Tips on Finding a Children's Book Theme

So what is a theme? Is it really important if I have a storyline and a fantastic plot?

Well... the answer is YES. A resounding YES when writing books for children. Plots and sub plots will carry content to engage the reader, but the journey must be one that the reader can relate to. I mentioned this earlier in my previous posts.

The fact is that when writing books for children, it is important to define characters, scenes and surroundings that the reader can relate to. So, I doubt you would be shocked to here that when writing books for children - especially those between 10 and 14, the most popular theme, or sub-theme, for teenage books is..... wait for it.....handling relationships!

Sure it sounds basic, but lets make it clear. This is NOT easy. Children are complex people. A relationship theme that does not reflect on something the reader relates to, will have the writer dismissed as a fraud by chapter two.

In romantic stories for girls, go for boy/girl relationships - but appreciate how they develop. By starting with two opposites that do not communicate, which by some reason or another they are forced to communicate, you are on your way. You can now slowly draw these opposing characters together using your plots, characters and settings that you have planned for your children's book.

The same is said for adventure stories - but in this case, I suggest the relationship develops through the challenges that face a group of friends.

But relationships are not restricted to boy meets girl. School stories, for example, could concentrate on peer-group relationships in which two or three peer characters demonstrate stark differences in their nature which has influences on your main character.
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As a guide, here's a tip list of relationship themes just to give you an idea that relationship contexts can come from any situation:

Father & son or father & mother relationship, family, distant family, school friends, bully, bullied, older brother & younger brother or older sister & younger sister, split families, adoption, geeks, academic failures & achievers, bold & shy relationships, different background relationships, family history relationships, community, sport, music, holidays, art and drama, long distance relationships etc...

Until next time... Happy Writing!