3. Important Parts of a Children’s Story Plot Characters Setting Conflict Hero(es) Resolution Moral Illustrations
4. Plot Is the plan or main idea for a story. The plot should be the beginning framework for a story. The plot can be funny, serious, exciting, or imaginary. The plot explains what the story is about, and what is going to happen throughout the book. Example: The plot of a story may be about traveling.
5. Protagonist Main character in the story. Prominent leader A supporter of the cause and action of a story. Often a hero in children’s literature. Opposes the main character. Works against the protagonist. Challenges the main character. Characters Antagonist
6. Choosing Characters When writing a children’s story, one option is choosing characters that are familiar. (Always make sure to change people’s names.) Turn family members into animals. Someone personally inspiring can become the hero of a story. A cartoon that is inspiring can become the protagonist or antagonist. However, the character should be changed slightly for creativity.
7. Setting As defined by Webster’s Dictionary: The time, place, and circumstances in which something occurs. The setting should be fun, exciting, and very detailed. The setting sets the frame for the entire story. Settings for stories should be well thought out and explained.
8. Once the characters and plot have been chosen, pick the setting based off of the both the characters and the plot. The setting should flow well with the protagonist and antagonist that are chosen. A setting could be a favorite vacation spot, a dream vacation spot, or a favorite room in the house. How to pick a setting for a story!
9. Conflict Most children’s stories involve conflict. The conflict occurs between the protagonist and antagonist. A conflict may be internal (thoughts, emotions, and feelings) or external (physical; outside the body).
10. Resolution A resolution usually occurs in children’s stories. The resolution is a solution to the conflict between the protagonist and the antagonist. The resolution usually consists of the protagonist winning against the antagonist. However, sometimes stories end with the protagonist helping the antagonist become a better person.
11. Moral of the Story Children’s books often have a moral at the end of the story. The moral is a lesson that is learned from the outcome of the story. The moral is usually a wise piece of advice that children can use everyday.
12. Be happy with what you have. Do not blame others. Hard work can do wonders. The memory of a good deed lives. Slow and steady wins the race. Self-help is the best help. Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends. Examples of Morals
17. When writing a children’s story it is important to brainstorm for ideas. Think about the plot of the story (what do you want your reader to hear, learn, or think about) Explore possibilities of characters. Think about who your audience is (young children). Use age appropriate language, illustrations, and characters. Writing a Children's Story
18. Introduction: (Explain the setting, plot, and characters.) Body: (Includes the main action, conflict, and foundation for the story.) Conclusion: (Involves the resolution, moral, and closure for the novel.) Basic Format
19. The front and back cover are also important. The front cover should draw the reader’s attention. The cover should state the author(s), title, and illustrator. The back cover can have: A picture continued from the front cover. A list of related books or topics. A picture of the author. A brief biography of the author. Basic Format Cont'
20. Publishing After writing a story, the story should be published. The author should put together the story (in order), and should also sign the book that he/she wrote. Famous authors have publishers that put the work together for them. The publisher can also distribute the work for the author. Picture of an old printing press.
29. The story should be delivered with: Appropriate tone Suitable expressions Proper pace Correct pronunciation of words The audience in mind Proper time to show illustrations Presentation Cont'
30. Before Reading The audience should: Be able to guess what the story is about from the cover Have an assumption based off of the title. Feel drawn to the book through an exciting book cover. The audience should: Know the characters Know the setting, plot, and moral of the story Feel pleased by the book Want to read more works by the author What the audience should expect. After Reading
31. Famous Children's Book Authors Louisa Alcott Beverly Cleary Gary Paulsen E.B. White Phyllis Naylor Katherine Paterson Dr. Seuss Lois Lowry Shel Silverstein
