What does it take to get a kid to want to curl up with YOUR book?

After reading dozens of books on writing for children, and reading even more blogs, and listening to webinar and podcast speakers discuss this, the consensus seems to point to two important points: the writer must get to know their characters well—and get to know kids in the age group for whom they are writing.

Grandma Linda reading to her grandson, Sammy.

As a mother of four, (spaced two years apart) and a grandmother of nine children—I’ve had ample opportunity to listen to the voices of children, nevertheless, I’m just beginning to discover the art and craft behind writing and illustrating a picture book. This much I’ve learned:

  • Characters do things.
  • Characters think.
  • Characters feel.
  • And characters speak.

What does your storybook character do, think and feel and say?

I tested this by asking a few questions about my current storybook character, Hildie Hedgehog. The answers also informed my illustrations. I hope they help you get to know your main character better, too.

Who is Hildie Hedgehog?

She is a quirky, prickly little critter living on Hedgehog Circle in the middle of the Big Wood. She’s a hedgehog.

What kinds of things does Hildie like? (In other words, what’s unique about Hildie Hedgehog?)

Hildie Hedgehog is like no other of her kind. She is quite socially active and she loves wearing hats!

Hildie loves all kinds of hats. Why she must have at least 103!

What does she do in her little forest world?

She loves trying on her hats and trotting about the Big Wood wearing them. She also loves sharing them with her friends. For Hildie, this is more fun than playing with a basket full of baby hedgehogs!

Who are her friends or family?

Hildie lives alone, but she does have a brother, Spike. Spike didn’t make it into this story because of his prickly, grouchy attitude. (And besides, he hates wearing hats!)  Perhaps in a different episode with Hildie, Spike might get a role that shows off his other hedgehog attributes!

Here’s an early sketch of  Spike.

Some of Hildie’s other friends are Mouse, Savannah Squirrel, Rocky Raccoon, the Beaver’s (Betty & Billy), the Bunny family (too numerous to name here), Frog and Snail.

What motivates this little hedgehog? What makes her smile and gives her sparkle?

Friends. Hildie loves being with her friends. So, what better way to do this than by throwing a party? (Did I mention she’s a party animal?) In Hildie’s mind, the coming of Spring is nature’s way of saying, “let’s have a party!” And what forest critter doesn’t love a good party?

What else makes Hildie super happy?

Flowers and fairies! Hat and parties!

Hildie’s mama, from somewhere in her past,  full of hedgehog wisdom. She used to say,  ‘Hildie, Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers.’ Hildie takes that wise saying seriously! But sniffing and licking flowers is only part of the fun.  Hildie suspects there’s a magical connection between flowers and the Flower Fairies—and it has been said (mostly in whispers) that fairy dust sprinkled over the meadow in Springtime is what creates the big and beautiful flowers all around her little den and in the Big Wood. So, when Hildie and Mouse tuck a tiny invitation into a bed of Snow-bells, it’s with great hope that the Flower Fairies will come to her Hat party too.

Hildie and Mouse delivering invitations to the Flower Fairy.

What makes Hildie sad?

A friend in need. Even when a certain situation seems impossible, Hildie rounds up her friends, and together, they work on finding a solution. She isn’t just a shallow little social critter flitting here and there, playing with the Flower Fairies and hats!  In Hildie’s critter vocabulary, the most important words are ‘I love you!’ and ‘I care about you!’

Hildie understands the value of friendship. She wants others to know that when a friend is in trouble, she will do everything she can to help them. And she always gets her friends to join in.

In my story, before anyone could say. . . ‘the squirrels are hoarding their nuts. . .’ Hildie and her friends come up with a wonderful solution to help one of the critters in need.

Knowing these few things about Hildie helped me get the basic story down and make Hildie into a character that children (and parents) will love. There is more to this little critter than I first thought. Yep! She’s a colorful hedgehog, who lives on Hedgehog Circle in the middle of the Big Wood. She  actively demonstrates love and care for her forest friends and pours herself into making their world as bright as she sees her own.

Hildie is just full of bright ideas!

Writing a story? As you ponder your story ideas, get to know your critters. Oops!  I meant characters! If you like them, others will too!

Thank you for stopping by my Blog today. I hope you are inspired to keep writing. Tell me about it in the comments below.

Linda, For the Love of Writing (and illustrating!)

Linda loves early morning work in her PJ’s.