Gain inspiration by reading children’s book authors you love. There are no new stories, and you don’t have to produce something completely original. You might put a character you’ve imagined into a story that is similar to one you really enjoyed. While you don’t want to steal someone else’s words, you shouldn’t be afraid to be influenced by great writers. You can also get ideas by looking in magazines and newspapers for interesting stories and situations that might be a jumping-off point for your own book.
Another way to get ideas for writing a children’s book is to rework old folktales and fairy tales. These stories have been around for a long time because children and adults alike love them. For instance, you might transport Hansel and Gretel out of the forest and into a modern city and let them find their way home through the concrete jungle. Or, you could make a feminist icon out of Cinderella, and let her be the one to rescue her Prince.
Keep a notebook to gather your ideas. According to author Barbara Seuling, you should not trust your memory to keep your ideas. Instead, she writes, you should write them all down, even if only to help you recall the full idea later. The ideas you write down can be about story, characters, setting, even interesting things you’ve read. Record anything that might later inform your book. You don’t have to use it all; the object is simply to save it.
Make your ideas fit your intended audience. Don’t write about scary zombie armies if you intend to write for toddlers, and don’t make your stories too sweet and fluffy if you intend to write for teens. Common sense and reading your favorite children’s authors will help you find the right topics and tone for the age group you wish to write for.