that they will have to write about.  

Chris

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 17 Adversity Examples (And How to Overcome Them)

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  • Story Writing Guides

How to Write a Story for Children in 14 Steps

Where do I even start? Thatā€™s the overwhelming thought that comes across most aspiring childrenā€™s writers when they want to write their own book. It doesn’t matter if you want to write a picture book or a novel – Ā the problem is always the same. The goal of this article is to teach beginners how to write a story for kids, from having a simple idea to publishing your complete story. Letā€™s get started on writing your first childrenā€™s story.

Interested in fantasy stories? You might find our guide on how to write a fantasy novel useful.

  • Brainstorm your ideas
  • Develop your ideas
  • Develop your characters
  • Get the setting right
  • Plan the ultimate climax
  • Plan an awesome ending
  • Outline your story
  • Write the opening
  • Use effective dialogue
  • Include sensory elements
  • Write the Ending
  • Read and edit
  • Give your story a title
  • Publish your story

So, to summariseā€¦

Planning Your Story

Before you even begin writing your story, you need to plan out all the important elements. Carry on reading for our amazing tips on how to plan your story.

Inspiration is everywhere, you just need to know how to find it. Sometimes it takes a short walk or a moment to yourself to find inspiration. Other times you could be talking to your friends or just watching TV when inspiration strikes.

Wherever you find inspiration it is important to keep a note of this moment. We really recommend getting into the habit of carrying a notebook and pen with you wherever you go. This way you wonā€™t forget all those amazing ideas that pop up in your head. You can even call it your ideas book! There is no right or wrong way of structuring your ideas book, but if you need help you could try the following:

  • Write a list of words you find funny or interesting
  • Draw or describe different characters
  • Stick newspaper or magazine headlines you find interesting
  • Stick any photos or images you find interesting
  • Make note of any dreams you had and remember

ideas book-inspiration for your story

Another great idea could be to carry a camera with you when youā€™re out on a walk or on a day trip and take snaps of anything interesting. Photo or image prompts are brilliant for inspiring the imagination and reminding you of past memories. We recommend you read this post on how to use image prompts to see how you can use your old photos as a source of inspiration.

Photos along with your notebook are the perfect source of inspiration for when youā€™re ready to sit down and start planning your next story.

Now that you have a book full of ideas, the next part is to pick one or combine a couple of ideas to focus on. Then you can start developing your ideas into brilliant stories.

We all know that every story has a beginning, middle and end. In fact, the most basic structure you might notice in stories is that you have a hero who sets off on an adventure. They face a couple of challenges on the way, overcome them and live happily ever after (of course itā€™s not always a happy ending for some). Knowing this basic structure we can develop our ideas further using the story jigsaw method:

story jigsaw example

Each piece of the puzzle is explained below:

  • Who: Who is your character?
  • Want: What does your character want?
  • Why not: Why canā€™t your character get what they want?

This sounds simple enough! Letā€™s take a look at an example: Jimmy the fox wanted to enter the spelling bee, but could not find the money to pay for books.

In the above example, Jimmy the fox is the who. His want is to ā€œenter the spelling beeā€œ and the why not is that he does not have enough money to pay for books. Our simple puzzle of 3 pieces has created a plot for a possible story. However, to make an even more interesting story, you may add several other pieces, such as another who, want and why not. This is explained in more detail in our free story writing pack .

The advanced writer might be interested in adding plot twists to their story to surprise the reader. This could be a surprise ending or a new character entering your story mid-way through and so on.

Hopefully, by now you should have a clear story idea to work on. The next part is to think carefully about the characters you want to include in your story. Characters are one of the most important elements of a story .

Don’t over-complicate this step by including too many characters. We suggest choosing one or two main characters to focus on in your story. When developing your character/s , you might want to think about the following in detail:

  • What do they want?
  • What are they scared of?
  • What bad memories do they have?
  • What good memories do they have?
  • Have they always been good/bad?
  • What are their strengths?
  • What are their weaknesses?
  • What do they look like? Any unique features?

But why would anyone want to know all these little details about your character? Wellā€¦ they donā€™t. You just need to make your characters relatable to your readers. And what makes a character relatable, you ask?

Relatable characters have traits (or features) that an everyday person can understand and believe in. Even if youā€™re writing a fantasy story about witches and wizards. Your characters may have magical powers, but they could also be kind, come from a poor family, have a bad experience with bullies and so on. These extra pieces of information about a characterā€™s backstory make your character interesting to your readers.

Oh and thereā€™s one more very important thing you need to know about the main characters in stories. And that is…they always change in some way. Your character can start off as someone who is weak and scared of everything. Then by the end, they would overcome their greatest fear and become someone who is brave. This is what makes your story really interesting!

The setting of your story is very important, as this is where everything in your story will happen. You can choose to stick to one setting or move between various settings. Depending on what your story is about, you can choose to set the whole story in someoneā€™s house or even just the school canteen. Or you can go all out on selecting various settings for your story, especially if it’s a story about time-travelling or just normal travelling.

Whatever your setting is remember to explain all the little details so your readers can also imagine being there with the characters. And by little details, we mean even the tiniest detail can make a huge difference. For example, if you chose a bus shelter as one of the key settings in your story, talk about the cracks on the glass or the pieces of litter on the floor. Donā€™t just stick to the appearance of objects, go further by describing the smell in the air and the sounds you hear. Just think about the five senses, sight, smell, taste, hear and touch for ideas.

The climax of the story is where the actual conflict happens or where your main characterā€™s problems are at their highest point. This is the key moment just before the solution is revealed and normally happens towards the end of the story. To make sure your story has the ultimate climax give your character limited options, so they feel trapped or overwhelmed by recent events. This can then build up to a powerful ending (discussed in the next section).

In the actual climax itself, your main character should use a new skill, piece of information or even friends they made before this point. It is important to remember that without this ā€œnew somethingā€ your character could never have overcome their problem earlier on in the story. If your readers feel that your main character could have easily overcome their problems at the beginning of the story, then your climax is likely to disappoint your readers

The climax is the perfect place to demonstrate how much your character has grown since the beginning of the story. And to provide a valuable life lesson to your readers. And there are a number of things your character might learn, such as:

  • Discovering what they wanted was bad and now changing their want
  • Having to sacrifice something important to them to help/save someone else
  • Realising the consequences of their past behaviour

It is important to note that the actual climactic scene of your story should feature your character facing their problems alone. Even if your main character received help from other characters throughout the story. The climax must have a moment where only your main character goes ahead and defeats the problem.

Your ending doesn’t need to be very long and drawn out. In fact, it can quickly end after the climax. But that doesn’t mean that you should rush it off without considering your readers. There are a number of ways you can end your story, which include:

  • Happy Ending: The conflict ends, and the hero wins and lives happily ever after with everything they ever wanted.
  • Sad Ending: The conflict ends, but there were some difficulties or consequences because of how this conflict ended.
  • Cliff Hanger: The main conflict ends, but the reader does not know what happened to the main character or another bigger conflict is revealed to the readers.
  • Twist Ending: The most unexpected thing happens at the end, shocking the reader.

It is important when planning the ending that it clearly shows the end of the main conflict your character was facing throughout the story. And that this conflict was resolved through your main characterā€™s actions. For example, if your main character was cursed by an evil witch and now they canā€™t speak at all. The ending should show that your main character was able to overcome this curse and live their life happily (if this was a happy ending).

When planning your ending you might want to play around with different endings to your story to see which one is the most powerful and exciting for your readers.

Before actually writing your story, we suggest you sit down and write out the basic structure of your story (preferably in one sitting). There are a number of ways you can do this, but the simplest way may be to list everything you know about your story somewhere (See our guide on how to outline a book with a free template ). This will help you to note down every idea you have about your story and make sure nothing interesting gets missed out or forgotten about. Listing out your key scenes can also help you identify any holes in your plot and opportunities to make your story even better. This can even save you time and frustration when it comes to actually writing your story.

Once you have finished listing out all your scene ideas, take a moment to look through your list. If you feel a scene idea is not clear or does not connect you can highlight these ideas. You may also highlight ideas that need further research. Now review all the highlighted ideas again and expand on these until they make sense or maybe just remove them from the story if there is no real connection. Think about alternative scenes that your reader wonā€™t expect. F or example, you might have 3 different ideas for how your story will end.

You might even go a step further and sketch out the main scenes of your story using a storyboard or even some index cards. A storyboard will help you logically layout the key scenes in your story and swap them around to see what works best. A storyboard can also ensure that there are no gaps in your story or even scenes that repeat themselves. Once you are happy with your outline and feel confident that all the key areas of your story have been covered, you can move on to writing your first draft.

story outline example - storyboard

Writing Your Story

Now itā€™s time to start writing the first draft of your story. We call it the first draft because it is highly likely that you will have to write your story a number of times before it is ready to be published.

The opening sentence is one of the most essential parts of any story. It hooks the reader and encourages them to read on if they like the opening. Letā€™s all face it, thereā€™s nothing really exciting about a story that starts off like, ā€œOne day I went to the park…ā€.

So what makes a good opening? A good opening should set the scene and get the reader excited about what will happen next. It should give enough information to the reader, so they are faced with a series of questions in their head, such as why did this happen? Some of the information you might include in your opening may be details of a setting, a character description or a significant memory in their life. For example. Danny The Champion Of The World by Roald Dahl starts off by describing the main characterā€™s backstory:

ā€œWhen I was four months old, my mother died suddenly and my father was left to look after me all by himself.ā€

Your opening should also set the mood for the entire story. For example, if you are writing a horror story, you might want to set a dark tone at the beginning. But bear in mind just because you are writing a horror story, you can still include humour or change tones slightly throughout the story. You just need to remember the overall mood of your story.

There are a number of ways to open your story, such as:

  • Starting with dialogue: A character in your story could be talking about something.
  • Begin with an action scene: Something might have happened to your main character.
  • Describe the setting: Use sensory details to describe an important setting.
  • Describe the characterā€™s backstory: Your character has an important memory to share.

An extra tip for your opening is that you might want to plan a number of openings for your story to see which one is the most exciting.

Dialogue is speech between two or more characters. This can be expressed internally through thoughts or externally through conversations. Effective dialogue sets the scene, adds drama and develops your character’s personality. Dialogue also breaks up big chunks of descriptive text to add more life to your story and characters.

While using dialogue in your story may seem like a great idea, it can get boring if used wrongly. A mistake some writers make is including long dialogue between characters talking about minor or unnecessary things that have very little relation to the main conflict. While dialogue may seem like an easy way to clarify parts of your story, donā€™t use it as the only way to describe your storyā€™s plot. Keep your dialogue short and simple, with important and interesting information.

Another common mistake in writing dialogue is not including the characterā€™s emotions or personality in the dialogue. You might use straightforward direct words, but we all know that conversations in real life aren’t always that direct and simple. Try inventing your own words and donā€™t be afraid of including informal or slang words in your dialogue, as this could add to your characterā€™s personality.

Learn how to write effective dialogue with our guide on how to write dialogue .

Sensory elements is another word for including the five senses throughout your story. When drafting out your story, try to find opportunities to include all the senses (not just sight). For example, if youā€™re introducing a new character, talk about how they smell, what their voice sounds like as well as any features that stand out. The same goes for when you are describing different settings or scenes in your story (see our section on settings above). Sensory elements make the reader feel like they are experiencing the story for themselves.

Typically taste is the least used sense in any story because it is hard to think about how something tastes unless your character is actually eating something. But a very good way to use the taste sense could be to describe how your character is feeling at a certain moment. For example, if your character is walking through a scary corridor, you can say their mouth felt dry and tasted like dry cement. This gives the reader a feeling of how scared or nervous that character felt at that moment.   

We already touched on the ending above so wonā€™t go into too much detail here. The key to a good ending is to make sure your readers don’t feel disappointed after finishing your book. Make sure you donā€™t rush the ending by missing out on key details as to why this is the ending. For example, if you are ending on a happy note, donā€™t forget to tell your readers how and why your character/s are happy now compared to the beginning of the story.

The ending is a good place to close any gaps or things you forgot to mention earlier on, such as side characters which may have disappeared or a minor conflict that was never resolved. Your ending should also feature your main character otherwise the ending would be pointless to the reader.

Finally, no matter how you are ending your story, make sure the main conflict is resolved in some way. Whether this is a good solution or a solution with terrible consequences, you should clearly show the end of the conflict. As a bonus, a good ending almost always has a memorable last line. So when you are writing your ending, you might what to write down several last lines and pick the best one that summarises your story the best.

Publishing Your Story

Your first draft is now complete, it’s time to read and edit your story until you are happy to share it with the world.

If you have written your story on a computer, we suggest you print it out as it will make it easier for you to read a printed version. Once you have your story in hand, find a pen (preferably a red one) to circle or make notes of anything that doesn’t make sense in your story. When reading your story, we suggest reading it out loud, so you can listen to any words that are repeated or sentences that don’t make any sense.  

Read your whole story in one sitting, as you read you can make notes in any white spaces around the story text. While reading lookout for any boring or unnecessary information in your story and highlight it. In your first reading, we suggest that you avoid looking at spelling and grammar errors, instead focus on the content and ideas in your story. Once you have done this, you can edit your first draft. It is likely that your second draft will be slightly shorter, as you would have removed any boring parts of the story. Do the same with your second draft, ask yourself if the plot is clear and interesting? Are the characters interesting? Have I described the setting clearly?

When you are happy with the story concept, you can then move on to editing your story for spelling and grammar mistakes. At this stage, you can also look for opportunities to be more descriptive and sentences that start with the same words. Once you have sorted out these mistakes, you can ask someone else to read your story or even read it out loud to them. Another person will be able to give you feedback on how interesting your story is and whether it makes sense. They may even be able to give ideas on how to improve your story further.

The final step is the edit your final draft with all the changes you identified and then itā€™s ready for publishing.

Your story is almost ready, but we need to give it an interesting title. When picking a title for your story, you might focus on a particular quote, the name of the main character, or even key objects from your story. In most cases story titles are short and easy to remember, so avoid using long and complicated words in the title.

If you canā€™t find inspiration from your own story, try doing some research by looking at other book titles or using our book title generator . When researching make note of book titles that interest you and review your list to see what they have in common. You might even draw inspiration from everyday stuff, such as music or a movie you recently saw.

Remember the story title is the first thing your reader will see, therefore it should make them curious to open and read your book.  

So your story is now ready to be shared with the world! You can publish your story for free on many websites, including Imagine Forest . The benefit of publishing your story on this site is that you can share your story with a community of active members and receive feedback from other writers. You can even include images, create a cover for your story and print out your final story to share with friends and family.

create your own story-imagine forest

With a solid story under your belt, you might be ready to write some more stories. To motivate yourself you can enter many story writing competitions for young writers, where you can win awesome prizes for your writing skills.  We also recommend our weekly short story challenge for those who want to practice their creative writing skills.

Writing a good childrenā€™s story requires a lot of research and planning before you even actual begin writing it. And even with all your notes and ideas, drafting, rewriting and getting feedback can take a long time. The important thing to remember is to let your imagination run wild and never worry too much about spelling or grammar (or at least not at the beginning).  

If youā€™re looking for a quick step-by-step on how to write a childrenā€™s story, then here is a summary of  all the crucial steps youā€™ll need from planning to publishing your story:

Are you ready to write a story? Let us know your beginner tips for writing stories and what your next story is about in the comments below.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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Home Ā» Blog Ā» 140 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

140 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

writing stories for 7 year olds

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Creative writing is an important skill for young students to start learning. Not every child will grow up to be a professional writer, but there are many benefits to having children write. Here we have some useful and effective creative writing prompts for kids to get you started.

These are most suited for a teacher with a class of students. However, parents are welcome to use them as well, to get your kids writing at home.

The Benefits of Writing Prompts for Kids

Aside from creating a published masterpiece someday, there are many benefits to teaching kids to write. This can be done in part by stimulating their minds with some good writing prompts for kids.

Teaching them how to become a better writer will give them advantages in other areas of life.

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Animal Themed Writing Prompts for Kids

Most kids love animals. Even if they donā€™t, personifying and thinking about animals can spark wonderful creativity in kids. It can help kids learn how to become a better writer.

  • Jack is a dachshund and stands out among his border collie siblings who bully him for being different. He is determined to prove that he can herd sheep just as well as them.
  • 10-year-old Kaitlyn has the unique ability to communicate with all animals. She goes around helping trainers, vets, and researchers.
  • Write a story about a family of rabbits living in the woods. What is their life like?
  • Imagine you are a big, majestic lion living in a zoo. How do you feel being surrounded by people all the time?
  • Do you have a pet? What do you like to do with them? If not, what pet would you love to have?
  • What would you do if you had an elephant for a pet?
  • If you could be any animal, what would you choose?
  • Your cat gets stuck on the roof. How do you get him down?
  • A baby wolf gets lost in the forest. How does he find his family again?
  • Write about a school of fish who live deep in the ocean.
  • How do you think it would feel to fly like a bird?
  • What would you and your pet talk about, if they could talk?
  • What does a naughty puppy get up to while its owners are asleep?
  • Imagine everyone had a horse to ride instead of a car to drive. What would life be like?

Fiction Writing Prompts for Kids

Though they might not understand the complex workings of character and plot development, kids can still start creating fiction. Their minds are capable of telling stories. Starting with short pieces of fiction can teach them how to become a better writer .

Writing longer pieces of fiction at a young age can be more difficult. Using a book writing template might help if they really want to try.

Whatever type of story you encourage them to write, use these simple but imaginative writing prompts for kids.

  • Look out the window for 30 seconds. Write a story about what you see and hear in those 30 seconds.
  • Write a story about a trip you would like to take with your family.
  • You and your friends build a treehouse. But, anyone who enters needs to follow some rules. What are they?
  • You are trapped in the mall for the night. What do you do in there?
  • Write a story about a magical pair of shoes.
  • Write about what would happen if you met your favorite character in person.
  • You find a time machine. Where do you go and why?
  • Write a story about your parents as teenagers.
  • Write a story about a tiny person.
  • What does a typical day look like for a mermaid?
  • Write about an astronaut who flies to space and discovers a new planet.
  • Write a story about a day in the life of the president of the United States.
  • A young girl finds a teleportation device abandoned across the street from her house. She soon figures out how to use it.
  • Someone your age sneaks onto a space ship going into space. What happens? Do they get caught?
  • Try to write a poem or a story in the style of Dr. Seuss.
  • You have an assistant for one week who will do whatever you want. What do you ask them to do?
  • Write about something you and your best friend would do if you lived in the same house.
  • Tell a story about a kid who gets to go for a ride on Santaā€™s sleigh.
  • A kid gets to be invisible for one day. What happens?
  • Write a story using these three words: Train, Hat, Saturday.
  • A clown shows up at your door one day. What do you do?
  • Write about a day where your teacher forgot to wear shoes.
  • Write a story about your evil twin.
  • You find a treasure chest buried in your backyard. Whatā€™s inside?
  • Imagine you get to be the opposite gender for one day. What do you do?
  • Write a story about an imaginary sport. How does it work? What are the rules?
  • You have been asked to create a new holiday. What should the world celebrate?
  • Write a story where you get stuck inside your favorite video game or TV show.
  • A child has traveled back in time from 1000 years in the future. What do they tell you about their life?
  • Start a story with a character saying ā€œI wonā€™t do it, and you canā€™t make me!ā€
  • Two friends send secret notes to each other through a hiding place no one else knows about. What happens when a new note appears from someone else?
  • A family is camping and doesnā€™t have cell phone service. What do they do when someone gets sick?
  • Write a story about a kid who doesnā€™t have any homework to do on the weekend.
  • A kid and their dog are on an adventure in the forest. What happens?
  • Write about a kid who loves to play in the rain.
  • A family is going together to pick out the perfect Christmas tree.
  • What happens when a spaceship lands in your backyard?
  • A girl finds a magic door in her closet. What happens when she walks through?
  • You are stuck inside your school overnight. What do you do?
  • Write a story about a vampire who just wants to fit in with his friends.
  • A superhero wants to save the world, but heā€™s not very good at using his powers.
  • Your toys have come to life for one night only. What do you do with them?
  • A boy is walking down a deserted road. What does he see?
  • An older sibling is babysitting a younger sibling. The older sibling gets locked in a cupboard. What happens next?
  • Imagine you live in a world where humans donā€™t need to sleep. What do you do every night?
  • An old lady owns a costume shop. Everyone who buys or rents a costume has an adventure while wearing it. Write about one of these adventures.
  • Your character is the only survivor of a shipwreck. She is floating around on a raft. She finally finds an island. Whatā€™s on the island?
  • The sun decides not to go down for one night. What does everyone do overnight when itā€™s not dark?
  • Write about what you would do if you could read minds for one day.
  • You are able to spy on your friends and family for one day and they donā€™t know youā€™re there. What do you think youā€™d see?
  • Your grandma tells you a shocking secret and youā€™re not allowed to tell anybody else! How do you react to this crazy secret?
  • You are given one dart to throw at a wall map. Wherever it lands, you have to go there tomorrow. Where do you go? What happens?
  • Three kids climb a tree and find a whole new world at the top.
  • Write a story about someone who is working hard to keep his grades up so he will be allowed to participate in the annual principal-for-a-day event.
  • What would you do if you and your teacher switched places for a day?

Historical Writing Prompts for Kids

Writing stories about history can be a fun way for kids to learn some basic historical facts and events. Use these writing prompts to walk them through time in a way they can enjoy.

A book writing template may come in handy here as well. History can be complicated and confusing. It might be beneficial to have some information laid out in a structured way.

  • Imagine everything in a historical museum comes to life one night. What happens?
  • If you could have a conversation with one person from the past, who would it be?
  • Imagine your family ruled over an ancient kingdom. What would life be like as a prince or princess?
  • Write a story about the life of a child before TV was invented.
  • Write a story about a family traveling a far distance by horse and carriage – before cars were invented.
  • Imagine you were alive when the pyramids in Egypt were being built. What are they like in person?
  • What do you think would have happened if humans were alive at the same time as dinosaurs?
  • How do you think people in the past celebrated holidays?
  • If you could travel backward in time to before you were alive, where would you go and why?
  • If you could change any part of history, what would it be?
  • Many years ago, all the grades of a school would be in a class together. Would you like this? Why or why not?
  • Write about a building that no one has lived in for 100 years. What is left in the building? Who used to live there?
  • What do you think the worst thing is about being a king or queen?
  • Write about what kids did for fun in the old days.

Stimulating Writing Prompts for Kids

In addition to writing stories, many kids will benefit from other forms of mental stimulation. These can be done in a journal or essay writing exercise.

Use these prompts and questions to get them thinking. Encourage them to answer all questions with as much detail as possible.

  • Write a detailed description of your favorite toy.
  • How would you describe the color green to someone who is blind?
  • Where is your favorite place to hide during hide and seek? Why?
  • Write a letter to your grown-up self.
  • Imagine you are the first person to ever walk on the moon. Write a letter to your family about what itā€™s like up there.
  • Write about something you want to learn more about.
  • If the sky could rain any food for one day, which food would you want and why?
  • Someone has never heard of magic. Explain it to them.
  • A genie is going to grant you one wish. What is it?
  • You are in charge of your school for a whole week. What do you do?
  • What is the worst possible superpower someone can have?
  • If you had $1,000 what would you buy for yourself?
  • Which animal is your favorite? What do you like about it?
  • What would your life be like if you were a movie star?
  • Write about what life would be like without electricity.
  • If you could go anywhere for a school trip where would it be and why?
  • What do you want to do once you turn 16?
  • If you could ask your teacher one question and get an honest answer, what would it be and why?
  • Write about the weirdest dream you ever had.
  • Describe the happiest day of your life so far.
  • If you were in the circus, what would you do?
  • If you won an award, what would it be?
  • What is your favorite holiday and why?
  • If you could have one extra limb, what would it be and why?
  • What is your favorite season and why?
  • Write about what life would be like if you got your dream job as an adult.
  • If you could create a new animal, what would it look like?
  • What is your favorite day of the week and why?
  • Write about the person you admire the most.
  • What is the best joke you ever heard? Why did it make you laugh so hard?
  • You are in charge of inventing a new sandwich. What are you putting on it?
  • Write about three things you are good at.
  • If you could make anything grow on trees, what would it be and why?
  • What is your most unusual talent?
  • Whatā€™s the best book youā€™ve ever read? Describe the book to someone without spoiling the story.
  • What one thing would make your life easier?
  • Imagine you are 16 and your parents have bought you a car. What does it look like?
  • What one thing would make school more fun?
  • Describe what happens on the absolute best day you can think of.
  • What is your favorite thing to do for fun?
  • You are given $1,000 but you canā€™t spend it on yourself. What do you buy and for who?
  • You are creating the perfect town for you and your family to live in. What does the town have?
  • What is one talent you wished you had but donā€™t?
  • Write about your favorite music.
  • Describe your favorite movie without mentioning the title or the characters names. Can anyone guess the movie?
  • If you could control your own dreams, what would you choose to dream about tonight?
  • You can ask the government one question and they have to answer you honestly. What do you ask and why?
  • Do you think you could go a whole day without talking? What would be difficult about this?
  • If you could stop anyone else from talking for one day, who would it be and why?
  • If the world was going to end in one hour, what would you want to do?
  • What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
  • Do you have any toys right now that you think you will still play with when you are 20? Why or why not?
  • What would you do if you were the last person on earth?
  • Write about something you believed as a small child, but it turned out to be wrong. What was it? How did you find out?
  • What would you do if you suddenly woke up in another country and no one could understand you?

Writing Tools for Older Kids

As kids get a little bit older, they can start being introduced to some tools and programs that will help their writing. As they age, they will start to get a sense of how to write properly and they will develop a voice and style of their own.

Those who are serious about writing and/or show some real promise might benefit from the use of some writing software to help them become an even better writer.

We have created a list of 20 excellent tools for writers and gone over them in detail. But, a good place to start is with Squibler and Grammarly .

Squibler will help them figure out how to organize a book. It offers a place to take notes and record research. It then encourages the writer to break down their chapters and scenes for easy organization and editing.

writing prompts for kids

Squibler also offers a series of templates that might be helpful to kids as they learn about story structure and character development. These templates will walk them through the writing of a book and offer guidelines and suggestions to make the story as effective as possible.

There are several style and genre options, but a good place to start is with the general fiction template:

General Fiction Template

Second, is Grammarly . Kids will often struggle with grammar and punctuation for a while. Grammarly is designed to help all types of writers fix and polish up their work from a grammatical standpoint.

It is largely intended for professional writers who do it for a living, or students who need to hand in perfect written pieces. But, that doesn’t mean kids can’t benefit.

As they go through their work in Grammarly and find their errors, they will learn from them. If they see the same thing pop up numerous times, they will learn not to do it anymore.

Get Kids Thinking With These Writing Prompts

The kids are the next generation of writers , authors , and creators. Start their skills early and encourage them to expand and improve. Teach them how to craft their words. Teach them how to paint a picture in someone elseā€™s mind.

From writing descriptions to organizing thoughts and emotions, and even creating interesting characters – kids should be flexing their creativity muscles whenever possible.

Whether they go free form or you use a book writing template , encourage them to let their imaginations loose on a regular basis.

These writing prompts for kids will get them started, but if youā€™re looking for more, try using the scholastic website. They have a writing prompt generator with lots of variety. It also has a fun design if youā€™re using it with your kids.

This will give you an endless source of fun prompts for the kids to enjoy.

writing stories for 7 year olds

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Blog ā€¢ Perfecting your Craft

Last updated on Aug 02, 2023

How to Write a Childrenā€™s Book Families Will Love (+Template)

Many authors' dream is to write a children's book, and to inspire young minds with heartfelt stories and playful imagination. Many assume that writing for kids is easier, but writing great children's literature is no easy feat, especially if you're brand-new to the game.

In this post, we cover everything you need to know about writing a children's book, borrowing insights from experienced children's book editors like Anna Bowles, Jennifer Rees, Cara Stevens, and others.Ā 

How to write a childrenā€™s book in 8 steps:Ā 

1. Start with a simple, fun idea

2. cast a relatable main character, 3. structure your plot like a fairy tale, 4. consider repetition and rhyme, 5. make the story easy to follow, 6. write with illustrations in mind, 7. work with a childrenā€™s editor, 8. get an illustrator to add some visual magic.

FREE RESOURCE

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Childrenā€™s Book Development Workbook

Bring your children's book to life with our step-by-step workbook.

The best picture books are simple stories that engage children, and show them a fun or valuable perspective. Think about Dr. Seussā€™s classic Green Eggs and Ham : the whole story premise is that the main character, Sam-I-Am, tries to convince his friend, a picky eater, to try green eggs and ham. It engages children with something relatable äø€ being reluctant to try new foods äø€ and it shows that perhaps itā€™s not so bad to give it a try.

If thereā€™s one thing that most classic picture books have in common, itā€™s that they look at the world from a childā€™s perspective.Ā 

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Address childrenā€™s hopes and doubts

It can help to write your story with a specific child in mind ā€” one you know personally. If you are a parent, a teacher, or have dealt with kids personally, think of them as you write your story. Connect with the way they experience life and the things they value. Remember the sorts of things that make them laugh.Ā 

Most importantly, consider whatā€™s compelling to them. Maybe your story can address some of their fears and doubts, or evoke their most cherished moments. Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes is about a little mouse whoā€™s concerned about all kinds of things ā€” especially starting school. The story reflects an anxiety many children experience and provides a hopeful message that things will be okay.Ā 

Illustration of a child picking up fireflies during a summer night

Dianne Ochiltreeā€™s picture book It's a Firefly Night tells the story of a girl who catches fireflies in a jar on a warm summer night, but ultimately makes the decision to release them. This is an experience many kids will relate to äø€ and will make them feel good as our young hero learns to care for and respect the little creatures around her.Ā 

But before you run with your story idea, itā€™s important to validate its market potential.

Know which themes are selling right now

Try to assess what's working in the marketplace already, and if your book idea fits in. What are the most popular picture book themes?Ā Ā 

As long-time childrenā€™s book editor Brooke Vitale points out, the most popular picture book concepts havenā€™t massively changed over the years. ā€œAcross the board, the top-selling themes for picture books have been bedtime, farm, and ABC.ā€ This is because theyā€™re subjects kids can relate to: bedtime rituals, farm animals and their sounds, and learning to read.

ā€œAlso high on the list have been holidays, in particular Christmas, Easter, and Halloween, and the reason for this is because they're marketable.ā€ By marketable, Vitale means that these sorts of picture books are ones that people could easily buy as gifts for children.Ā 

Illustration of two little cats playing

Some smaller holidays are on the rise too, like Mother's and Fatherā€™s Day, as well as graduation celebrations. But you donā€™t have to tie your story too closely to the specific holiday youā€™re targeting äø€ a Motherā€™s Day book can be about a mother-and-daughter relationship, or a graduation title can be an aspirational tale set around education, making the story evergreen and relevant year-round.Ā 

There are always new themes bursting onto the scene, like empowerment or mindfulness, which you can tap into to bring fresh stories to market. For example, in The Princess and the Pizza , Mary Jane Auch subverts the classic princess story: instead of accepting her fate and marrying into another royal family, Princess Paulina becomes a self-sufficient founder of a pizza empire. And of course, this idea ingeniously combines three things that many children love: princesses, carbs, and cheese.

Once youā€™ve landed on a great story idea, donā€™t forget that youā€™ll need a memorable lead character.

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The most iconic children's book characters have distinct and relatable personalities. Think of Leo Lionniā€™s Frederick, a field mouse whose fondness for poetry and art is seen as distracting from his familyā€™s efforts to gather supplies for winter. Or take Jim Panzee from Suzanne Langā€™s Grumpy Monkey , another outsider who struggles with his ā€œbad temperā€ while everyone around him is having fun äø€ something many kids will relate to.Ā 

Illustration of Jim Panzee, a Grumpy Monkey

Whether your main character is a child, robot, animal, or sentient gas cloud, what matters is that they feel real ā€” with specific abilities and challenges.

Define their strengths and flaws

Young readers donā€™t want to read about perfect heroes, but rather characters they recognize. Memorable characters should come with their own fully realized strengths, weaknesses, conflicts, and motivations that make them compelling to their young readers.Ā 

To help you create great new characters, we have some additional resources for you:

  • A list of character development exercises to test your knowledge of your characters.
  • A free 10-day course on developing memorable characters , taught by a successful professional editor.

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Besides being relatable in their behavior, your main character should have their own sets of dreams and desires ā€”Ā and the willpower to realize them.Ā Ā 

Give them agency to reach their goals

If thereā€™s a younger character in your book, itā€™s usually their story you should be telling. It should be about their dreams, and they should be the ones making decisions that drive the narrative forward.Ā 

As Reedsy Children's editor Anna Bowles suggests, donā€™t forget who the heroes are. ā€œA lot of beginners write about children as we adults often see them: as cute and slightly comical little beings. But what children actually want is stories where they are the heroes, driving the action, facing challenges, and making choices.ā€

Patrick Picklebottom and the Penny Book is the story of a young boy who goes to buy his favorite book. On the way home, his friends invite him to fly a drone, play video games, or scroll through social media ā€” but he declines and gets home to read instead. In real life, a child might have a parent giving them advice, but in the book, itā€™s Patrick himself calling the shots. He buys the book, he says no to the various temptations, and he gets himself home to read it.Ā Ā 

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Once youā€™ve got a great story and some interesting characters, itā€™s time to consider your story structure.Ā 

Even within the word limits of childrenā€™s books, you need to create a satisfying story arc that captivates young readers from the very start, takes them on an exciting journey, and culminates in a gratifying and memorable conclusion. One way to achieve this arc is to think of your story as a simple question and answer.

Ground your premise in a simple question

Picture book editor Cara Stevens , who in her long career has written and edited for Nickelodeon, Disney, and Sesame Street, believes that every story should begin with a dilemma and end with a resolution. ā€œThere's usually a question: Will Mr. Frumble get his hat? Why doesn't Priscilla like chocolate? Why doesn't Elmo want to go to the dentist? These questions are a vital point in diagnosing your story or giving it direction when you're not sure where it's going.ā€

šŸ“¼ Watch the Reedsy Live in which Cara Stevens reveals the 20 questions that can help picture book authors turn their ideas into finished manuscripts.

Once youā€™ve identified the story-driving question, you then want the character to face some challenges and doubts.Ā 

Add conflict to the mix

Novels are often about characters dealing with a challenge, and how they change as a result of it. Childrenā€™s books are no different. Even in the simplest of narratives, the character should grow and learn something by overcoming internal and external conflicts .Ā Ā 

In Richard Scarryā€™s Be Careful, Mr. Frumble! , the title character goes on a walk on a windy day and his hat is whisked away by the wind. Will he get it back? After chasing it through trains, trees, and the sea, he does. Despite the initial worry, he finds that heā€™s grateful for the fun that losing his hat brought with it.Ā 

Picture book illustration of Mr. Frumble losing his hat

Or think again of Patrick Picklebottom, who just wants to read his book: his conflict is created by his friendsā€™ requests to do other things. By the time he reaches home, he has learned to say no and prioritize what he values most.Ā Ā Ā 

Whatever journey you set your characters on, itā€™ll have to fit within the standard picture bookā€™s length.

Keep it under 30 pages

Itā€™s easy to fall in love with your story and characters and find yourself overwriting as a result. Children's books have rather standard lengths, depending on their type, and itā€™s important to try and stick to them to ensure your book is readable for your target audience.Ā 

The average word count for a standard picture book falls between 400 and 800, with a length of 24 or 32 pages. The page count includes the copyright and dedication page , as well as your author bio , which means your story has to be told within 30 pages or less. With so little room, youā€™ll have to be mindful of the number of characters you introduce and the number of plot points they will encounter.Ā Ā Ā Ā 

Table showing picture books' average lengths and word count

At this point, you have a lot of story elements cooking and a structure to mix them in. But before you do that, youā€™ll want to think about the secret ingredient ā€” style.Ā 

Picture books often feature repetition, rhythm, and rhyme. These literary devices add a musicality to books, making them a pleasure to read or listen to. Children will want to have their favorite stories read to them repeatedly, so parents will greatly appreciate it if the words fall trippingly off their tongues when doing so.Ā 

šŸ¤” Should your picture book rhyme? Listen to editor and children's author Tracy Gold's opinion on Reedsy Live .

Letā€™s have a closer look at why repetition and rhyme are so common in kidsā€™ books.

Repetition facilitates understanding

You can use different types of repetition in picture books, such as for words, entire sentences, or sounds. You can use it to structure your story, pace it, or reinforce a certain point or concept. When executed well, it can create a nice build-up that kids can pick up and easily follow.

The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith uses repetition in a few different ways. It starts with the narrator walking down the road and spotting a donkey. The first sentence is repeated in every scene, along with the donkey sound (Hee Haw!) Then it adds a line describing the donkey äø€ its appearance, mood, and music taste (a sort of donkey dad joke). But thatā€™s not all: each scene adds a short, rhyming description of the donkey, which, as the book progresses, keeps building up into an amusing climax.Ā Ā 

A picture book illustration of a donkey

Building the story incrementally through repetition and rhyme can be powerful. But remember, itā€™s not compulsory ā€” and not all rhymes are created equal.Ā 

Not all picture books rhyme

In recent years, many childrenā€™s book editors have advised against rhyming in your book. Thatā€™s because itā€™s quite difficult to rhyme well, and children's book agents are able to spot a bad or derivative rhyme from a mile away. That said, if youā€™re a master of the perfectly unexpected rhyme and you think your book demands them, thereā€™s no reason why you shouldnā€™t go for it.Ā 

Llama Llama Red Pajama is packed with rhymes from start to finish. Itā€™s a simple story of a cria (thatā€™s a baby llama!) waiting for their mother to comfort them at bedtime. The storyā€™s simplicity and very short lines are perhaps some of the reasons it works so well.Ā Ā Ā 

Illustration of a baby llama going to bed

If youā€™re writing in verse and rhyme, always read it aloud. Ask yourself if it feels forced, excessive, or awkward in any way, and whether the rhyme contributes to building the story. If it doesnā€™t sound quite right, you can always see what itā€™s like without the rhyming.

According to writer and editor Jennifer Rees , you can sometimes achieve even better results without forcing it. ā€œSo often, I get some really sing-songy stuff that forces the reader into a rhythm that people think is fun ā€” but in truth, it just drags on.Ā 

ā€œThere are so many gorgeously written picture books that do not rhyme but they just sound beautiful. Someone has really paid attention to how the lines read and how each and every single word sounds when you read it out loud.ā€Ā 

There are also a few more literary choices to consider as you write your storyā€¦

Your core audience is at a crucial stage of their mental development and is currently mastering basic literacy skills. This calls for a few considerations as you write and edit your childrenā€™s book .

Start the story quickly

Even at the best of times, kids have limited attention spans. It's essential that you jumpstart the action with some sort of hook in the first few pages. This ā€˜hookā€™ could come in the form of an intriguing character or an inciting incident .Ā 

The inciting incident of Dr. Seussā€™s classic The Cat in the Hat , as you might recall, is an intriguing character. After setting up a scene with two bored siblings, Seuss introduces a mysterious cat who invites himself into their home. Is the cat good or bad? Should he stay or should he go? The reader understands that the cat brings chaos with him, and the story is set in motion.Ā 

Illustration of The Cat in The Hat by Dr. Seuss

Once the story has started, itā€™s just as important to maintain a good pace. Each scene should ideally act as a little hook that builds the tempo or raises the stakes until the story's resolution.

Another important thing to consider is your choice of words.Ā 

Use age-appropriate vocab

There are many great places to show off your bombastic grandiloquence, but a kidā€™s book is not one of them. Children won't be impressed by four-syllable words ā€” they'll only be confused by them. That said, children's editor Jenny Bowman often tells her authors that, when used intentionally and sparingly, the occasional big word can be welcome. ā€œChildren are smarter than you think, and context can be a beautiful teacher.ā€Ā 

To figure out the most fitting vocabulary for your story you can read other books for kids in your age group, or browse famous word sets for early readers, like the Fry and Dolch lists or the Childrenā€™s Writer Word Book , which feature the most commonly used words for childrenā€™s books depending on their age.Ā 

Itā€™s not just the vocabulary that needs a double-check. Also consider your characters, their behaviors, and the environments they inhabit äø€ they should all be tailored to resonate with a childā€™s life experience. A talking eagle whoā€™s a corporate lawyer working on a big M&A case might not be as relatable as a little mouse on her first day at school.Ā Ā 

To know if youā€™re on the right track, the best thing you can do is road-test your early drafts with their intended audience.

Ask a child what they think

Read your story out loud to children and parents in your social circle. Pay attention to how it sounds with an audience, and whether it invokes an emotional response. Kids are usually pretty honest, so their feedback will be some of the most valuable youā€™ll receive.Ā 

Aim for a few rounds of reactions, and incorporate their suggestions as much as possible. Only once you have thumbs-ups from your young beta readers should you begin to think about your next step, which is to start combining your words with powerful visuals.Ā 

In contrast to many other types of books, where words alone are sufficient to tell a story, in picture books text and illustrations complement each other to create a more immersive experience. Whether youā€™re planning to bring in an illustrator or pick up a pen and brush yourself, you should always be thinking of pictures when youā€™re drafting your manuscript

Think in terms of scenes

Think of your book like a (very) short movie. Every time you flip a page, you enter a new scene that holds the potential to surprise your young readers. To achieve this effect, consider placing your surprises strategically on the other side of page turns.Ā 

To help you visualize the flow of your story and its pacing, try using a storyboard template to mock up your visuals and match your text to the right scenery.

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Let the visuals do the talking

When self-editing your manuscript, try to cut unnecessary sentences and let the visuals do the talking instead (by showing, instead of telling .) Thereā€™s no need to squander your precious word count describing the weather or a characterā€™s clothes if the pictures can do the same. So instead of writing them into your manuscript, include those details in your art notes so that your illustrator will know precisely how to represent them.Ā 

Once youā€™ve written and rewritten your childrenā€™s story, consider bringing on board a childrenā€™s book editor to polish it further.Ā 

If you've gotten feedback, self-edited extensively, and still feel your children's book isn't quite there, consider hiring a professional children's editor . Their years of experience will both improve your storytelling and make sure that your book is ready for the market.

Fortunately, we have the best children's editors right here on Reedsy, many of whom have worked with major authors like Daisy Meadows (author of the Rainbow Magic series) and R.L. Stine!

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Work with a professional childrenā€™s book editor to take your book to the next level.

There are two types of picture book editors you may be looking for:

Developmental editors. These editors will look at your storyā€™s backbone, from characters and settings, to the story plot and concept, and make sure itā€™s solid and ready for the market. They will also comment on whether you used rhyme and repetition wisely, if you need to change the time frame or point-of-view, and suggest other potential improvements.Ā Ā 

Copy editors. The copy editor will correct your typos, spelling, and grammar, assess your choice of words, and make comments to ensure your text is perfectly polished.Ā 

Very often, you can find a single editor to handle both services ā€” theyā€™ll give your book a developmental edit, provide any notes for revising your draft, then copy-edit the manuscript once youā€™ve made the changes.

Read our post on childrenā€™s book costs to find out the average price for each service. If youā€™re self-publishing, thereā€™s one important part of your budget youā€™ll want to put aside: that would be to hire a skilled illustrator to bring your words to life.Ā Ā 

If you want to publish your book traditionally, donā€™t bother looking for an illustrator. It will be handled by the company who will represent your work, as they prefer to be in charge of that. Just prepare your picture book query letter and start pitching agents.Ā 

If instead youā€™re self-publishing your picture book , youā€™ll have to locate your very own Quentin Black. We wrote an in-depth guide on how to hire a childrenā€™s book illustrator , but one of the most important points is to determine your ideal illustration style.

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Identify the visual style for your book

What style best captures the mood and world of your story? Perhaps your book is for very young readers, who will enjoy bright, bold, and graphic illustrations. Perhaps youā€™re aiming at a slightly older audience, whoā€™ll appreciate whimsical characters and a more muted color palette.

Various illustration styles of humans in picture books

Each illustrator brings a distinct touch to their human characters, from intricate linework to striking realism, edgy designs to gentle human-like figures. Youā€™ll have plenty of options to choose from, depending on what youā€™ve envisioned for your book.Ā 

To find your ideal professional, gather a range of references to make sure you have ample inspiration and ā€œmentor textsā€ to refer back to. Browse through your favorite kids' books, or the portfolios of some professionals, and identify what you like ā€” and, perhaps just as importantly, anything you definitely donā€™t like. This post on 20 childrenā€™s book illustrators will be a helpful jumping-off point in finding visual references and the vocabulary to describe what youā€™re looking for.

While some artists might welcome a challenge, and enjoy trying out a new style, the best way to guarantee results that you like is to find an artist whose style already matches your vision fairly closely ā€” rather than asking them to fit a square peg into a round hole.

And there you have it! Once you've completed these steps, you'll have a completed children's book ready for publication. Make sure to check out our guide on how to publish your childrenā€™s book for more information on how to get your story in the hands (and hearts) of your young readers.

6 responses

10/02/2019 ā€“ 10:53

Where can I listen to my target audience if the kids around me don't speak English?

ā†Ŗļø Reedsy replied:

11/02/2019 ā€“ 09:08

Thanks to the internet, that's not so much of a problem anymore. Social media and online communities can make it a lot easier to find your ideal audience. Check out this post we wrote about target markets from children's books: https://blog.reedsy.com/childrens-books-target-markets/

Jeff Dearman says:

08/05/2019 ā€“ 12:28

There's also newer illustrators looking to get their foot in the door who might be willing to help for relatively cheap compared to the more establish artists the more establish artists will want a lot more $$$$ , so look around. if youre on college campus or recent grad and know some illustrators or a friend or family member who does great art. ask them . Offer like $100-300 for black and white story boards and maybe a couple colored cover designs or what not and give them full authority and ownership over the art and development of the characters. Once the work is done maybe offer them a bonus if they do good work. There's plenty of newer illustrators with extremely good talent who are looking for opportunities.

You can also go to places like the New England film board and or other boards or even reddit and put out a post saying you're looking for an illustrator interested in getting material for their portfolio and offer them the ability to develop the characters etc. and such and offer lke a couple hundred bucks for sketches/character storyboards. - also state you'll put them into a writers' contract and split any royalties once the time comes if the book is susccessfl and write out an agreement you both sign. and agree to.

Penelope Smith says:

24/08/2019 ā€“ 04:32

Writing a children's book does seem like it could be tricky. I liked that you pointed out that you should look at that an illustrator past work. Also, it seems like a good thing to consider asking them to draw a sample page for the book. After all, you would want to check they draw in a style you like.

Sjsingh says:

20/11/2019 ā€“ 14:04

"pug"book writer Sharma is said a sardaarni, she is not a "Kaur", Kaur can be said as sardaarni. And what a mockery she has done for tying pug, real sardaarni never can dare to do that. Pug is very respectful in Sikhs and many other cast too, and she has made it joke, she has done very wrong to the sentiments and feelings of many Indians. And you have any humanity you should Apologize for this heart breaking act , Publisher has done not less than you. Have you ever thought , write a book on tying a saari or lungi in same style and illustration used in "pug"?

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Hundreds of Awesome Creative Writing Topics for kids

Creative writing is a great way for children to express themselves using imagination. At Kids Play and Create, we value young writers, and we are constantly updating our list to bring you new, fun, and imaginative writing prompts for kids.

We have story starters, icebreakers, fiction writing prompts, and fun topics to inspire kids through writing. From young students to middle school students and even high school, we have great writing prompts for all writing styles and even the most reluctant writers.

We started out with 50 creative writing topics for kids but have added many more. Check back regularly for newly added writing topics.Ā 

Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Check the end of the article for updated Creative Writing Topics for Teens. Are you looking for Creative Writing topics for 1st grade and 2nd grade with free printables? We have that too!

Creative Writing prompts for kids

What is Creative Writing?

Creative writing can be used to explain many types of writing. It is a writing style that lets the writer express themselves.Ā  Some forms of creative writing entertain the reader, while others are therapeutic.Ā  Creative writing lets the writer use their imagination and takes the reader on a journey into their thoughts.

Is Creative Writing Important?

Creative writing is a great way to learn more about the children you work with.Ā  You can find out things about what they like and donā€™t like.Ā  Depending on the topic you choose, you can also find out things about their personality, what kind of friends they are, how they feel about themselves, and if they set goals and more. Ā 

There are many benefits to writing. Creative writing helps build critical thinking skills and writing skills. These writing prompts will build a childā€™s confidence to write their own stories.

How do you get kids to want to write without complaining? Ā Give them fun topics that they will learn about themselves while writing.Ā  On this list, you will find various good topics for both younger and older children.

Creative Writing is fun for All Ages.

Creative writing isnā€™t just for older children. It can be for the little ones too. Young students as early as Preschool or Kindergarten may not have the ability to write but can express themselves through drawing.

Have young students concentrate less on the writing and more on drawing a picture that goes with the topic. Children are great at expressing themselves through art.

hundreds of writing prompts for kids

Awesome Creative Writing Prompts for Elementary Students

1. Have the children write on top of the page: Ā I Am Special Becauseā€¦ This is a good topic to help children express themselves.

Have the children think about why they are special and ask themselves questions, here are some examples: what am I good at? Who have they helped? How have I made a difference? What special talent do I have?

2. If I was a superhero, what kind of superhero would I be, and what powers would I have? (This can also be done using villains)

Ā Examples of powers they can write about: are flying, super speed, eye lasers, walking through walls, shooting ice, shooting fire, changing the weather, camouflage, shapeshifting (changing shape), and turning invisible.Ā 

Activity:Ā  Keep track of who chose a superhero or a villain. Do not let the children know that another activity will follow after the writing activity. When the writing activity is over, split the children into two teams, the superhero team and the villain team.Ā  Have them vs. each other in a game of tag.Ā  Who will champion the superheroes or the villains?Ā 

3. What do I want to be when I grow up and why? This a great way to get to know children.Ā  By asking what they want to be when they grow up, you can find out what the children like.Ā  Itā€™s also a great way for children to start thinking about the future.

4. If you were given three wishes, what would they be and why? This is a fun topic.Ā  Children can think about having anything in the world.Ā  Will they pick something like peace on earth or go the million-dollar route?Ā Ā 

5. If I could invent a new animal, what animal would it be?Ā  Have the children ask themselves the following questions: What does the animal look like (what color, is it big or small, is it a combination of two animals)?Ā  What sounds does the animal make?Ā  What does it eat?Ā  Where does it live?Ā  Describe the animalā€™s habitat.

Creative Writing Topics for kids

Creative Writing Topics for Kids

6. If I could invent a new toy, what kind of toy would I create and why? Or, If I could improve a toy, which toy would I improve, and how would I make it better?Ā Ā You can talk to the children about the creative process:Ā  First, you come up with an idea, then you have to get it made.Ā  You can talk to the children about manufacturing toys.Ā  Here are some questions you can ask the children about improving a toy.Ā  How do you want to make the toy better?Ā  Do you want to make the remote control car faster?Ā  Is the game challenging enough?Ā  Do you want your doll to have more features or do more?Ā  These are all questions you can ask the children to get their brains thinking.

7. If I could make something disappear in my life, what would it be and why? Ask the children if there is something in your life that makes them unhappy.Ā  Is there a problem you are having?Ā Ā 

8. All About me essay. Some sample questions the children can ask are:Ā  What are my likes and dislikes? What is my favorite subject in school? What do I want to be when I group up?Ā  Who is their favorite actress/actor?Ā  Where do they want to visit? They can name the people in their family, talk about any extracurricular activities they do, etc.

In what ways do I help my family? Have children write about the ways they help their families.Ā  Do you have chores?Ā  If so, what are they?Ā  Do you help your mom or dad cook?Ā  Do you talk out the garbage? Do you take care of your siblings?Ā  Do you have a job to help pay bills?Ā Ā 

10. How can I be a better friend? Ā Have children think about what type of friends they are.Ā  Are they good listeners?Ā  Are you kind?Ā  Do you talk about your friends to other people?Ā  Have them think about how they would like to be treated by a friend, do they treat their friends the way they want to be treated?

The Best Creative Writing Topics for 4th and 5th grade

11. If you could be invisible, what would you do and why? Have the children think about what it would be like to be invisible.Ā  Would they use this new power for good or would they try to do something bad?

See also Ā  Top 10 Ways you can Encourage Good Homework Habits for Elementary Students .

12. What do you think about bullies and why?Ā Have the children define what a bully is to them in their paper.Ā  Do they think they are a bully?Ā  Do they think bullying is wrong?Ā  Remember, these are things the children are feeling, there are no wrong answers.

13. Why is it important to be honest and not lie?Ā Ā To them, the children with their writing ask them the following questions. What does it mean to be honest?Ā  Have you ever told a lie that turned into another lie?

14. What would you do if you won a million dollars?Ā  This question is usually a favorite topic with the children.Ā  Ask them if they think one million dollars is a lot of money.Ā  Depending on where you live, it might be just enough to buy a small house and a car.Ā  What are some things you would buy?Ā  Would you save some or spend it all?

15. If you could change the world, what would you do and why? This is a good question for older children.Ā  Would they change things, such as ending hate and violence in the world? Would they change things such as making gas or food free for everyone? You will get various answers, making this a fun and interesting topic.

Little Boy Writing

Fun Writing Prompts Ideas

16. If you were a king/queen, what would you do and why? This is a fun topic for both younger and older children.Ā  Activity: Have the children draw their kingdom and a picture of them as king or queen

17. If you could invent a video game, what kind of game would you create and why? This topic is also great for older children and young er children.Ā  Children love playing video games, they may not realize that they can make video games for a living.Ā  Talk to the children about video game developers and the process of creating video games.Ā  Have them brainstorm ideas for games, and find out what they can come up with.

18. Write about a time when you had to be brave, what did you do, and how did it feel?Ā  Ask the children if they have ever been afraid. What were they afraid of? Did something scary happen to them?Ā  What did they do to get through it?

19. Write about a trip to the moon, how did you get there, what did you see, it was fun or scary?

20. Write about something you are good at?

21. Write about one thing you want to learn about?

22. Write about a time when you worked hard to get something. This can be a thing or an accomplishment, like making a team, finally getting that cartwheel, or passing a test.

23. Write about five things you could be better at if you worked hard and gave more effort.Ā  There is always room for improvement.Ā  Talk to the children about the importance of trying hard and working towards a goal.

24. If you had to give away $1,000, what would you do with it, who would you give it to? This is a great question when talking to children about being kind and helping others.Ā Ā 

Journal Prompts or Kids

25. What is the best thing someone has ever given to you?

26. What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

27. Write about what you can teach others. Everyone is good at something.Ā  This question helps children think about what theyā€™re good at and how they can help others.

28. Did you ever get into an argument with a friend or family member? How did that make you feel?Ā Ā 

29. Did you ever hurt someoneā€™s feelings? Ā Explain what happened and how it made you feel.Ā Ā 

30. Did someone ever hurt your feelings? How did it make you feel? Did you talk to that person about it?

31. Is there anyone you would like to switch places with? who and why?

32. What does it mean to be loyal?

33. When was a time you were loyal to a friend or a friend who was loyal to you?

34. What famous person would you like to meet? Write about a day spent with a famous person.

Self-Esteem Writing Topics

34. Has a friend ever betrayed you? How did it make you feel? What do you think your friend should have done differently?

35. Have you ever been friends with someone who was unpopular or not part of the group?Ā  This is a great question to ask children when teaching them about acceptance and how it feels not to be part of a group.

36. When was a time you felt you were treated unfairly? How did it make you feel?

37. Is it fair to give someone a head start in a race? Ā When is it fair? When is it not fair?

38. Write about a time when you had a strong opinion about something? Why did you feel so strongly about it?

39. Write about a time you made a big mistake. Ā How did you fix it?Ā Ā Everyone makes mistakes.Ā  This writing topic helps children understand that mistakes are part of the learning experience.

40. Write about a time when you were very angry. Ā What happened? How did being angry make you feel?Ā I find that many times children will feel sad when they are angry.Ā Ā Did I make a good choice when I was angry? This is a great writing topic when discussing feelings with children.Ā  It is important for them to understand that anger isnā€™t wrong, and you are allowed to feel angry.

41. If you heard a rumor about a friend you knew wasnā€™t true, what would you do? How would it make you feel?

42. Write about a time when you cheered someone up. What did you do? How did it make you feel? How did it make that person feel?

43. Write about a time you used your inner strength to get through a tough situation.

44. Write about three things that are hard for you and why.

See also Ā  Free Colorful Printable Tracing Worksheets for Kids ā€˜

45. When was the last time you were afraid? What scared you? How did you react?

46. What is the bravest thing youā€™ve ever done?

47. Who is your hero, and why?

48. What do you think risk-taking is? Ā Have you ever taken a risk?

49. Write about your best friend. Who are they, how long have you known them, and why are they your best friend?

50.Ā What does it mean to have good character? Do you think you have good character, why?

Short Story Writing Topics for Kids

51. Think about something you are not allowed to do but wish you could.Ā  Write about why you want to do it and why you should be allowed to do it.

52. If you could be on a t.v show, which one would it be and why?Ā Ā 

53. If you had to choose to be one age for the rest of your life which age would you want to be?Ā  Why?

54.Ā  If you could pick the perfect job, what would it be?

55. You just found a treasure map, write about what you would do next.Ā  Do you decide to look for the treasure?Ā  Who is going to help you?Ā  What supplies do you need? Did the map lead you to the treasure, or was it fake?Ā  If you found the treasure, what was it?Ā  What did you do with it?

56. You just built a time machine. Ā Where in time would you go? Ā What did you do? Ā What did you see? Ā Would you want to stay there or come back to the present time?

57. Ā You just discovered a new land. Ā What are you going to call your land? Ā What kind of animals live there? Ā Have you discovered anything on your land? Ā What are you going to build on your new land?

58. Challenge the kids to write a scary story.

59.Ā If you are working with younger children, instead of having them write, you can have them draw and answer questions about their drawing.Ā  Try some of these topics.

1Ā  Create a monster.Ā  Your monster can be silly, scary, funny, big, little, colorful, etc..Ā Ā What is your monsterā€™s name? Ā What does your monster eat?Ā  Where does your monster live?Ā  Is your monster nice or mean?Ā  You can write the answers to the questions on the paper for the child or have them come up and share their drawing, while they are showing their picture, ask them questions about their monster.

2.Ā  Create an animal.Ā  This is the same as the monster but just an animal instead.

3. Create new food. What kind of food is it?Ā  Is it a dessert, is it something spicy, is it a combination of both?Ā  Have the children draw a picture of their new food.

Group Writing Prompts for kids

Group Writing Prompts for Kids

Iā€™ve been working with kids on group writing and art projects.Ā  The kids enjoyed these topics the best.

58. Create a fairy tale. have each group member write one part of the story. Then have each member of the group draw one part of the story. When the children are finished writing, have them come up in front of the class and retell their story. Ā Ā 

59.Ā  Create an amusement park.Ā  Discuss as a group the name of the park.Ā  Have each member of the group write about the parts of the park.Ā 

A. What is the theme of your park?Ā  Adventure, thrill rides, water rides, safari, etc.

B.Ā  Write about the type of rides in the park.Ā  Are there shows in the park?

C. Describe places to eat at the park and what type of food they serve.

D. Do they have a gift shop?Ā  What do they sell at your park?

Art Project:Ā  On a large poster board, have each group member draw a park map.Ā  List of attractions, games, food, restrooms, gift shops, shows, etc..

Ā 60. Create a planet ā€“Ā Your group has just discovered a new planet.Ā  Have a group discussion about the planet.Ā  What is the name?Ā  Do anyone live on the planet? Is there water on the planet? Did you find fossils, aliens, or animals?Ā  Is there oxygen? Are there plants, trees, or water?Ā  Have each member of the group write something about the planet.

Art Project: Make a planet out of paper mache.Ā  Once dry, paint, and decorate the planet.

Newly Added Creative Writing Prompts

61. Create a new food/or meal and make a recipe to teach others how to make it.Ā  Have the kids draw a picture of the new food/meal.

62. Create a new game and describe how to play.Ā  This writing topic lets children use their imaginations.Ā  Have the children draw out the game on paper.Ā  If creating aĀ  board game, have the children turn the paper into a board game.

63. Write about a time you lost a game, didnā€™t do well on a test, or made a mistake, what lesson did you learn? This is a great writing topic to use when teaching children about losing.Ā  Everyone loses sometimes.Ā  losing actually makes you better.Ā  Without losing, sometimes, you wonā€™t strive to become better.

64.Ā  Your video just went viral on Youtube.Ā  What did you do in your video? These days children spend so much time looking at videos on Youtube.Ā  Have them imagine what it would be like to become famous overnight with a viral video.

Fabulous Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

65.Ā  Pretend you had an evil twin.Ā  Write about some things your evil twin does.

66. What is the grossest lunch you have ever been served?Ā  Write about this gross meal.Ā  Remember to add many details about what the food looked and tasted like.

67. What is your sorcererā€™s name?Ā  What kind of sorcerer would you be?Ā  Would you be evil or nice?Ā  What kind of powers would you have?Ā  What is something that you did as a sorcerer?

68. What are your personal superpowers?Ā  Are you a great friend, are you smart, do you have a hidden talent?Ā  Write about the superpowers that you already have.

See also Ā  Black History Month Writing Prompts for Students .

69. Write about a time when you were proud of your work and did your best.Ā  How did that make you feel?Ā  Do you always try your best?Ā  Why or why not

70. You have been working hard on your schoolwork/project all for a while, and your mind and body are tired, and you need a break.Ā  What are some ways that you like to take a break?Ā  Do you like to color, take deep breaths, play your favorite game, nap, or have a snack?Ā  Tell us about how you like to take a break.

  • Invent a new holiday. What would you call your holiday? When is it celebrated? How is it celebrated?
  • You became a movie star overnight, what movie were you in? What character did you play?
  • Write about your favorite sport. Why is it your favorite? Give directions on how to play.
  • What is your favorite thing? Describe it and tell why it is your favorite.
  • Who is your favorite teacher? Explain why they are your favorite.

Creative Writing Topics for teens

The Best Creative Writing Prompts and Topics for Teens

  • Have you ever seen somebody being treated unfairly?Ā  If so, did you do anything about it, or did you ignore it and walk away?
  • Do you talk to people the same way in person as you do on social media?
  • How do you think social media has changed or is changing the world?
  • What kind of America do you want to live in?
  • What are your plans after high school?
  • What do youĀ think college life is like?
  • Do you think it is important to save money at your age?Ā  If so, how do you save money?Ā  Why do you think it is important?
  • Ā Do you know what it means to have good credit?Ā  Do you think it is important to have good credit?Ā  Why?
  • Would you ever join the military?Ā  Why?
  • Who is your idol, and why?
  • What is your favorite childhood memory?

New Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School and High School Students

  • If youĀ could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
  • Write about something you would love to try and why
  • Write about something you did but then felt guilty about it later.Ā  How did you handle the situation?
  • What is the hardest experience you have ever been through?Ā  How did you handle it?
  • Have you ever been to a job interview?Ā  Where are you prepared?Ā  Did you get the job? Would you say something different if you could do it over? Would you be better prepared next time?
  • How do you think the world will be 50 years from now? How do you think people will treat each other?Ā  How do you think the internet/social media has changed the world?Ā  What kind of cars do you think we will be driving?Ā  Will we still be using gas?
  • Write about your dream home.Ā  Would you live in a house or an apartment in the city?Ā  Do you want a big house or something small?Ā  What kind of fun features would your dream home have?
  • If you were a parent, would you let your child have a social media account?Ā  Why or why not?
  • Would you rather work in a team on a project or alone?
  • Write about your favoriteĀ song, why is it your favorite?Ā  What is your favoriteĀ verse?Ā  How do you feel when listening to it?
  • If you were a clothing designer, what kind of clothes would you design?
  • You have to spend one year stranded on a deserted island, you can bring five things or people with you, what do you bring?
  • You are a superhero, you have to use your powers to make a positive change in the world.Ā  What powers do you have?
  • You are given the power to change one thing you donā€™t like about yourself, would you change anything?Ā  If yes, what would you change and why?
  • Write about your future self. What is your life like?

Updated Creative Writing Topics for Middle School and High School

  • You are creating a new amusement park.Ā  What kind of park would it be?Ā  What kind of rides does it have?
  • Write about the best Christmas gift you have ever received. Explain what it was, why it was your favorite, who gave it to you, do you still have it.Ā Ā 
  • You were given 1 million dollars, but you must give it away.Ā  Who would you give it to?Ā  would you give it to one person or a couple of different people?Ā  Would you donate it to an organization?Ā 
  • Name 5 of the most important things in your life ( house, family, health, etc..); now you just lost all of them.Ā  How would you feel, what would you do?
  • You just became a YouTube sensation.Ā  What did you do that made you famous?Ā  How does it feel to be recognizedĀ by people on the street?
  • A friend of yours has been depressed and said that they told you they donā€™t want to live anymore.Ā  What do you do and why?
  • How would people describe you and why?
  • Do you think that violent video games make people violent?Ā  Do you think there should be age restrictions on video games?
  • You have a choice of giving up social media or hanging out with your friends for a week, which one do you choose and why?
  • Do you think what you learn in school can help you in the real world?Ā  What topics do you think you should be learning and why?

The Best Creative Writing Prompts for Teens ContinuedĀ 

  • Do you think that money can buy happiness, why or why not?
  • Do you think you need higher education to become successful?
  • How important is your cell phone with you? I rather give upā€¦.blankā€¦. than my cell phone (explain).
  • Ā Describe the perfect day. What would you do?
  • Have you ever been faced with discrimination?Ā  Were you the one being discriminated against, or were you a witness to discrimination, How did you feel?
  • If you were given the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, living or dead, who would you want to meet and why?
  • Why do you think we pay taxes?Ā  Do you believe taxes are necessary?Ā  What do you think our tax money is used for?

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100 Writing Prompts for Kids: Ideas and Story Starters to Get Pens Moving Faster Than Ever

writing stories for 7 year olds

Stuck for writing prompts that will inspire your students to fill their pages?

Weā€™ve got you covered. Here are 100 writing prompts that will get heads down and pens moving faster than ever.

  • Write about a special bond you have with an animal.
  • Describe your dream bedroom. What would be in it and why?
  • Youā€™re trapped on a desert island with only the things in your schoolbag. What do you do?
  • Your pet is in charge of you for a day. What will they make you do?
  • Write about a place that is important to you.
  • When I discovered there was treasure buried in the backyard Iā€¦
  • A friend from another country is going to swap schools with you. Write a letter telling them what to expect.
  • The moment I woke up, I knew something wasnā€™t rightā€¦
  • Write a letter to your teacher telling them why your favourite/favorite book should be studied in class.
  • You get to be your favourite/favorite animal for a day. What do you do?
  • Write a story where all your favourite/favorite characters from books and movies meet up. What do they get up to?
  • Write an alternative ending for your favourite/favorite book or movie.
  • Describe a day in your life if you were famous.
  • Write a story where the main character faces their biggest fear.
  • I looked out the window and couldnā€™t believe what I sawā€¦
  • Youā€™ve got a magic pen. What can it do and how will you use it?
  • Write a story that includes the sentence, ā€œI should have seen this coming.ā€
  • You discover a trapdoor in your house. What lies beneath?
  • Describe a mistake you made and what you learned from it.
  • Write a speech that tells the whole school why you should be a student leader.
  • Write a letter to a younger sibling telling them everything they need to know about being in Grade 4.
  • You can choose one new subject or sport to be taught at school. What do you choose and why?
  • Homework should be banned. Explain why you agree or disagree with this statement.
  • If you could travel through time, would you go to the past or the future? Explain why.
  • Write about a famous person and why you admire them.
  • Write about the best gift youā€™ve ever received. What made it so amazing?
  • The dinosaurs are back, and theyā€™re in your street. What happens next?
  • If I could visit another planet I would go toā€¦
  • You dig the worldā€™s deepest hole. What lies at the bottom?
  • Youā€™re the teacher for the day. What will you do in your lesson?
  • If I could keep any animal as a pet I would chooseā€¦ becauseā€¦
  • Your house has a secret and mysterious history. Write a story about what happened before you lived there.
  • If I had a superpower it would beā€¦
  • The most interesting thing Iā€™ve learned this year isā€¦
  • You get to change the school uniform. What would you make everyone wear and why?
  • You get transported into the last video game you played. Where are you?
  • If you could invent anything, what would it be?
  • If I could only eat one food from now on it would beā€¦ becauseā€¦
  • Youā€™re a detective working on a big, important case. What is it and how do you solve it?
  • If I could have any job in the world it would beā€¦
  • Write a story where the main character is hiding a big secret.
  • An alien arrives at your house. What happens next?
  • You climb to the top of the tallest tree in your neighbourhood/neighborhood. What can you see that you couldnā€™t see from down below?
  • Write a story where a boring, everyday experience gets turned into a big adventure.
  • Describe what you look for in a friend.
  • Who lives in the clouds and what do they do up there?
  • What is your favourite/favorite holiday and why?
  • It started out as just an ordinary day, but thenā€¦
  • Write about a family member who has an interesting story to tell.
  • Youā€™re organizing the ultimate birthday for a friend. What have you planned for them?
  • You can breathe underwater and swim like a fish. What will you do with your new power?
  • Write a story about a lost city.
  • What has someone taught you that you will never forget?
  • You get sucked into the pages of your favourite/favorite book. What happens when you join the story?
  • This year my goal is toā€¦
  • Write a thank you letter to a person who has helped you in some way.
  • What is your favourite/favorite season and why?
  • You work at the zoo and the elephants have broken loose! What will you do?
  • ā€œYouā€™ve got the wrong person ā€“ it wasnā€™t me!ā€ Continue this storyā€¦
  • Write about a time when you felt a strong emotion (e.g. happy, sad, angry, scared). What made you feel this way?
  • Write a story where a character discovers something surprising.
  • If I could change one thing in the world it would beā€¦
  • Describe the oldest person you know.
  • Imagine your life on a farm. What would be on it and what would you do?
  • Write a story about a journey at sea.
  • What is your favourite/favorite room in your house and why?
  • You have $1000 to spend. What will you buy?
  • Youā€™ve grown wings and now you can fly. Where will you go?
  • What is a food you find really disgusting? Explain why itā€™s so bad.
  • Write about a journey to the top of a huge mountain.
  • Youā€™re the mayor of a new town, and now you want people to move there. How will you convince them to join you?
  • Would you rather live in a cold, snowy place, or a hot and sunny place? Why?
  • What would be in your dream playground?
  • Youā€™re starting a band. What instruments will you need and what sort of music will you play?
  • Write about the best ride youā€™ve ever been on.
  • One thing I am really good at isā€¦
  • What is your earliest memory? Describe it in as much detail as you can remember.
  • Write about the most fun holiday youā€™ve been on.
  • Youā€™re a wildlife photographer trying to get a photo of a rare animal. What animal is it and how will you find it?
  • Write a story where one character must keep an important secret. Will it be discovered?
  • ā€œDonā€™t look down,ā€ I told myself. But then Iā€¦
  • Write a story where two people meet in an unusual way and become fast friends.
  • Write a ā€œquarantine storyā€ set in a single house.
  • Write a recommendation of a book or movie for a friend. Why do you think they would enjoy it?
  • A mystery chest washes up on the shore after a storm. Write a story about what happens when itā€™s discovered.
  • Turn one of your strangest dreams into a story.
  • Write a ā€œhow to playā€ guide for your favourite/favorite sport.
  • Write about the most delicious OR the most disgusting meal you can think of. Make sure your reader can imagine what it tastes like!
  • Every year a new person is sent to the moon, and now itā€™s your turn. What happens when you step out of the rocket?
  • If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?
  • Write a story where a holiday goes horribly wrong.
  • I was terrified. Butterflies filled my stomach. But I took a deep breath and finally stepped out onto the stageā€¦
  • Youā€™re handed a letter with your name on it. When you open it up you canā€™t believe your eyesā€¦
  • Write a story where someone discovers something surprising about their neighbor.
  • You get to create a new holiday that will be celebrated every year. What is it called and what will people do to celebrate on this day?
  • Write a story that takes place in a forest.
  • Thereā€™s an old house at the end of the street hidden behind tall, dark trees. No one has been brave enough to enter, until nowā€¦
  • Write a story about a snow day.
  • Youā€™re the host of a new game show. Write about what happens in the first episode.
  • Write a story where someone discovers something they arenā€™t supposed to know.

Looking for more writing prompts for your class?

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Writing Tips Oasis

Writing Tips Oasis - A website dedicated to helping writers to write and publish books.

How to Write Short Stories for Children

By Hiten Vyas

short stories for children

Writing short stories for children is a hugely rewarding experience for a writer. You are writing for a group of young people who are developing and your work is contributing towards this process. The actual stories can be a very positive and entertaining experience for young kids.

Do you want to get into writing short stories for children , particularly for those aged between 4 and 8? If so, check out the following tips to help you:

1. Base your stories around a central character

The best way to entertain kids through your short stories is simplicity and this includes the characters you have in your stories. Rather than having many characters, which will only serve to confuse children, have one main character and two or three other supporting characters who interact with the main one. This will help kids to follow your stories far better.

2. Create a plot that is relatable

When writing short stories for children, you have a great opportunity to develop plots that kids can relate to in their everyday lives. This could include situations like being at school, going on holidays, friendships, and the experiences had within these contexts such as worry, happiness, anger, being hurt, and frustration.

3. Keep language simple

Unlike writing for older children, when writing for kids aged between 4 and 8, writing in simple English is vital. Keep sentences short, and use simple words that are easy to understand for children, so that they can be read easily by those children who can read. Also, simple language will help adults who may be reading your stories to kids, to clarify any points should youngsters ask questions.

In the text, use plenty of dialogue between the main character and the others, and also describe actions taken by the characters. This will help to create pictures in the minds of youngsters and really engage them with your stories.

4. Use pictures and illustrations

In order to make your short stories for children extra engaging, use pictures and illustrations to help tell your story. For instance, if your short story is about the adventures a young girl has with her pet dog, you could use an illustration of the girl, her young dog and the situations they both find themselves in.

By using pictures and illustrations, you increase the modalities by which your message will get through to kids. Not only will they read the words that are written in your short story if they are reading themselves, (or hear if an adult is reading), they will also see the pictures and illustrations you use. This will help them make connections between the words and the visuals.

5. Write a series

Writing a series of short stories can be an excellent way to continue teaching lessons to young children. For instance, having a series based around the experiences of a main character will help young children to relate to the person, and go on a journey with him or her, ending with a positive outcome.

Image credit: woodleywonderworks on flickr and reproduced under Creative Commons 2.0 [author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://writingtipsoasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hv1.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Hiten Vyas is the Founder and Managing Editor of eBooks India . He is also a prolific eBook writer with over 25 titles to his name.[/author_info] [/author]

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the best books for 7-year-olds

Looking for the best books for 7-year-olds? We’ve got the perfect list for you!

Having raised 5 kids through this particular age, we are well-equipped to give suggestions for children with all kinds of book preferences. We’ve got suggestions for Harry Potter-loving fantasy fans and picture book suggestions for reluctant readers.

Below, you’ll find lots of great stories divided by category. Many of the books for a 7-year-old have links to book lists with even more recommendations, so be sure to poke around.

Table of Contents

Looking for more options? We’ve got tons of genre-specific book lists for 7-year-olds !

*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.

Best Fantasy Books for a 7-Year-Old

Kingdom of Wrenly and more of the best books for a 9-year-old

The Kingdom of Wrenly by Jordan Quinn

This series of early readers has pictures on almost every page and easy to read language.  The Stories, however, are fun and full of adventure.

They are sure to keep your child engaged with fairies, trolls, and mermaids. With all the creatures in this series, these are perfect books like Harry Potter for kids.

dragon breath

Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon

Dragonbreath is a graphic novel that is funny, engaging and perfect for a little witch or wizard who would like to encounter dragons a little less menacing than the ones Harry encounters. If you love books like Harry Potter for kids, this is a perfect first graphic novel.

my fathers dragon by

My Fatherā€™s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

This is a wonderful, magical book that is rich in plot and imagination. I love this book as my kid’s first fantasy chapter book.  It is such a great story and continues with two more books after.  Elmer and the Dragon and  The Dragons of Blueland   complete this trilogy.

It says 6+ for age range, but my 3 and 5-year-olds enjoy listening to me read this tale to them at bedtime.

Love Fantasy Books? We do too! That’s why we created a list of Books Like Harry Potter and Books Like Percy Jackson !

Mystery books for 7-year-olds.

Encyclopedia Brown and more of the best books for a 9-year-old

Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J Sobol 

These are the same books from when you were a kid! They are great for any child who wants a quick fun read.  Each chapter presents a problem that Encyclopedia solves.  

Itā€™s great for kids to see if they can figure out the answer themselves.  A similar choice to these would be the Choose your Own Adventure books.

Encyclopedia Brown Books are perfect to read aloud to 7-year

Fabio the worlds greatest

Fabio The World’s Greatest Flamingo Detective: Mystery on the Ostrich Express by Laura James

My kids adored this beginning reader chapter book based on Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. The bright colors in the drawings and the clever storytelling will have your child thoroughly entertained.

The first in a series, these mystery books are perfect for an 8-year-old detective!

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Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illus. by Marc Simont

This beginning reader series is wonderful for emerging readers. It’s all about kid detective, Nate, who solves mysteries for his friends and neighbors!

For more books like these, check out our list of Mystery Books for Tweens

Best family books for a 7-year-old.

Cilla Lee

Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire by Susan Tan

My brother’s girlfriend recommended it to me because her friend wrote it! It did a great job of handling difficult topics in an age-appropriate manner with humor and grace.

Cilla is about to become a big sister, but she wants to become a world-famous author first so her family won’t forget about her. It also addresses coming from a bi-racial family and having difficulties reading. It’s truly a lovely realistic fiction story.

ramona quimby

Ramona Quimby Age 8 by Beverly Cleary

Ramona is another adorable character who is perfectly imperfect.  She is sweet and lovable and gets into her share of trouble.  Whether reading to boys or girls, every child can relate to Ramona.

When it comes to books for a 7-year-old, Ramona can’t be beat!

Junie B Jones

Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park

Junie is going into Kindergarten and definitely has a knack for getting into some trouble.  

This series is perfect for new readers and will keep your little reader laughing.

Best Audiobooks for a 7-Year-Old

The Penderwicks

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

An imperfect family, the Penderwick family (consisting of the father, 4 daughters, and their dog) go spend their three-week summer vacation at a cottage they rented. Mrs. Tifton, a grumpy, snooty woman, and her son Jeffry own the cottage that is part of the Arundel estate.

The first in a realistic fiction series of 5 books about sisters, this wonderful book is perfect to read aloud at night or listen to on audio for a family roadtrip.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

This story is quite the classic and it revolves around all things candy! With its creeptastic vibes, it’s also wonderful for Halloween.

Charlie is thrilled when he gets a golden ticket to see inside Willy Wonka’s amazing chocolate factory, but this is no ordinary candy factory. The machines and recipes behind the walls of the factory are what dreams are made of. This is a wonderful read-aloud book.

Find this book in Best Classic Books for Kids / Best Books for an 8-Year-Old / Read Aloud Children’s Books

peter rabbit

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potterā€™s Tales of Peter Rabbit are some of the most beloved stories in children’s literature. Her fantastic illustrations and Peterā€™s engrossing escapades have stood the test of time.

I was so pleased when I learned there would be a movie adaptation of the series. This book is one that should be on every kid’s bookshelf!

For more books like these, check out our list of Family Friendly Audiobooks

Books for 7-year-olds set at a school.

Wayside school

The Wayside School Collection by Louis Sacher

Louis Sachar’s hysterical collection of stories about the students of Wayside School is a true must-read for students.

The wacky tales and backward ways of the students and teachers at Wayside will have your child in a fit of giggles.

my weird school 1 miss daisy is crazy by dan gutman

My Weird School by Dan Gutman

This school has the funniest and weirdest group of teachers. This series is funny and engaging and perfect for early readers!

With over 20 books in this series so far, your child will be entertained for months to come. These are books any 7-year-old will enjoy.

Sink or Swim

Magic School Bus Rides Again: Sink or Swim: Exploring Schools of Fish by Judy Katschke

The Magic Schoolbus is back with Miss Frizzle and the kids.  This early reader looks at an underwater ecosystem and endangered fish in Hawaii.  

There is sure to be an adventure with Miss Frizzle around. This is the first book in the series

Love Back to School Books? We do too! That’s why we created the School Hub with all things school.

Best spy books for a 7-year-old.

Harriet the spy and other mystery books for tweens

Harriet The Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Harriet the Spy has been a classic children’ book for over 50 years. The 11-year-old is never without her notebook to write her observations in. When the notebook falls into the hands of her friends, they all get very angry with Harriet.

Will she be able to right her wrongs? There is a reason this realistic fiction book for a 10-year-old has been adapted repeatedly for the screen. It’s got life lessons for every child.

Mac B. Kid Spy

Mac B. Kid Spy: Mac Undercover by Mac Barnett

Mac B Kid Spy is an adorable series about a kid spy who works for the Queen of England!

It’s a great series of books for an 8-year-old looking to step up their reading game. It’s almost a mix between a first-chapter book and a graphic novel.

Spy Guy

Spy Guy: The Not so Secret Agent by Jessica Young

This funny picture book is all about a young kid who is a spy. Except he’s not a very good spy! He’s not sneaky, it’s very clumsy and he has a lot to learn.

Love these kinds of stories, then check out these spy books for kids .

Royal books for 7-year-olds.

the princess in black and the perfect princess party by shannon haledean hale

The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale

In this early reader, the princess has to fight monsters while trying to open her birthday presents.  

This adorable book is part of a series that is another cute and funny example of a strong female princess!

the paper bag princess by robert n munsch

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch 

This is a hilarious story about the princess who outwits a dragon, rescues the prince, and realizes she doesnā€™t need him to be happy!!!

It is a classic, wonderful story. Like most of Robert Munchā€™s books, it is funny and silly and the perfect read-aloud.

rulers of the playground by joseph kuefler

Rulers of the Playground by Joseph Keufler

This charming playground tale is simply adorable. It teaches playground behavior by showing what not to do.

Donā€™t hog the swings, donā€™t refuse to share the slide, and donā€™t act like you are the ruler of the playground or a battle of kings may break out!

Love these kinds of stories, then check out these royal books for kids .

Picture books for 7-year-olds.

I walk with vanessa

I Walk with Vanessa by Karascoƫt

This simple yet powerful wordless picture book tells the story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying.

Inspired by real events,   I Walk with Vanessa  explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly, and shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help.

Ada twist

Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty

All three books in this ā€œseriesā€ are amazing at encouraging passion and imagination.  (Have a look at  Iggy Peck Architect  and  Rosie Revere Engineer ). 

Ada is a thinker whose questions often lead to disasters in the house but, as a parent, how do you encourage your childā€™s outside-the-box thinking?

Sheep in a jeep

Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy E. Shaw

These sheep are driving and get stuck in the mud. The entire story does not rhyme but there are many rhyming words from the same word family. It is funny and perfect for a young reader.

Animal Books for 7-Year-Olds

paddington

Paddington by Michael Bond

Even before he became a motion picture star, this little bear won my heart.  With his hat, duffle coat, and suitcase, he was definitely my favorite growing up. 

My kids love him just as much with his crazy antics.  He is sweet, lovable, and hilarious.  The perfect combination!

Mercy Watson

Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo

My youngest son’s favorite early reader series revolved around a pig named Mercy Watson. We have every book about this charming pig being raised as a child in the Watson home.

There is also a spin-off series about her neighbors on deckawoo drive. These are the perfect books for a 7-year-old!

owl diaries

Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliot

The early reader books in these series is all about cute animal friendships. Each of the stories are written as diaries.

Your little ones will love meeting Eva and her friends, watching her go to school, and navigating life.

Classic Books for a 7-Year-Old

matilda

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda is a magical little girl who loves books. Stuck in a family that doesn’t value education, her life is changed when she meets Ms. Honey at her new school.

But the principal, Miss Trunchbull hates children. When she terrorizes the kids at her new school, Matilda finds the power to fight back. The Netflix book adaption of this one is a musical!

charlottes web full color by e b white

Charlotteā€™s Web by E.B White

This is such a wonderful story of unconditional love and friendship.   When Fern saves the life of Wilbur, the runt of the pig litter, Charlotte befriends him and ultimately saves his life a second time.

This is such a heartwarming story. I try to read it without crying.

Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh

The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, and Christopher Robin have lived in the hearts of children for generations.

This edition features the complete works of A. A. Milne’s stories and is essential for any home library. This is a great one to read aloud to your little ones!

Sports Books for 7-Year-Olds

Softball Surprise and more of the best books for a 9-year-old

Softball Surprise by Jake Maddox

Jake Maddox has long been known for stories about male athletes, but he has female athlete stories too!

This particular story is about Jo and her summer softball team. But Jo might need to make a choice about which team she will be on this summer.

Little Shaq and more books for a 7-year-old

Little Shaq by Shaquille O’Neal

If your child likes basketball, they would love this story written by Shaq. It’s a perfect early reader story for kids that love sports and regular kid stuff.

It’s another series of books perfect for 8-year-olds.

The Berenstain Bears and more books for a 7-year-old

The Berenstain Bears Play Football by Mike Berenstain

This I can Read book made it onto our list of football books for kids. This story is all about the Berenstain and their bear friends as they await the big Grizzly Bowl Game.

Soon all the cubs are outside playing their own game with Brother bear hoping to score!

Graphic Novels for a 7-Year-Old

The Bad Guys and more of the best books for a 9-year-old

The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

Aaron Blabey’s famed series about the bad guys is a favorite in our homes. This graphic novel series is perfect for early readers.

The series is all about 4 “bad guys” who are trying to become good guys by trying to save those around them in funny ways.

Dog Man and more books for a 7-year-old

Dog Man by Dav Pilkey

Dav Pilkey is THE author of books for reluctant readers. His graphic novels never disappoint. From Dog Man to Captain Underwear, these books will keep your kids laughing AND reading.

This particular story is about a half-man, half-dog hero.

Pizza and Taco and more books for a 7-year-old

Pizza and Taco: Best Party Ever! by Stephen Shaskan

This early reader series is hysterical! It gives full Mo Willems vibes with the way Pizza and Taco interact with each other.

These books are laid out in a graphic novel/comic book style that makes it easy for young kids to decipher.

Non-fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds

Who is and more of the best books for a 9-year-old

Who is Series… by Multiple Authors

The Who is Series is more than 200 books strong at this point. The series covers famous people, places, and historic events.

If your child is interested in any subject, we can almost guarantee there will be a book related to it in this series. The books are easy to read and interesting, making them the best non-fiction books for a 7-year-old.

The History of Pearl Harbor and more books for a 7-year-old

The History of Pearl Harbor by Susan Katz

Similar to the Who Is series, “The History of” series focuses on key moments in history told in a way that 6-9-year-olds can comprehend.

Books in the series include subjects like Pearl Harbor, the Titanic, The American Revolution, and The Civil War.

Nat Geo and more books for a 7-year-old

National Geographic Readers: Sharks by Anne Schreiber

National Geographic Kids has loads of leveled readers for your non-fiction reader. Reading and deciphering non-fiction is a key skills in reading to learn, so these are perfect for emerging readers .

Historical Fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds

I Survived and more books for a 7-year-old

I Survived by Laura Tarshis 

Each book tells about a disaster from the point of view of one child who survives.  The original books all had a boy on the front cover but, the newer books are told from female perspectives too!

The series has also recently started publishing graphic novels which are some of the best books for a 7-year-old reluctant reader.

Little house and more books for a 7-year-old

The Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I read this for our reading challenge and found it to be such a lovely book.  I love the details about life in the late 1800s.  I understand that the language used in some of these books is no longer acceptable; however, this book is sweet and wonderful. 

I would have no qualms about reading it to my daughter as long as I provided her with the appropriate context.

Magic Treehouse and more books for a 7-year-old

T he Magic Treehouse: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osbourne

The first in a MASSIVE series of time travel books, Dinosaurs Before Dark introduces us to Jack, Annie, and their magic treehouse.

Each book sends the duo careening back through time on a quest. Later books involve Merlin and there is now a graphic novel version as well.

Did you find any books for a 7-year-old to add to your home library? For more options check out our list of books for 6-year-olds or age up with our book suggestions for 8-year-old .

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As a mother of two boys, Kirsten rediscovered her life-long love for reading while choosing appropriate books for her children. She started this website with Jackie to share their passion for literacy with other moms and kids. She uses her years of experience in marketing and public relations to create quarterly magazines, implement social media strategy, and ensure the website content is relevant and beautiful.

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50 Irresistible Short Stories for Kids (Read Them All for Free!)

Quick reads with lasting impact.

"Rainbow Bird" by Eric Maddern.

Looking for some free tales to use for close reading or classroom read-alouds? This roundup of short stories for kids has plenty of options. From quick fables with morals to old-fashioned fairy tales and folktales from around the world, this diverse collection offers something for any child. Weā€™ve also included ways to use these short stories with kids, in the classroom or at home.

Note: Always be sure to read a selection through before sharing it with children. Some of these short stories for kids, especially ones written a long time ago, may not be appropriate for every audience.

Classic Fairy Tale Short Stories for Kids

ā€œ cinderella ā€ by charles perrault, ā€œā€˜do not cry, cinderella,ā€™ she said; ā€˜you also shall go to the ball, because you are a kind, good girl.'ā€.

Why I love it: This is one of those short stories for kids that everyone probably already knows. This older version is a little different than the Disney movie, so ask kids if they can identify the changes. They can also have fun imagining what other items could be transformed to help Cinderella get to the ball!

ā€œ The Emperorā€™s New Clothes ā€ by Hans Christian Andersen

"The Emperor's New Clothes" by Hans Christian Andersen.

ā€œā€˜But the Emperor has nothing at all on!ā€™ said a little child.ā€

Why I love it: This is a wonderful story for talking about peer pressure and being brave enough to stand up for what you believe in. Kids will also enjoy drawing the imaginary suit of clothes that the king thought he saw.

ā€œ The Frog Prince ā€ by the Brothers Grimm

ā€œand the princess, though very unwilling, took him up in her hand, and put him upon the pillow of her own bed, where he slept all night long. as soon as it was light, he jumped up, hopped downstairs, and went out of the house. ā€˜now, then,ā€™ thought the princess, ā€˜at last he is gone, and i shall be troubled with him no more.'ā€.

Why I love it: Kids love this familiar story about a prince in disguise and a young girl who keeps her word even though she doesnā€™t want to. In this version, the girl doesnā€™t need to kiss the frog, but sheā€™s rewarded anyway.

ā€œ The Gingerbread Man ā€ by Anonymous

ā€œrun, run as fast as you can you canā€™t catch me, iā€™m the gingerbread manā€.

Why I love it: In the original tale, the Gingerbread Man is eventually caught and eaten. This retelling gives him a happy ending instead. For a fun activity, let kids decorate and eat their own gingerbread people.

ā€œ Jack and the Beanstalk ā€ by Anonymous

ā€œwhy, the beans his mother had thrown out of the window into the garden had sprung up into a giant beanstalk which went up and up and up until it reached the sky. so the man spoke truth after allā€.

Why I love it: This story is a fun read, but use it to get your students thinking critically. Was it really OK for Jack to steal from the giant? Ask them to write an essay sharing their thoughts on the subject, or use it for a fun classroom debate.

ā€œ Little Red Riding Hood ā€ by the Brothers Grimm

ā€œā€˜but grandmother what big eyes you have,ā€™ said little red riding hood. ā€˜the better to see you with, my dear,ā€™ replied the wolf.ā€.

Why I love it: This retelling of the well-known tale is a little less gruesome, since the hunter merely frightens the wolf into spitting out poor granny (instead of slicing open his belly). Talk with kids about ways they can keep themselves safe when theyā€™re out in the world.

ā€œ The Pied Piper of Hamelin ā€ by the Brothers Grimm

ā€œhe sounded his fife in the streets, but this time it wasnā€™t rats and mice that came to him, but rather children: a great number of boys and girls from their fourth year on. among them was the mayorā€™s grown daughter. the swarm followed him, and he led them into a mountain, where he disappeared with them.ā€.

Why I love it: Some say this is a true story, and whether or not thatā€™s true, it definitely has a moralā€”when people make a bargain, they should stick to their agreement. Ask kids to think about what kind of music the Pied Piper might have played, and why both children and rats couldnā€™t resist it.

ā€œ The Princess and the Pea ā€ by Hans Christian Andersen

ā€œi cannot think what could have been in the bed. i lay upon something so hard that i am quite black and blue all over.ā€.

Why I love it: This has long been one of the most beloved short stories for kids, and itā€™s ideal when you need a quick read. Then, grab some dried peas and see how thick a covering needs to be before students can no longer feel them.

ā€œ Puss in Boots ā€ by Charles Perrault

ā€œpuss became a great lord, and never ran after mice anymore, except for pleasure.ā€.

Why I love it: All cat lovers know these animals can be pretty smart when they want to be. This one helps his poor master become a prince in a castle, all through his own clever tricks. Encourage students to come up with more creative ways Puss in Boots could help his master.

ā€œ Rumpelstiltskin ā€ by the Brothers Grimm

writing stories for 7 year olds

ā€œā€˜I will give you three days,ā€™ said he, ā€˜if by that time you find out my name, then shall you keep your child.'ā€

Why I love it: Pretty much everyone in this story behaves badly in one way or another. Use it to learn more about characters and their motivation.

ā€œ Sleeping Beauty ā€ by the Brothers Grimm

ā€œa great many changes take place in a hundred years.ā€.

Why I love it: After students read this well-known story, ask them to think about what it would be like to go to sleep today and wake up in a hundred years. What might the world be like? Or what would it be like for someone who fell asleep a hundred years ago to wake up today? How many things have changed since then?

ā€œ Snow White ā€ by the Brothers Grimm

ā€œmirror, mirror on the wall, whoā€™s the fairest of them allā€.

Why I love it: This fairy tale has all the classic elementsā€”beautiful heroine, wicked stepmother, handsome princeā€”plus a handful of helpful dwarves. Itā€™s the perfect way to start a conversation about the dangers of envy and jealousy.

ā€œ The Three Little Pigs ā€ by Anonymous

ā€œnot by the hairs on our chinny chin chinā€.

Why I love it: Fairy tales donā€™t get much more classic than this. Follow it up with a reading of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Sciesczka to hear the story from the wolfā€™s perspective, and have a conversation about point of view.

ā€œ The Ugly Duckling ā€ by Hans Christian Andersen

ā€œbut what did he see there, mirrored in the clear stream he beheld his own image, and it was no longer the reflection of a clumsy, dirty, gray bird, ugly and offensive. he himself was a swan being born in a duck yard does not matter, if only you are hatched from a swanā€™s egg.ā€.

Why I love it: Whether you read the original text or a shorter adaptation, this story is one every kid should know. It will teach them that everyone should be proud of who they are, even if they donā€™t look or feel like everyone else.

Aesopā€™s Fables as Short Stories for Kids

ā€œ the boy who cried wolf ā€ by aesop, ā€œso now, though he had not seen anything that even looked like a wolf, he ran toward the village shouting at the top of his voice, ā€˜wolf wolf'ā€.

Why I love it: This might be the most famous short story we use to teach kids about how important it is to tell the truth. Ask students if theyā€™ve ever pulled a prank that went wrong, and what they learned from it.

ā€œ The Crow and the Pitcher ā€ by Aesop

writing stories for 7 year olds

ā€œBut the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water.ā€

Why I love it: Aesopā€™s fable reads more like a STEM challengeā€”how can you reach the water at the bottom of the pitcher when your neck isnā€™t long enough? Try the same experiment with your students, using a narrow-necked bottle. Can they come up with any other solutions?

ā€œ The Fox and the Grapes ā€ by Aesop

ā€œthe grapes seemed ready to burst with juice, and the foxā€™s mouth watered as he gazed longingly at them.ā€.

Why I love it: If kids have ever wondered where the phrase ā€œsour grapesā€ comes from, this tale will answer that question. Talk about other idiomatic phrases, and do some research to find their origins.

ā€œ The Lion and the Mouse ā€ by Aesop

ā€œā€˜you laughed when i said i would repay you,ā€™ said the mouse. ā€˜now you see that even a mouse can help a lion.'ā€.

Why I love it: This fable reminds kids that theyā€™re never too small to make a difference in someoneā€™s life. Ask kids to share their own stories of times they helped someone.

ā€œ The Tortoise and the Hare ā€ by Aesop

ā€œthe hare was soon far out of sight, and to make the tortoise feel very deeply how ridiculous it was for him to try a race with a hare, he lay down beside the course to take a nap until the tortoise should catch up.ā€.

Why I love it: When kids need a reminder that they should always keep trying, turn to this famous story. Use it to teach growth mindset too.

ā€œ Two Travelers and a Bear ā€ by Aesop

writing stories for 7 year olds

ā€œTwo men were traveling in company through a forest, when, all at once, a huge bear crashed out of the brush near them.ā€

Why I love it: When danger strikes, do you worry about yourself first or try to help everyone to safety? There are arguments to be made on both sides, so this one makes for an interesting debate or persuasive essay.

More Short Stories for Kids

ā€œ anansi and the pot of wisdom ā€ by anonymous, ā€œevery time anansi looked in the clay pot, he learned something new.ā€.

Why I love it: Kids may know about Anansi from the popular book Anansi the Spider , but there are lots of tales about him in West African folklore. In this one, Anansi thinks he knows everything, but a child has something new to teach him. Explore more Anansi tales here.

ā€œ The Apple Dumpling ā€ by Anonymous

writing stories for 7 year olds

ā€œA bag of feathers for a basket of plums. A bunch of flowers for a bag of feathers. A golden chain for a bunch of flowers. And a dog for a golden chain. All the world is give and take, and who knows if I may have my apple dumpling yet.ā€

Why I love it: When an old woman sets out to trade her basket of plums for some apples, her quest takes a few twists and turns along the way. In the end, though, she manages to make many people happy, not just herself. Practice sequencing by having kids try to remember all the trades the woman makes, and the order she makes them in.

ā€œ The Blind Men and the Elephant ā€ by Anonymous

ā€œsixth blind man (feeling the tail): this elephant is not like a wall, or a spear, or a snake, or a tree, or a fan. he is exactly like a rope.ā€.

Why I love it: Six blind men each feel a different part of an elephant, and each comes to his own very different conclusions. Written as a very short play, this classic tale opens up all sorts of discussion opportunities about seeing the bigger picture.

ā€œ Bruce and the Spider ā€ by James Baldwin

ā€œbut the spider did not lose hope with the sixth failure. with still more care, she made ready to try for the seventh time. bruce almost forgot his own troubles as he watched her swing herself out upon the slender line. would she fail again no the thread was carried safely to the beam, and fastened there.ā€.

Why I love it: This famous little tale is almost certainly a myth, but itā€™s one of the most well-known stories about King Robert the Bruce. The lesson about not giving up fits perfectly when youā€™re talking about growth mindset.

ā€œ The Elephantā€™s Child ā€ by Rudyard Kipling

ā€œbut there was one elephantā€”a new elephantā€”an elephantā€™s childā€”who was full of ā€™satiable curiosity, and that means he asked ever so many questions.ā€.

Why I love it: Many kids will recognize themselves in the Elephantā€™s Child and his (in)satiable curiosity. After you read this one, have students come up with stories for the way other animals got their unique features. How did the giraffe get its long neck? How did the turtle get its shell? So many possibilities!

ā€œ Paul Bunyan ā€ by William B. Laughead

ā€œwhen paul was a boy, he was fast as lightning. he could blow out a candle at night and hop into bed before it was dark.ā€.

Why I love it: Paul Bunyan is an American folk hero, larger than life (literally!). This roundup of the legends surrounding him has many of the most famous tales. Encourage kids to think about what theyā€™d do if they were as big, strong, and fast as Paul.

ā€œ The Empty Pot ā€ by Anonymous

ā€œin six months, the boy who grew the best plant would be the one to win the contest. he would be the next to sit on the throne.ā€.

Why I love it: This story can teach kids a lesson about honesty, but itā€™s also got a STEM project built right in. The emperorā€™s royal seeds wouldnā€™t grow because theyā€™d been cooked first. Have kids try their own experiment to see if they can get peas that have been cooked to sprout!

ā€œ The Little Engine That Could ā€ by Watty Piper

writing stories for 7 year olds

ā€œI think I can. I think I can.ā€

Why I love it: When little ones learn early on to believe in themselves, theyā€™ll be willing to try their best at anything. Have kids tell their own stories of times they did something that seemed impossible at first when they kept on trying.

ā€œ Fifty-Cent Piece ā€ by S.E. Schlosser

ā€œas he caught her, the husband looked into the ruin and saw a burnt table with a shiny fifty-cent piece lying in the center.ā€.

Why I love it: A spooky story that isnā€™t too gory, this oneā€™s a perfect read in the season leading up to Halloween. Challenge kids to write their own ghost stories next.

ā€œ The Four Dragons ā€ by Anonymous

ā€œthe four dragons flew back and forth, making the sky dark all around. before long the sea water became rain pouring down from the sky.ā€.

Why I love it: The four dragons in this Chinese tale want to help save the people from drought. When the Jade Emperor wonā€™t help, they take matters into their own hands. Ultimately, they become the four major rivers of China. This is a great opportunity to get out the globe or pull up Google Earth and learn more about Chinaā€™s geography.

ā€œ Goldilocks and the FOUR Bears ā€ by Andrea Kaczmarek

ā€œnobody ever talks about me. i donā€™t know why, because i am the most important bear in the story. i am grandma growl, but everybody calls me granny g, and i am the best porridge maker in the world.ā€.

Why I love it: Hear the classic tale from a new perspective, told by a character you never even knew existed! Use this as inspiration to have kids add a character to their own favorite tales, and tell the story from their point of view.

ā€œ Haunted ā€ by Harris Tobias

ā€œā€˜just because a house is haunted,ā€™ he said, ā€˜doesnā€™t mean you canā€™t live there. the trick is making friends with the ghosts, learning to get along with them.'ā€.

Why I love it: Need a not-so-spooky story for Halloween? This tale of ghosts who love to bake fits the bill. Kids can write their own stories of making friends with ghosts instead of being scared of them.

ā€œ Henny Penny ā€ by Anonymous

ā€œso henny-penny, cocky-locky, ducky-daddles, goosey-poosey and turkey-lurkey all went to tell the king the sky was a-falling.ā€.

Why I love it: In an age when people are quick to spread rumors as fact, this old European folktale is more meaningful than ever. See if kids can think of times when they heard a crazy rumor that they believed at first, even though it turned out to be completely false.

ā€œ How Gimme the Ax Found Out About the Zigzag Railroad ā€ by Carl Sandburg

writing stories for 7 year olds

ā€œThen the zizzies came. The zizzy is a bug. He runs zigzag on zigzag legs, eats zigzag with zigzag teeth, and spits zigzag with a zigzag tongue.ā€

Why I love it: Kids will get a kick out of all the Z sounds in this silly little story about why some local railroad tracks run in zigzags. Use it to teach about alliteration and consonance, and ask kids to draw their own pictures of the zizzies.

ā€œ King Midas and the Golden Touch ā€ by Anonymous

ā€œsuddenly, he started to sense fear. tears filled his eyes and that moment, his beloved daughter entered the room. when midas hugged her, she turned into a golden statueā€.

Why I love it: Teach kids to be careful what they wish for. Ask them to make a list of wishes, then talk about ways each of them could ultimately go wrong. Have them write their own version of this short story.

ā€œ The Kite That Went to the Moon ā€ by Evelyn Sharp

ā€œā€˜i have everything in the world in my bag,ā€™ replied the little old man, ā€˜for everything is there that everybody wants. i have laughter and tears and happiness and sadness; i can give you riches or poverty, sense or nonsense; here is a way to discover the things that you donā€™t know, and a way to forget the things that you do know.'ā€.

Why I love this: This whimsical tale takes two small children on a voyage to the moon and back, as they follow an enchanted kite. Pair it with a crafting session where kids make their own kites to fly.

ā€œ The Monkey and the Turtle ā€ by JosĆ© Rizal

ā€œa monkey and a turtle found a banana tree on a river. they fished it out and because each wanted the tree for himself, they cut it in half.ā€.

Why I love it: A monkey and a turtle each plant half a banana tree, but only the turtleā€™s grows. The monkey offers to harvest the fruit but keeps it all for himself. But the turtle has plans of his own! This folktale from the Philippines is actually an allegory about the Spanish colonizersā€™ treatment of the Filipino people.

ā€œ Mouse! ā€ by Michał Przywara

ā€œā€˜whatā€™ i wonder. ā€˜how dare you what insolence is thisā€™ such a cheeky little mouse defying me in my own house, i simply cannot stomach this at all.ā€.

Why I love it: This clever little story is told using a triangular number sequence that dictates the number of words per line. Challenge students to write their own tales using a pattern or sequence of some kind.

ā€œ The Proud Rose ā€ by Anonymous

ā€œonce upon a time, there lived a proud rose that was incredibly proud of her beautiful looks. the only disappointment it had was that it grew beside an ugly cactus.ā€.

Why I love it: Itā€™s hard to imagine a flower being a bully, but thatā€™s exactly what happens in this story. Fortunately, the cactus doesnā€™t let the rose stop it from being kind.

ā€œ The Sword in the Stone ā€ by T.H. White

ā€œwhoever pulls out this sword from this stone is the true king of englandā€.

Why I love it: This quick retelling of the familiar tale covers all the high points. Follow it with more of the Arthurian legends or a viewing of the classic Disney film.

ā€œ The Tale of Peter Rabbit ā€ by Beatrix Potter

ā€œā€˜now, my dears,ā€™ said old mrs. rabbit one morning, ā€˜you may go into the fields or down the lane, but donā€™t go into mr. mcgregorā€™s garden: your father had an accident there; he was put in a pie by mrs. mcgregor.'ā€.

Why I love it: Beatrix Potterā€™s sweet tales are beloved, but this is the one that has really endured. Pair it with one of these terrific Peter Rabbit activities.

ā€œ The Pumpkin in the Jar ā€ by Anonymous

ā€œthe soldierā€™s orders were to tell the maiden that the jar was from the king, and that she was to put an entire pumpkin inside the jar. the soldier was also to tell the maiden that she should not break the jar under any circumstance. both the jar with the small opening at the top and the pumpkin must remain whole.ā€.

Why I love it: Before you read the end of the story, stop and ask kids if they can figure out how the maiden managed to get a pumpkin into a jar without breaking it. See how fast they can come up with the right answer!

ā€œ Rainbow Bird ā€ by Eric Maddern

writing stories for 7 year olds

ā€œBird flew around each tree putting fire into treeā€™s core. This way a tree could be used as wood to create fire.ā€

Why I love it: Learn the Australian Aboriginal legend about a greedy crocodile who wouldnā€™t share his fire, and the Rainbow Bird who outsmarted him. Look up the Aboriginal Dreamtime and learn more about their art and culture.

ā€œ Rikki-Tikki-Tavi ā€ by Rudyard Kipling

ā€œrikki-tikki did not care to follow them, for he did not feel sure that he could manage two snakes at once. so he trotted off to the gravel path near the house, and sat down to think. it was a serious matter for him.ā€.

Why I love it: Reading this story is like watching a nature documentary unfold on the page. Have kids do some research on the mongoose and its relationship with cobras in real life.

ā€œ Stone Soup ā€ by Anonymous

ā€œhe pulled a big black cooking pot from his wagon. he filled it with water and built a fire under it. then, he reached slowly into his knapsack and, while several villagers watched, he pulled a plain gray stone from a cloth bag and dropped it into the water.ā€.

Why I love it: Want to teach kids to work together and share? This is the short story you need. Ask kids what theyā€™d bring to put in the pot of soup themselves.

ā€œ The Story of the Chinese Zodiac ā€ by Anonymous

ā€œhe reached out his paws and pushed his friend the cat into the river. the cat was swept away by the whirling waters. that is why there is no cat in the chinese calendar.ā€.

Why I love it: This short little tale manages to answer two questionsā€”why thereā€™s no Year of the Cat and why cats and rats canā€™t be friends. After reading it, try to imagine how the other animals in the calendar managed to win their spots.

ā€œ The Velveteen Rabbit ā€ by Margery Williams

ā€œā€˜real isnā€™t how you are made,ā€™ said the skin horse. ā€˜itā€™s a thing that happens to you. when a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but really loves you, then you become real.'ā€.

Why I love it: This is one of the most classic short stories for kids of all time! Let kids bring their own favorite toys to share with the class, and have them write or tell stories about what would happen if they became ā€œreal.ā€

ā€œ Weighing the Elephant ā€ by Anonymous

ā€œā€˜very well,ā€™ said the emperor with a smile. ā€˜tell me how to weigh the elephant.'ā€.

Why I love it: Read this traditional Chinese tale right up to the point where the young boy reveals his idea for weighing an elephant without a giant scale. Ask kids if they can come up with the solution before continuing to the end of the story. You can even try out the correct method as a STEM challenge.

ā€œ Why the Koala Has a Stumpy Tail ā€ by Mitch Weiss

writing stories for 7 year olds

ā€œJust then, Tree Kangaroo had a plan. He remembered back to the last dry season when his mother excavated a hole in a dry stream bed.ā€

Why I love it: Look up pictures of the tree kangaroo and koala, then read this Aboriginal legend explaining why the koalaā€™s tail is so much shorter. What other unique Australian animals can kids learn about and share with the class?

ā€œ Winnie-the-Pooh Goes Visiting ā€ by A.A. Milne

ā€œpooh always liked a little something at eleven oā€™clock in the morning, and he was very glad to see rabbit getting out the plates and mugs; and when rabbit said, ā€˜honey or condensed milk with your breadā€™ he was so excited that he said, ā€˜both,ā€™ and then, so as not to seem greedy, he added, ā€˜but donā€™t bother about the bread, please.'ā€.

Why I love it: This silly old bear has been delighting children for decades, and there are dozens of short stories for kids about him and his friends. This one has a little built-in moral about greed. You can also ask kids to brainstorm their own ways to get Pooh free from Rabbitā€™s front door.

Looking for more short stories for kids? Check out this roundup geared toward the middle school crowd.

Plus, sign up for our free newsletters to get all the latest teaching news and ideas, straight to your inbox.

Whether you're looking for classic fairy tales, Aesop's fables, or lesser-known short stories for kids, this roundup has plenty of options.

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3 Amazing Stories for 7-Year-Olds to Read and Enjoy

The age of 7 is a time when kids start growing really curious about new things. This is an optimal time to introduce stories and ideas that can properly nurture values in them while also developing a good taste for relatable content. We encourage parents to let their kids read stories that can help in the healthy consumption of knowledge in a fun way. What could be a better way than introducing them to great moral stories! So here are some great stories for 7-year-olds.

Interesting Stories for Curious 7-year-olds

The following three stories are short and crisp tales that deliver morals that should be kept in mind throughout life. The stories are not just for kids to enjoy, they are lessons that adults should learn as well. Let us dive into the tales and see how we can learn and use them in real life!   

The Grapes Must Be Sour

There was once a fox who was very hungry. He went out to look for some food for himself. He searched a lot, but he couldnā€™t find anything that could be eaten.

After some time, the fox came across a farmerā€™s wall. At its top, he saw a bunch of juicy, large grapes. These grapes were amazing to look at and were purple in colour, which told the fox that they were ready to be eaten.

However, it was not easy for the fox to get the grapes. He tried jumping hard and high but failed to reach the juicy grapes.

The fox tried some more times, but he just couldnā€™t reach them.

Finally, the fox gave up and began walking away. As he was leaving, he told himself that the grapes must be sour.

A hungry fox trying to reach the juicy purple grapes

A Hungry Fox trying to Reach the Juicy Purple Grapes

The Proud Rose

A long time ago, there was a beautiful red rose that was extremely proud of her looks. She was so obsessed with herself that she never thought what others would think of her. She was upset to have a cactus growing near her.

Each day, the beautiful rose would mock and make fun of the cactus because of his ugliness. The cactus never complained. All the other plants near the rose tried to make her understand the importance of qualities, but she was too consumed by her own looks that she didnā€™t bother to listen.

One summer, when the heat was unbearable and the desert had become dry, the plants did not have any water to drink. The beautiful rose started wilting and her petals began to dry up.

Looking at the cactus, the rose was surprised! She noticed a sparrow drink out of the cactus. The rose was soon ashamed of herself and humbly asked the cactus if she could have some water. The cactus was kind and he readily helped the rose to get through the harsh summer, and they became good friends.

The proud rose and the ugly cactus

The Proud Rose and the Ugly Cactus

The Wise Old Owl

There was once an owl who was really old and really wise. He lived inside the hollow of an oak tree. Each day, the owl would observe incidents occurring around him.

One day, the owl watched a young boy helping an old man carry a heavy basket. The next day, he noticed a young girl yelling at her mother. The more the owl saw, the less he spoke.

With passing time, the owl spoke less and heard more. He would keenly listen to conversations and stories by people.

The wise old owl heard truths and he heard lies. But he would never speak unless it was absolutely necessary.

He had witnessed a lot of things happening to a lot of people. Some people became better, and some became worse. But the old owl became wiser with each passing day.

The old wise owl in the hollow of an oak tree

The Old Wise Owl in the Hollow of an Oak Tree

Moral stories are a great way for kids to learn new ideas about life, and they can be a great source of wisdom and values. It is advisable that such stories be read out to or made available to 7-year-olds to help them grow a habit of reading good books and being observant in the future.

FAQs on 3 Amazing Stories for 7-Year-Olds to Read and Enjoy

1. What is the moral of the story ā€œThe Grapes Must Be Sourā€?

The story tells us that we must not hate what we cannot have. Nothing in the world comes easy, and we must work hard to get something we really want instead of considering it worthless.

2. What do we learn from the story ā€œThe Proud Roseā€?

The story of the proud rose tells us that we should never judge something or someone by their appearance.Ā 

3. How did the old wise owl become so wise?

The old owl grew wiser each day by silently observing the happenings around him. He would not speak without serious reason, and he would listen quietly to learn things from the incidents around the world.Ā 

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70 Best Toddler Books for 2 Year Olds

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Find and read aloud the best toddler books for 2-year-olds to the growing readers in your life to benefit their brain cells, future literacy skills, and social/emotional growth. Plus, you’ll love the bonding time together with the child you’re reading to –it’s a sweet, sweet time. (Not to mention, it’s fun!)

I loved reading aloud to my own kids and the kids in the daycare where I worked– sometimes, if I didn’t know what else to do, reading a board book or picture book was the easiest and best activity choice!

toddler books for 2 year olds

But how do you pick the best board books and picture books ?

I’ve read thousands of picture books over the years and hundreds each month to review on this website, so I can help you find the best read-aloud choices for toddlers–books approved by kids, teachers, and parents!

Top Toddler Books for 2 Year Olds

  • Goodnight Goodnight Construction SiteĀ  by Sherri Duskey Rinker
  • Go Dog Go Ā by P.D. Eastman
  • Peekaboo Morning Ā by Rachel Isadora
  • Where Do You Poop? Ā by Agnese BaruzziĀ 
  • The Going to Bed Book Ā  by Sandra Boynton
  • The Napping House Ā by Audrey Wood and Don Wood
  • The Rice in the Pot Goes Round and Round Ā by Wendy Wan-Long Shang
  • Lola at the Library Ā by Anna McQuinn

These curated recommendations and reviews updated for 2024 will help you find a new favorite toddler book for the young readers on your lap with this list of good books you can read to your 2-year-olds– that they will love!

With favorite authors like Todd Parr and Eric Carle , I’ll recommend even more notable authors and good books you might not have heard of before.

Start a reading habit with a bedtime book . Maybe even three before you say good night. Look for books with bold pictures and rhyming, silly humor, and relatable topics. See what appeals to your children and keep reading no matter what.

toddler books for 2 year olds

Toddler Books for 2 Year Olds

writing stories for 7 year olds

Goodnight Goodnight Construction SiteĀ  is written by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. As each vehicle at the construction site finishes their job for the day, there is one last thing to do, and then theyā€™ll say goodnight. Gentle rhymes and soft-colored pictures of favorite trucks are the perfect way to lull any child into sweet dreams. Say goodnight to more trucks at the construction site ā€” Crane Truck, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, and Excavator. Kids will tell you that this is the perfect bedtime story!

BUY THIS BOOK ON AMAZON . BUY THIS BOOK ON BOOKSHOP .

writing stories for 7 year olds

Go Dog Go Ā is written and illustrated by P.D. Eastman. Even though Iā€™ve read this book a MILLION times with my kids, my kids still love everything about it ā€” red dogs, blue dogs, big dogs, little dogsā€”all kinds of wonderfulĀ  dogs ā€”riding bicycles, scooters, skis, and roller skates and driving all sorts of vehicles on their way to a big dog party held on top of a tree.

BUY THIS BOOK ON AMAZON .

writing stories for 7 year olds

Where Is Fuzzy Penguin (Touch + Feel + Look + Find) Ā is written and illustrated by Yayo. You will LOVE this adorable toddler book! Not only are these cuteĀ  penguins Ā who are happily playing and swimming, but you also get to feel and search for the one who is fuzzy!

BUY THIS BOOK ON AMAZON. BUY THIS BOOK ON BOOKSHOP .

writing stories for 7 year olds

Vegetables in Underwear Ā is written and illustrated by Jared Chapman. Giggle along with this very silly story about the wonders of underwear! Big, little, dirty, clean, we all wear underwear! ā€œ Just remember to put your clothes on top. ā€ (Such sage wisdom!)

writing stories for 7 year olds

Peekaboo Morning Ā is written and illustrated by Rachel Isadora. Play peekaboo with this little girl, her family, her puppy, and more. Donā€™t you love the playful characters?

writing stories for 7 year olds

Old McDonald Had a Truck Ā is written by Steve Goetz and illustrated by Eda Kaban. Calling allĀ  truck fans Ā ā€” this is the book for you! Because Old McDonald has a lot of trucks ā€” a bulldozer, front loader, motor grader, dump truck, and more. E-I-E-I-O! This is not just a favorite for age 2 readers but also a family favorite sing-along picture book.

BUY THIS BOOK ON AMAZON.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Where Do You Poop? Ā is written and illustrated by Agnese Baruzzi . My NEW FAVORITE GIFT BOOK for toddlers. Ā In this rhyming and pull-the-tab book, youā€™ll read all about where and when kitties, birds, hippos, wolves, and mice poop. Pull the tab and see the poop pellets in the wood chips. This was the most popular toddler book of all the books that I gave my dentistā€™s daughter Ā that she loved to read over and over again. (Use this book when you potty train !)

writing stories for 7 year olds

One Sheep, Two Sheep Ā is written by Tami Sauer and illustrated by Troy Cummings. The other silly farm animals interfere with the rooster, trying to count sheep to fall asleep. Poor rooster. Heā€™s frustrated and itā€™s hilarious!

writing stories for 7 year olds

Hooray for Fish! Ā is written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins. Your kids will love the brightly colored fish described with fun words ā€” ā€œ spotty fish, stripy fish, happy fish, gripy fish .ā€ Thereā€™s so much to look at and describe ā€” this is sure to be a new reading favorite as itā€™s an excellent toddler book for boys and girls.

writing stories for 7 year olds

The Going to Bed Book Ā  is written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton . A delightful rhyming adventure of animals on a boat as they prepare to go to sleep. Itā€™s soothing, funny, and perfect for a bedtime story. (And another book I still have memorized 10 years later!) ANY book by Sandra Boynton is excellent ā€” sheā€™s such a gifted writer and illustrator.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Cerca / Close Ā is written by Juan Felipe Herrera and illustrated by Blanca Gomez. In this bilingual book, a young girl shows us her world, specifically what things are close to other things. She does this by connecting things together. Earthy colors, an important concept (close), and enchanting illustrations.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Underwear! Ā is written and illustrated by Jenn Harney. Little Bear is having a hysterical adventure with hisĀ  underwear Ā much to his parentsā€™ exasperation. Rhyming, giggle-inducing text pairs perfectly with comedic, expressive illustrations.Ā  Potty training Ā kids will be able to relate to this story about a little bear who has a lot of *fun* with his underwear.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Giggly Wiggly Playtime Rhymes Ā is written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Chris Riddell. I adore this board book! It makes a perfect baby shower gift. Its rhythmic poems are FUN to say and act out. ā€œ Jiggle jiggle, weā€™re all wriggly. Wriggle wriggle, weā€™re all wiggly. Wiggle wiggle, weā€™re all gigglyā€¦ ā€ Or, ā€œ Fingers in bed / Fingers wake up / Fingers stretch / Fingers shake up.ā€

writing stories for 7 year olds

Yummy Yucky Ā is written and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli. What a silly and fun story! See if you agree with the authorā€™s assessment of what is yummy and yucky. ā€œ Spaghetti is yummy. Worms are yucky. ā€œ

writing stories for 7 year olds

100 Dogs: Playful Pups to Count Ā  is written and illustrated by Michael Whaite.Ā  ā€œ Small dog, tall dog, playing with a ball dog, big dog dig dog, burying a bone. ā€ Youā€™ll love seeing all the different kinds of dogs in this colorful, inviting toddler book that will be a favorite read-aloud!

writing stories for 7 year olds

Not Now Cow Ā is written by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Troy Cummings. Perfect for preschoolers, this funny take on the seasons shows the farm animals celebrating each seasonā€¦with a clueless Cow dressing in the wrong outfits for each seasonā€™s weather . Each season is the same ā€” the playful animals do seasonal activities and Cow shows up wearing something not quite rightā€¦Toddlers will love this!

bedtime stories for kids

The Napping House Ā is written and illustrated by Audrey Wood and Don Wood. One of the most beloved picture books EVER, certainly by my family if not the world,Ā  The Napping House Ā is a gentle, rhythmic story about the inhabitants of a sleepy house slowly falling into slumberā€“ then waking back up again. Muted blue-toned illustrations enhance this bookā€™s perfectly sleepy ambiance.

writing stories for 7 year olds

The Rice in the Pot Goes Round and Round Ā is written by Wendy Wan-Long Shang and illustrated by Lorian Tu.Ā  Sing along with this cheerful and exuberant story that rewrites the words to the familiar ā€œWheels on the Busā€ song, making it a story about a large, multi-generational Chinese family sharing a meal together.Ā Seeing the yummy foods will make you hungry for some rice, noodles, and dumplings yourself.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Hello, Friend Hola, Amigo Ā is written by 123 Andres and illustrated by Sara Palacios. Gently narrated in English and Spanish rhyming text, this bilingual book based on a song encourages you to be friends with anyoneā€“ no matter the differences. It encourages children to remember weā€™re all the same.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Please, Baby, Please Ā is written by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee and illustrated byĀ Kadir Nelson. My kids LOVED this book so much ā€” and repeated readings were no problem because so did I. The parents implore their spunky young child to please behave, PLEASE. Great use ofĀ  repetition Ā and relatable to 2-year-old children ā€¦and their parents.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Press Here Ā  is written and illustrated by Herve Tullet. The most original,Ā  interactive , and imaginativeĀ toddler book of them all! Make magic with the dotsā€¦ press,Ā rub,Ā shake,Ā tilt,Ā blow,Ā clap,Ā  . . . and watch what happens!

writing stories for 7 year olds

R is for Robot: A Noisy Alphabet Ā  Ā is written and illustrated by Adam F. Watkins.Ā  Bright cartoon-like illustrations show expressiveĀ  robots Ā doing noisy things. ā€œ Ick, Jolt, Kapow, La La La, Meep. ā€ An engaging toddler book with gorgeous and entertaining illustrations.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Lola at the Library Ā is written by Anna McQuinn and illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw.Ā  Hereā€™s yet another favorite book for your growing readers about a little girl and her momā€™sĀ  library Ā ritual. Itā€™s simpleĀ and absolutely wonderful.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Global Baby BEDTIMESĀ  is written and illustrated by Maya Ajmera. Toddlers love photos of other kids! In this sweetĀ  board book Ā about getting sleepy and going to sleep, each page shows a baby from a different country. Some babies sleep in a cradle, some on their mamaā€™s back, and some snuggle near a sibling.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Go Sleep In Your Own Bed! Ā is written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Lori Nichols. Each animal goes to bed and finds another animal sleeping in the wrong bed. ā€œ Go sleep in your own bed! ā€ the pig orders the cow, the cow orders the chicken, the chicken tells the horse, well, you get the picture. What will happen with the kitten? She gets to stay and cuddle in the little girlā€™s bed! Giggles all around for this darlingĀ  bedime story .

writing stories for 7 year olds

Things That Go! Ā (Indestructibles) is written by Amy Pixton and illustrated by Stephan Lomp. Chew-proof, rip-proof, and drool-proof, these paperlike little books are lightweight andĀ  indestructible . Learn all about vehicles on the road, in the air, in town, on the construction site, and on the sea. Bright illustrations and interesting information.

writing stories for 7 year olds

The Babies and Doggies Book Ā is written by John Schindel and Molly Woodward. This diverse book is spot-on for the age group as it shares the fun antics that both babies and dogs do ā€” things like cuddle, peek, sniff, and squirm.

writing stories for 7 year olds

You Can Be Ā is written and illustrated by Elise Gravel. ā€œ There are many ways to be a kid. You can be . . . ā€ begins this brilliant book filled with acceptance for a childā€™s ways of being, including funny, sensitive, noisy, artsy, caring, dirty, strong, studious, helpful, and scared. Gravel shows the possibilities in being yourself and feeling different emotions. Parents reading this book will express their parental love and acceptance of their children.

writing stories for 7 year olds

The Poop Song Ā is written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by Claudia Boldt . Rhyming, adorable, and fun Ā ā€” especially for theĀ  potty training Ā toddlers.

everyone says please (except cat)

Everyone Says Please (Except Cat) Ā is written by Jamie Michalak and illustrated by Katie Mazeika. Youā€™ll crack up at this book showing animals with good manners and a cat who stops and fumes and demands CHEESE. Itā€™s a full-on meltdown until he realizes that Mouse got cheese simply by saying please. So the cat says please, tooā€¦and he finally gets what he wants.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Cuddly Cow Ā is written and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Cuddly Cow is sleepy and looking for a good, quiet place to sleep. The cows are too noisy. So are the chickens. Where will she go? Includes a sound button which while cute, may get slightly annoying to parents, or at least to me.

writing stories for 7 year olds

My First Baby Signs Ā is written and illustrated by Phil Conigliaro and Tae Won Yu. Talk about a must-own board book! Ā Parents, youā€™ll want this for youĀ  and Ā for your little ones. It will first teach and then reinforce the important signs that kids ages 9 months, age 1, 2, and even age 3 can use to communicate with caregivers. This bookā€™s colorful pages show eight essential signs that young children can use to communicate basic needs.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Up, Up, Up, Down! Ā is written and illustrated by Kimberly Gee. Lyrical and repetitive, this relatable storyline capturesĀ  a day in the life of a talkative toddler and a stay-at-home dad Ā with evocative, diverse illustrations. Sure to bring a chuckle to both you and your growing reader when you read it aloud.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Monsters in Trucks Ā is written by Laura Baker and illustrated by Nina Dzyvulska. Toddlers Ā andĀ  preschoolers Ā will love the exuberant explosion of colors, monsters, and trucks filling every page. The rhyming text shows monsters building, drilling, and working very hard, whether theyā€™re cleaning the street or eating everything they can. 100% adorable.

the wonky donkey

The Wonky DonkeyĀ  is written by Craig Smith and illustrated by Katz Cowley. This wonky donkey is walking down the road, he hasnā€™t had any coffee and up to mischief. Ā Itā€™s on this list of the best books for 2-year-olds because itā€™s aĀ silly (very silly!) cumulative story filled with rhyme and onomatopoeias like ā€œ stinky dinky lanky honky tonky winky wonky donkey .ā€

writing stories for 7 year olds

The I Love You BookĀ  is written and illustrated by Todd Parr.Ā  Read about unconditional love shown in Todd Parrā€™s characteristic colorful style . . . Your little oneā€™s fingers will want to push and poke the puffy heart cover. Itā€™s a warm-hearted book you are going to read and reread.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Red House, Tree House, Little Bitty Brown Mouse Ā is written by Jane Goodwin and illustrated by Blanca Gomez.Ā  Fall in love with the simple, lyricalĀ  story showing the colors of a little girlā€™s world Ā around her illustrated with bold graphic-style pictures.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Forty Winks: A Bedtime Adventure Ā is written by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by Lita Judge . This large mouse familyā€™s bedtime routine feels familiar and sweet. Ā They get ready with rituals of reading books, whispering prayers, tucking in tight, goofing around, and procrastinating, and itā€™s a read-aloud delight!

writing stories for 7 year olds

What Can You Do with a Rock is written by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Katie Kath.Ā  What an inspiring book to show children the creative ways to play with rocksā€¦You can skip them, drop them, sort them, study them, change them, and so much more. There are many things you can do with a rock. ā€œ Skip drop kerplunk. ā€

writing stories for 7 year olds

I Say OOH, You Say AAAH Ā is written and illustrated by John Kane. Readers get to participate in telling this very silly story ā€” and theyā€™ll be cracking up the whole time. Meet the narratorā€™s best friend named OOH, who youā€™ll scare away. Then youā€™ll help him find his underpantsā€¦ Or are they YOURS? What a crack-up! I love it!

writing stories for 7 year olds

Iā€™m Brave Ā is written and illustrated by Kate & Jim McMullan.Ā  Firefighter fans are going to love to read about the life of a brave (and good-lookingā€™) fire engine driving through smoke and heat to a blazing fire. Filled with lots ofĀ  delightful sound effects : CLANG, HONK, WHOOSSSSSH, and EEEEEEOWOOOO for young children.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Can You Yawn Like a Fawn! Ā is written by Monica Sweeney with Lauren Yelvington and illustrated by Laura Watkins. This gorgeous sleepy-time book shares the nighttime rituals of baby animals and asks if the reader can yawn like them. Itā€™s soĀ  perfect for bedtime , Yawn along with this highly recommended bedtime story.

f is for fairy tale

F is for Fairy Tale Ā is written and illustrated by Greg Paprocki. Starting with A for adventurous, this beautiful board book captures castles, dragons, jewels, a unicorn, and more with anĀ  alphabet Ā ofĀ  fairy tale Ā scenes featuring kids and animals for each letter all the way to ZZZZZzzzzz.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Richard Scarryā€™s Super Silly Seek and Find! Ā  Perfect for toddlers, this is a playful, oversizedĀ  seek and find Ā board book. From the bedroom to the bathroom to outside on a busy street and gas station, your littles will get to look for one or more items such as 3 trash cans, 7 green bugs, and 1 potted plant. Highly recommended to share with the toddler readers on your lap.

teeny tiny farmer

Teeny Tiny Farmer Ā is written by Rachel Matson and illustrated by Joey Chou. This female farmer drives to town with a load of vegetables. But, oh, no! Her truck wonā€™t make it up the hill! And then it gets stuck She needs help and who should help her ā€” the tiny pig and cow and sheep and chickens ā€” the farm friends work together to save the day and get the truck unstuck!

writing stories for 7 year olds

Treasure Hunt for Kids Ā is written and illustrated by Roger Priddy. Develop counting and sorting skills while searching for theĀ  hundreds of hidden things in the busy, colorful scenes Ā packed with multiple imagesĀ and objects to seek and find.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Mommy Snuggles Ā  is written by Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben. Animal mothers take good care of their babies. ā€œ Mommy swan glides with her cygnet / under her wing. ā€ In this book, 2 year olds will see the animals and learn the names of the adults and babies animals.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Jungle Ā is illustrated by Jane Ormes . What an adorable toddler book toĀ  learn about animal families! Ā I love the color schemes with neon orange, blues, and greens. For each animal, youā€™ll read what the daddy is called, the mommy is called, and then lift-the-flap under the mommy to read what the babies are called.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Roar! Ā is written and illustrated by Katerina Kerouli. Playful descriptions and lift the flaps show kids the mouthes of different safari animals like a snake, lion, crocodile, monkey, and tiger. Ā ā€œS nap Snap, ā€ it says inside the crocodile. ā€œ Such colorful scales, such a flicky tongue, such pointy fangsā€¦Look out, everyone! Hiss Hiss. ā€ A darling, interactive animal book for 2 year olds!

writing stories for 7 year olds

How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? Ā is written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague. Mark Teagueā€™s illustrations wonderfully depict these playful dinosaurs doing fun things that kids do all day long ā€” playing with blocks, balls, toys, and teddy bears! Can you count along?

writing stories for 7 year olds

Your Nose! A Wild Little Love Song Ā is written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton. Perfect for young readers learning body parts, Ā this sweet song in a book celebrates YOUR amazing nose. Ā Sing it your own way or check out Boyntonā€™s version of the song on herĀ  Blue Moo album . (We highly recommend it!)

writing stories for 7 year olds

Touch the Brightest Star Ā is written and illustrated by Christie Matheson. We love this sweet, interactive picture book. Touch, press, pat, and blow as you say good-night to the deer, the tree, the stars, and the owls. Shhh. Breathe in deeply. Itā€™s time to sleep! Your youngest readers will really enjoy this. šŸ™‚

writing stories for 7 year olds

Is Everyone Ready for Fun? Ā is written and illustrated by Jan Thomas. We are addicted toĀ  Ready for Fun Ā ā€“itā€™s a great book for reading together and practicing your silly voices.

writing stories for 7 year olds

Guess How Much I Love You Here I Am! A Finger Puppet Book Ā is written by Sam McBratey and illustrated by Anita Jeram. Play hide-and-seek with the Little Nutbrown Hare finger puppet! Big Nutbrown Hare searches for Little Nutbrown Hare. Wiggle the Little Hareā€™s puppet hiding in a tree, under a rock, near white flowers, and other places. 2-year-olds love this playful, sweet board book showing a loving relationship between caregiver and child.

writing stories for 7 year olds

The Snowy Day Ā is written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats. Not only was this best picture book a favorite from my own childhood, but it still endures today as a must-read classic toddler book! It has finally snowed and the little boy canā€™t wait to go outside to playā€¦

writing stories for 7 year olds

We Are the Dinosaurs Ā is written by Laurie Berkner and illustrated by Ben Clanton. Laurie Berknerā€™s popular song Ā is now a super cuteĀ  dinosaur book Ā for toddlers. As you read the song lyrics, follow along with Dax as he and his friends go exploring, marching, picnicking, napping, and roaring. Clantonā€™s animated illustrations with cartoon-like dialogue bubbles make these dinosaur friends inviting and friendly. A best toddler book for 2-year-olds.

writing stories for 7 year olds

There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight Ā is written by Penny Parker Klosterman and illustrated by Ben Mantle. Jaunty rhymes and plenty of silliness make this a read aloud favorite , now in aĀ  board book Ā version. This dragon swallowed a knight ā€” and so much more. Thatā€™s not polite! Which the dragon realizes when his tummy gets too big. He burps and they all, well, almost all, leave his stomach.

writing stories for 7 year olds

The Underwear Book Ā is written and illustrated by Todd Parr. As you read these doā€™s and donā€™ts, I predict your kids will crack up Ā like my kids always did. For example, do put your clean underwear away. But donā€™t put it in the freezer! Helpful and silly tips will encourage your kids to embrace theirĀ  underwear , especially thoseĀ  potty-training Ā kiddos.

writing stories for 7 year olds

A Parade of Elephants Ā is written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes. My kids and I were immediately attracted to the pastel-colored illustrations of elephants who are going through their day until they fall asleep at night. One, two, three, four, five begins the rhythmic text with over, underā€¦in, out, and marching. Gentle. Perfect for reading aloud at bedtime or anytime. Itā€™s sure to be a new two-year-old read-aloud favorite.Ā 

writing stories for 7 year olds

Counting Kisses: A Kiss and Read Book Ā Ā is written and illustrated by Karen Katz.Ā  Bedtime snuggles Ā were never so much fun! From ten kisses on ten tiny toes all the way to one kiss on a sleepy head, count and kiss baby goodnight.

writing stories for 7 year olds

KEEP READING

Picture Books with Predictable, Repetitive Text

Books About Colors

Number and Counting Books for Kids

Books for 3-Year-Olds

Bedtime Stories for Kids

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Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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Lakewood Church shooting: AR-15 had 'Palestine' sticker, antisemitic writings recovered, police say

The suspect died and two were hurt in the shooting at Joel Osteen's church.

A sticker saying "Palestine" was on the AR-15 rifle a woman used to open fire at celebrity pastor Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, injuring two, including her son, according to police

Some antisemitic writings have been recovered, but a motive behind the Sunday afternoon shooting has not been determined, according to police.

"We do believe that there was a familial dispute that has taken place between her ex-husband and her ex-husband's family," some of whom are Jewish, police said.

PHOTO: Genesse Moreno in a 2022 booking photo.

MORE: Off-duty officers kill female shooter at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston; 2 victims injured

The suspect, 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno, entered the church with her 7-year-old son, and she may have pointed her weapon at a security officer to force her way into the church, police said.

Moreno opened fire with the AR-15 at 1:55 p.m., police said.

PHOTO: Emergency vehicles line the feeder road outside Lakewood Church during a reported active shooter event, Feb. 11, 2024, in Houston.

Two off-duty officers fired back, striking the suspect, police said. She was pronounced dead at 2:07 p.m., police said.

The 7-year-old was shot in the head and is "fighting for his life" in critical condition, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said Monday.

PHOTO: Law enforcement surround the area after a shooting incident at television evangelist Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Feb. 11, 2024.

A man believed to be a parishioner was also shot and has since been released from the hospital, Finner said.

Doug Williams, special agent in charge of the FBI Houston field office, stressed that the "number of casualties and victims would have been much higher" without the off-duty officers' "heroic" actions.

Authorities said they believe Moreno acted alone. She also had with her a second gun: a .22-caliber rifle. The AR-15 was purchased legally, police said.

PHOTO: Evacuated parishioners react outside television evangelist Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church after a shooting incident in Houston, Feb. 11, 2024 in a still image from video.

Police said the suspect has "a mental health history that is documented through us and through interviews with family." Police said she was put under an emergency detention order by Houston police in 2016.

Moreno has a number of arrests on her record, which investigators are reviewing, a law enforcement official said.

Moreno allegedly threatened that she had a bomb, police said. Officials searched her car and backpack but nothing was found. She also appeared to be spraying an unknown substance, authorities said.

Houston Fire Chief Samuel PeƱa said Monday that officials determined "there is no risk of exposure to any chemical or product," stressing that the substances were all benign, common products.

PHOTO: First responders gather at the scene after a shooting incident at television evangelist Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Feb. 11, 2024.

MORE: Suspect arrested in violent mugging of 91-year-old man in New York City: Police

The shooting unfolded shortly before the church's 2 p.m. Spanish language service was set to begin.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said in a statement, "I will not make any assumptions because information continues to come in as to what motivated the shooter, but I am asking that the investigation look into whether it was a hate crime, given the shooting took place at an all-Spanish service."

Houston Mayor John Whitmire on Monday addressed the city's "diverse community," promising, "We are going to provide you protection." He said security will be increased at Houston's churches, synagogues and mosques.

"Our community is devastated by today's events and grateful for the swift actions of law enforcement," Osteen wrote on social media Sunday. "Please join me in continued prayer for healing and peace."

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect that the sticker on the shooter's gun said "Palestine," per police, not "Free Palestine."

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  • 05 February 2024

First passages of rolled-up Herculaneum scroll revealed

  • Jo Marchant 0

Jo Marchant is a science journalist based in London.

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Three rows of yellow papyrus with black writing in columns, on a black background.

Text from the Herculaneum scroll, which has been unseen for 2,000 years. Credit: Vesuvius Challenge

A team of student researchers has made a giant contribution to solving one of the biggest mysteries in archaeology by revealing the content of Greek writing inside a charred scroll buried 2,000 years ago by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The winners of a contest called the Vesuvius Challenge trained their machine-learning algorithms on scans of the rolled-up papyrus, unveiling a previously unknown philosophical work that discusses the senses and pleasure. The feat paves the way for artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to decipher the rest of the scrolls in their entirety, something that researchers say could have revolutionary implications for our understanding of the ancient world.

writing stories for 7 year olds

AI reads text from ancient Herculaneum scroll for the first time

The achievement has ignited the usually slow-moving world of ancient studies. Itā€™s ā€œwhat I always thought was a pipe dream coming trueā€, says Kenneth Lapatin, curator of antiquities at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California. The revealed text discusses sources of pleasure including music, the taste of capers and the colour purple. ā€œItā€™s an historic moment,ā€ says classicist Bob Fowler at the University of Bristol, UK, one of the prize judges. The three students, from Egypt, Switzerland and the United States, who revealed the text share a US$700,000 grand prize.

The scroll is one of hundreds of intact papyri excavated in the eighteenth century from a luxury Roman villa in Herculaneum, Italy. These lumps of carbonized ash ā€” known as the Herculaneum scrolls ā€” constitute the only library that survives from the ancient world, but are too fragile to open.

The winning entry, announced on 5 February, reveals hundreds of words across 15 columns of text, corresponding to around 5% of a scroll. ā€œThe contest has cleared the air on all the people saying will this even work,ā€ says Brent Seales, a computer scientist at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, and co-founder of the prize. ā€œNobody doubts that anymore.ā€

Twenty-year mission

In the centuries after the scrolls were discovered, many people have attempted to open them, destroying some and leaving others in pieces. Papyrologists are still working to decipher and stitch together the resulting, horribly fragmented, texts. But the chunks with the worst charring ā€” the most hopeless cases, adding up to perhaps 280 entire scrolls ā€” were left intact. Most are held in the National Library in Naples, Italy, with a few in Paris, London and Oxford, UK.

A carbonized scroll rests on weighing scales.

This Herculaneum scroll was burnt and buried by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Credit: Vesuvius Challenge

Seales has been trying to read these concealed texts for nearly 20 years. His team developed software to ā€œvirtually unwrapā€ the surfaces of rolled-up papyri using 3D computed tomography (CT) images. In 2019, he took two of the scrolls from the Institut de France in Paris to the Diamond Light Source particle accelerator near Oxford to make high-resolution scans.

Mapping the surfaces was time consuming, however, and the carbon-based ink used to write the scrolls has the same density as papyrus, so it was impossible to differentiate in CT scans. Seales and his colleagues wondered whether machine-learning models might be trained to ā€˜unwrapā€™ the scrolls and distinguish the ink. But making sense of all the data was a gigantic task for his small team.

Seales was approached by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Nat Friedman, who had become intrigued by the Herculaneum scrolls after watching a talk by Seales online. Friedman suggested opening the challenge to contestants. He donated $125,000 to launch the effort and raised hundreds of thousands more on Twitter, and Seales released his software along with the high-resolution scans. The team launched the Vesuvius Challenge in March 2023, setting a grand prize for reading 4 passages, of at least 140 characters each, before the end of the year.

Key to the contestā€™s success was its ā€œblend of competition and cooperationā€, says Friedman. Smaller prizes were awarded along the way to incentivize progress, with the winning machine-learning code released at each stage to ā€œlevel upā€ the community so contestants could build on each otherā€™s advances.

The colour purple

A key innovation came in the middle of last year, when US entrepreneur and former physicist Casey Handmer noticed a faint texture in the scans, similar to cracked mud ā€” he called it ā€œcrackleā€ ā€” that seemed to form the shapes of Greek letters. Luke Farritor, an undergraduate studying computer science at the University of Nebraskaā€“Lincoln, used the crackle to train a machine-learning algorithm, revealing the word porphyras , ā€˜purpleā€™, which won him the prize for unveiling the first letters in October . An Egyptian computer-science PhD student at the Free University of Berlin, Youssef Nader, followed with even clearer images of the text and came second.

A team of researchers used machine learning to image the shapes of ink on the rolled-up scroll. Credit: Vesuvius Challenge

Their code was released with less than three months for contestants to scale up their reads before the 31 December deadline for the final prize. ā€œWe were biting our nails,ā€ says Friedman. But in the final week, the competition received 18 submissions. A technical jury checked entrantsā€™ code, then passed 12 submissions to a committee of papyrologists who transcribed the text and assessed each entry for legibility. Only one fully met the prize criteria: a team formed by Farritor and Nader, along with Julian Schilliger, a robotics student at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.

The results are ā€œincredibleā€, says judge Federica Nicolardi, a papyrologist at the University of Naples Federico II. ā€œWe were all completely amazed by the images they were showing.ā€ She and her colleagues are now racing to analyse the text that has been revealed.

Music, pleasure and capers

The content of most of the previously opened Herculaneum scrolls relates to the Epicurean school of philosophy, founded by the Athenian philosopher Epicurus, who lived from 341 to 270 bc . The scrolls seem to have formed the working library of a follower of Epicurus named Philodemus. The new text doesnā€™t name the author but from a rough first read, say Fowler and Nicolardi, it is probably also by Philodemus. As well as pleasurable tastes and sights, it refers to a figure called Xenophantus, possibly a flute-player of that name mentioned by the ancient authors Seneca and Plutarch, whose evocative playing apparently caused Alexander the Great to reach for his weapons.

Lapatin says the topics discussed by Philodemus and Epicurus are still relevant: ā€œThe basic questions Epicurus was asking are the ones that face us all as humans. How do we live a good life? How do we avoid pain?ā€ But ā€œthe real gains are still ahead of usā€, he says. ā€œWhatā€™s so exciting to me is less what this scroll says, but that the decipherment of this scroll bodes well for the decipherment of the hundreds of scrolls that we had previously given up on.ā€

There is likely to be more Greek philosophy in the scrolls: ā€œIā€™d love it if he had some works by Aristotle,ā€ says papyrologist and prize judge Richard Janko at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Meanwhile, some of the opened scrolls, written in Latin, cover a broader subject area, raising the possibility of lost poetry and literature by writers from Homer to Sappho. The scrolls ā€œwill yield who knows what kinds of new secretsā€, says Fowler. ā€œWeā€™re all very excited.ā€

The achievement is also likely to fuel debate over whether further investigations should be conducted at the Herculaneum villa, entire levels of which have never been excavated. Janko and Fowler are convinced that the villaā€™s main library was never found, and that thousands more scrolls could still be underground. More broadly, the machine-learning techniques pioneered by Seales and the Vesuvius Challenge contestants could now be used to study other types of hidden text, such as cartonnage, recycled papyri often used to wrap Egyptian mummies.

The next step is to decipher an entire work. Friedman has announced a new set of Vesuvius Challenge prizes for 2024, with the aim of reading 90% of a scroll by the end of the year. But in the meantime, just getting this far ā€œfeels like a miracleā€, he says. ā€œI canā€™t believe it worked.ā€

Nature 626 , 461-462 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00346-8

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IMAGES

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  3. The Puffin Book of Stories for Seven-year-olds by Wendy Cooling

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    writing stories for 7 year olds

  5. Reading Comprehension 7 Year Old

    writing stories for 7 year olds

  6. Stories For Seven Year Olds

    writing stories for 7 year olds

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  2. Mom Made a Beautiful Bedroom For 8 Children || 3d Animation By The Stories Time || #shorts

  3. Best Friends Ever šŸ˜‚šŸ„° #reddit #redditstories #shorts

  4. Phonics song, learn to count, 1 to 100 counting, 123 Numbers, One two three, Numbers song Learning

  5. Short story for kids -The Elephant and the mice || Bedtime story || moral story

  6. READING A STORYBOOK FOR MY TODDLER #shortvideo #shorts

COMMENTS

  1. 300 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

    #1. Imagine a giant box is delivered to your front doorstep with your name on it. What's inside and what happens when you open it? #2. Write a short story about what it might be like if you woke up one morning with a mermaid tail. #3. Which is better, winter or summer? Write about the reasons why you think winter or summer is better. #4.

  2. 250+ Short Story Ideas for Kids

    June 10, 2020 Staring at a blank page is every writer's nightmare (or writer's block )! To combat a blank page, here are 250 short story ideas to spark up your imagination. These short story prompts can make great daily writing exercises or can be used to write your next best-selling short story . Random Short Story Idea Generator

  3. 50 Story Ideas for Kids

    1. Once upon a time, there was a girl who did something that nobody thought she'd be able to do. 2. Once upon a time, a boy found a suitcase with his name on it and fifty thousand dollars inside. 3. My family's camping trip didn't go the way we planned. 4. I packed my suitcase to go on my dream vacation. 5.

  4. Creative Writing Ideas For 7 And 8 Year Olds

    My 7 year old has more stamina and desire to write, but lacks the spelling intuition because she's a new reader. My 8.5 year old can spell quite a few things (or get close) because he is older and an avid reader. But he lacks the desire to write. My goal for our homeschool writing at this stage:

  5. 127 Story Starters & Writing Prompts for Kids (Ages 10

    Article Key Points Select from the list of 127 writing prompts below for story ideas that you like. Put these writing ideas in a hat and have students randomly pick out their assigned story. Use the 3 lesson plans provided for a ready-made creative writing lesson. Great for supply teachers!

  6. 55 Superb Story Writing Topics for Kids Ā» JournalBuddies.com

    11. a brother and sister find an old journal in the attic. 12. traveling to the future to your city 300 years from now. 13. a friendly alien who comes to Earth. 14. a teacher who becomes a movie star. 15. a group of friends who learn a dangerous secret about their school. 16. a family vacation in the woods.

  7. How to Write a Story for Kids: Step-by-Step Guide

    If you're looking for a quick step-by-step on how to write a children's story, then here is a summary of all the crucial steps you'll need from planning to publishing your story: Brainstorm your ideas. Develop your ideas. Develop your characters. Get the setting right.

  8. 140 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

    10-year-old Kaitlyn has the unique ability to communicate with all animals. She goes around helping trainers, vets, and researchers. ... Write about what kids did for fun in the old days. Stimulating Writing Prompts for Kids. In addition to writing stories, many kids will benefit from other forms of mental stimulation. These can be done in a ...

  9. How to Write a Children's Book Families Will Love (+Template)

    1. Start with a simple, fun idea 2. Cast a relatable main character 3. Structure your plot like a fairy tale 4. Consider repetition and rhyme 5. Make the story easy to follow 6. Write with illustrations in mind 7. Work with a children's editor 8. Get an illustrator to add some visual magic šŸ‘§ Want to write a children's book?

  10. Hundreds of Awesome Creative Writing Topics for kids

    1. Have the children write on top of the page: I Am Special Becauseā€¦ This is a good topic to help children express themselves. Have the children think about why they are special and ask themselves questions, here are some examples: what am I good at? Who have they helped? How have I made a difference? What special talent do I have?

  11. 100 Writing Prompts for Kids: Ideas and Story Starters to Get Pens

    Write an alternative ending for your favourite/favorite book or movie. Describe a day in your life if you were famous. Write a story where the main character faces their biggest fear. I looked out the window and couldn't believe what I sawā€¦. You've got a magic pen.

  12. How to Write Short Stories for Children

    Writing a series of short stories can be an excellent way to continue teaching lessons to young children. For instance, having a series based around the experiences of a main character will help young children to relate to the person, and go on a journey with him or her, ending with a positive outcome.

  13. How to Start a Story: A Guide to Helping Children to Write ...

    July 5, 2021 Writing stories is a fun and creative way for children to develop their skills in grammar, spelling and language in general, but figuring out how to start a story is often the hardest part. It doesn't have to be this way, though. Read this blog to find plenty of tips for how to start a story. What's the purpose of the story?

  14. Free Online Stories for Kids

    Bedtime Stories, Folktales, Fairy Tales, and More! Short moral stories displaying themes of human ethics. ... 4-5 Year Olds; 6-7 Year Olds; 8-9 Year Olds; Struggling Readers; 10-11 Year Olds; TRENDING; ABOUT. Awards; How We're Different; ... Free Writing Prompts For Teachers. Explore Now . Free Writing Rubrics For Teachers.

  15. How to Write a Children's Book

    2. Kids want to be entertained. Kids want to be entertained, and you are competing with movies and technology in an unprecedented way. You need to write something they'll want to read as much as watching something on their iPad. Approach your novel with this in mind, and you just might get a kid hooked on reading. 3.

  16. The Best Books for 7-Year-Olds: 40+ Great Stories!

    The Best Books for 7-Year-Olds: 40+ Great Stories! 44 Looking for the best books for 7-year-olds? We've got the perfect list for you! Having raised 5 kids through this particular age, we are well-equipped to give suggestions for children with all kinds of book preferences.

  17. Writing tips for kids from children's authors

    Jacqueline Wilson is offering an amazing prize in her creative writing competition for seven to 12 year olds - have your story published in one of her books! She explains why you should...

  18. The Best How-To Books (to Model Procedural Writing)

    Clear steps (Step 1: Find a story) plus details make this a great choice for a procedural mentor text. The only thing this book doesn't have is transitions so you'll have to use a different book for those. Otherwise, this book is absolutely lovely because READING! Also read: How to Write a Story.

  19. 50 Irresistible Short Stories for Kids (Read Them All for Free!)

    Some of these short stories for kids, especially ones written a long time ago, may not be appropriate for every audience. Classic Fairy Tale Short Stories for Kids " Cinderella " by Charles Perrault "'Do not cry, Cinderella,' she said; 'you also shall go to the ball, because you are a kind, good girl.'"

  20. How to Write A Children's Book: Steps, Structure + Tips

    For a picture book, the story will be, on average, 28 pages of story. Create a book dummy and fill in the pages with your idea. (To make a book dummy, take 16 pages of regular paper and fold them together in half to make a small booklet. This should create a 32 page "book.".

  21. Stories For 7 Year Olds Read Free Online Stories

    Stories For 7 Year Olds šŸ“š Read Free Online Stories Read free stories for 7 year olds for children online. Over 708 tales for kids of all ages available. All stories include free printable PDFs.

  22. Bookish Gifts for Readers and Writers

    Reading and Writing Gifts for 5 - 9-Year-Olds. Maybe by Kobi Yamada (book and plush pig) all ages ... The Amazing Story Generator ages 7+ ... 7-Year-Olds: Best Books for 7-Year-Olds (2nd Grade) 18 Fantastic Chapter Book Series for 2nd Graders (7-Year-Olds)

  23. 3 Amazing Stories for 7-Year-Olds to Read and Enjoy

    So here are some great stories for 7-year-olds. Interesting Stories for Curious 7-year-olds. The following three stories are short and crisp tales that deliver morals that should be kept in mind throughout life. The stories are not just for kids to enjoy, they are lessons that adults should learn as well.

  24. 70 Best Toddler Books for 2 Year Olds

    Old McDonald Had a Truck is written by Steve Goetz and illustrated by Eda Kaban. Calling all truck fans ā€” this is the book for you! Because Old McDonald has a lot of trucks ā€” a bulldozer, front loader, motor grader, dump truck, and more. E-I-E-I-O! This is not just a favorite for age 2 readers but also a family favorite sing-along picture book.

  25. Lakewood Church shooting: AR-15 had 'Palestine' sticker, antisemitic

    The suspect, 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno, entered the church with her 7-year-old son, and she may have pointed her weapon at a security officer to force her way into the church, police said.

  26. First passages of rolled-up Herculaneum scroll revealed

    Researchers used artificial intelligence to decipher the text of 2,000-year-old charred papyrus scripts, unveiling musings on music and capers.