To make a picture book with kids, plan a short story with one main character, a problem and a happy ending, then fold a sheet of paper into a mini book or staple a few pages together. Draw one scene per page, add a sentence or two to each, design a cover with a title and the author’s name, and read it aloud together. A finished book is one of the proudest things a child can make.
Why make a picture book?
Making a book connects drawing, reading and writing in one project. Kids learn how stories are built, practice drawing the same character again and again, and see themselves as authors and illustrators. It’s also a lovely keepsake and a great gift for grandparents.
Pick the main character
Choose a character the child can draw quickly and consistently. A character from a step-by-step lesson works well: a cute animal, a dinosaur, a fairy or a monster. Before starting, have them draw it three or four times so it gets easier. See character design for kids for inventing a new one.
Plan a simple story
A picture book story needs only three parts:
- Beginning: who the character is and what they want.
- Middle: what goes wrong, or what they try.
- End: how it works out.
Write the plan as six to eight short sentences, one per page. For example: “Pip the dinosaur wanted to fly. She flapped her tiny arms. She jumped off a rock. She tried a kite. A bird laughed at her. Then a friendly pterodactyl gave her a ride. Pip flew at last!”
Make the book
- One-sheet book: fold a sheet of paper into an eight-page mini book (fold in half three ways, cut a slit in the middle, and fold into a booklet). Search “one-page zine fold” for diagrams.
- Stapled book: fold three or four sheets in half and staple along the fold.
- Ages 4 to 5: a three- or four-page book is plenty.
Draw the pages
- Sketch lightly in pencil first, then go over the lines.
- Draw the character big on every page.
- Leave space at the top or bottom for words.
- Show feelings with the face. See cartoon expressions for kids.
Add words
Older kids write their own sentences. Younger kids dictate while a grown-up writes, then the child traces over the letters. Keep it to one or two lines per page.
Make a cover
The cover needs a title, a picture of the main character and the words “Written and illustrated by” with the child’s name. Add a back cover with a short summary or a dedication.
Share it
Read the book aloud at bedtime, to a sibling or to the class. Put it on the bookshelf with the “real” books, or host a book launch as part of an art show at home.
Tip: Classrooms can make one book together, with each student drawing one page in the same story. It’s a great way to practice reading response drawing too.
The book that helps
A picture book needs a character kids can draw on every page. Learning one from a step-by-step lesson makes the whole project feel doable.
How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals
How To Draw: Fairies, Princesses, and Other Cute Stuff
How to Draw: Cartoon DinosaursAs an Amazon Associate, FirstArtBooks earns from qualifying purchases.
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Questions
How do you make a homemade picture book with kids?
Plan a short story with a beginning, middle and end, fold or staple a few pages, draw one scene per page, add a sentence to each and make a cover with a title and the child’s name.
What age can kids make a picture book?
Kids as young as 4 can make one with a grown-up writing the words. From about 7, most can write and illustrate a short book on their own.
How many pages should a kid’s picture book be?
Four to eight pages is ideal. Shorter books get finished, and finishing is what makes kids proud.