5 Tips for Better Perspective in Kids' Books

Published on 31 July 2023 6 min read

Introduce multiple perspectives
Use illustrations to enhance perspective
Incorporate real-life experiences
Create relatable characters
Write about different cultures and experiences

Ever wondered how to improve perspective in a children's book? You're in the right place. Writing for children is an art—a delicate balance of stories that teach, entertain, and inspire. One of the most potent ways to achieve this is by creating a rich tapestry of perspectives. By doing so, you not only make your story more engaging but also help children to develop empathy and understand that everyone has a different viewpoint.

Introduce multiple perspectives

Introducing various perspectives is a great way to add depth to your story and instill valuable lessons in young readers. It's like peeking into different windows of the same house—each viewpoint offers a unique narrative.

Why Include Multiple Perspectives?

When you include multiple viewpoints in your story, you give children the chance to see the world through different lenses. This approach can shape their understanding of the world and people around them.

Different angles: Multiple perspectives mean children get to experience the story from different angles. It's like watching a movie from various camera angles—you get a fuller picture.
Develop Empathy: Understanding how different characters feel and react can help children develop empathy.
Encourage Critical Thinking: By presenting different viewpoints, you encourage children to think critically and form their own opinions.

How to Incorporate Multiple Perspectives

Now, let's talk about how to incorporate these multiple viewpoints into your narrative. It's not as daunting as it may sound!

Firstly, think about the main events in your story. Each of these can be seen from a different perspective. For example, in "The Three Little Pigs," the wolf might think he is merely looking for a meal!
Secondly, ensure each character's voice is distinct. They should have unique experiences, feelings, and reactions. This difference makes it clear to the reader that they are encountering a new perspective.
Finally, remember to maintain a balance. While it's great to have various viewpoints, too many can confuse young readers. Stick to two or three perspectives for a start.

Whether it's a fairy tale, an adventure, or a simple day-to-day story, introducing multiple perspectives can significantly enhance your narrative, making it one of the top strategies on how to improve perspective in a children's book.

Use illustrations to enhance perspective

Children's books are not just about words. Pictures play a huge role too. They can convey feelings, ideas, and perspectives in a way that words sometimes can't. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words!

The Power of Visual Imagery

Why are images so powerful in telling a story? Well, they appeal to the child's imagination in a completely different way. With illustrations, you can capture the attention of even the youngest readers who can't read yet. They can look at the images and start to understand the story, the characters, and their perspectives.

Non-verbal communication: Facial expressions and body language in illustrations can show a character’s feelings and intentions, offering a different perspective.
Setting the scene: Backgrounds and settings can provide context to the characters' actions and feelings, providing insights into their perspectives.
Visual clues: Small visual details can reveal aspects of the characters' personalities and viewpoints.

How to Use Illustrations Effectively

So, how can you use illustrations to enhance perspective in your children's book? Here are some tips:

Work closely with your illustrator. Communicate what you want to express through the illustration. The illustrator can help to bring your vision to life.
Consider the age group of your readers. Younger children need more visual aids, while older kids can handle more text.
Use colors and expressions effectively. These can greatly impact how the story and characters' perspectives are perceived.

Remember, illustrations aren't just decorations—they're an integral part of your narrative. By using them effectively, you can significantly enhance the perspectives in your story, making it a more enriching experience for your young readers.

Incorporate real-life experiences

Real-life experiences can add a layer of authenticity to your children's book. They provide a relatable context that allows children to connect with the characters and understand their perspectives better. So how can you weave real-life experiences into your narrative? Let's explore.

Why Use Real-Life Experiences?

Children are naturally curious—they love to learn about the world around them. When you incorporate real-life experiences into your stories, you satisfy this curiosity and provide them with a foundation for understanding the story's perspective. Real-life experiences can:

Engage the reader: When kids encounter familiar scenarios in a story, they are more likely to engage and relate to the character's point of view.
Evoke empathy: Experiences that mirror real-life situations can help children empathize with the characters, understanding their feelings and responses.
Create learning opportunities: Real-life situations can provide context for teaching valuable life lessons and moral values.

How to Incorporate Real-Life Experiences

Now, let's discover how you can seamlessly incorporate real-life experiences into your children's book to improve perspective.

Draw from your own experiences. Think back to your childhood—what were some significant moments that shaped your perspective? These can form the basis of your story.
Observe children around you. Notice how they interact with the world, their reactions, their questions. These observations can give you insights into their perspective.
Don't shy away from difficult topics. Real life isn't always rosy. Addressing tough issues like loss, fear, or conflict can provide a valuable perspective and initiate important discussions.

Remember, your goal is to present a genuine and relatable perspective. Real-life experiences, whether fun, mundane, or challenging, can help you achieve this in your children's book.

Create relatable characters

Characters are the heart and soul of any children's book. They're the ones who carry the story forward and it's through them that children learn, grow, and see the world. But how can you create characters that not only entertain but also offer a relatable perspective to young readers? Let's dive in.

The Importance of Relatable Characters

Creating characters that children can relate to is a powerful tool in storytelling. It's through these characters that children see themselves represented, understand others' perspectives, and engage with the story on a deeper level. Here's what relatable characters can do:

Spark Interest: Kids are more likely to be interested in a story if they can see themselves or their experiences reflected in the characters.
Promote Empathy: By experiencing the world through the eyes of a character, children can develop empathy and understanding for people who are different from them.
Encourage Self-Reflection: Seeing a character navigate a situation can help children reflect on their own actions and feelings.

How to Create Relatable Characters

So, how can you create characters that resonate with young readers? Here are a few tips:

Make them real. Characters should have strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes—just like real people. This helps children relate to them and better understand their perspectives.
Use age-appropriate language and thoughts. A character's dialogue and internal thoughts should match their age to make them believable to the reader.
Give them relatable problems. Whether it's a lost toy or a fight with a friend, children should be able to see their own challenges reflected in the story's conflicts.

Remember, creating relatable characters is a crucial step in improving perspective in your children's book. It allows young readers to step into the shoes of someone else, experiencing their world and learning from their experiences.

Write about different cultures and experiences

In the realm of children's literature, variety is a key to expanding young minds. One rewarding way to achieve this is to write about different cultures and experiences. But why is this important, and how can you do it effectively?

Why Write About Different Cultures and Experiences?

Introducing diverse cultures and experiences in children's books is more than just an exercise in representation. It's an opportunity to open young readers' eyes to the big, wide world. Here's why it matters:

Broaden Perspectives: When kids read about different cultures and experiences, they learn about the world outside their immediate environment. This broadens their perspective and fosters a sense of curiosity.
Promote Inclusion: Seeing different cultures represented in books helps children understand and appreciate diversity. They learn that while people may have different ways of life, we're all part of the human family.
Teach Respect: Learning about other cultures can help children develop a sense of respect for people who are different from them. It's a lesson in empathy and understanding.

How to Write About Different Cultures and Experiences

Ready to bring the world into your children's book? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Do your research. If you're writing about a culture or experience that's not your own, take the time to learn about it. This will make your portrayal more authentic and respectful.
Don't stereotype. Avoid falling into clichés and stereotypes. Every culture is rich and complex, so strive to depict it as such.
Use sensitivity readers. These are people who belong to the culture you're writing about. They can give you feedback and ensure your portrayal is accurate and respectful.

Remember, writing about different cultures and experiences is a valuable way to improve perspective in a children's book. It's a journey of discovery, both for you as a writer and for your young readers. So, let's start exploring!

If you enjoyed our blog post on "5 Tips for Better Perspective in Kids' Books" and want to learn more about perspective in illustration, check out the workshop 'A New Perspective on Perspective' by Roberto Bernal. This workshop will help you further understand perspective and improve your illustrations, making your kids' books more engaging and visually appealing.