Today’s post includes a selection of prompts from my book 1200 Creative Writing Prompts. Enjoy!

Stories and poems for children are among the most magical and delightful written works in the literary canon.

Children’s literature has a universal appeal; the phenomenal international popularity of the Harry Potter books and movies is a testament to the power of children’s stories.

But there are plenty of other works that affirm the longevity of children’s literature: nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and classics such as Where the Wild Things Are, Goodnight Moon, and everything Dr. Seuss ever wrote.

Most of us writers first fell in love with the written word when we were children. Stories carried us on fantastical adventures. Words danced and soared through our imaginations. Many of us never grew out of the poems and stories we first cherished. We continue to enjoy them, and we pass them on to our children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Today’s writing prompts celebrate children’s literature and pay tribute to the young and the young at heart.

Writing Prompts

These writing prompts are filled with childlike wonder. Use them to write a poem, a story, or anything else that comes to mind.

1. Children’s stories sometimes try to help kids solve difficult problems. Write a story about children overcoming nightmares, getting potty trained, wetting the bed, losing a pet or grandparent, or attending the first day of school.
2. At the height of human technological development, a special child is born who can communicate telepathically with computers and other mechanical and electronic devices.
3. Write a poem using the following image: a child sitting alone on a bench in a schoolyard.
4. After learning his or her parents are struggling to make ends meet, a child prodigy decides to fix the family’s finances.
5. Write a story about a child and his or her imaginary friend.
6. A child living on a farm or ranch can hear the thoughts of animals—both the livestock and the local wildlife.
7. Write a poem using the following image: a child giving another child a piggyback ride.
8. While digging in the garden, a child finds a magic ring that makes any wish come true.
9. It’s important for children to learn the alphabet. Write an ABC book. You can write a separate vignette for each letter, write a story linking them all together, or write a nonsense rhyme for each one.

Some Tips for Using These Writing Prompts:

• Children’s writing uses simple language and made-up words.
• Nothing speaks to children like bright, vivid images and lively characters.
• Use rhyme and other musical devices and choose words that are fun to say.

Do you still read children’s poems and stories? Do you remember the ones you loved best as a child? Have you ever tried writing for kids? Do these creative writing prompts inspire you? Share your thoughts in the comments, and keep writing!

By Melissa Donovan
Source: writingforward.com

Visit us at First Edition Design Publishing