The Kidlit Compass Blog

From Theme to Story: Turning Abstract Ideas into Specific Stories

Emma Walton Hamilton January 28, 2025

Themes are the big ideas that give stories depth and meaning… that make them resonate long after the first read. But when it comes to picture books, it’s important to…

The Mash-Up Method: Creating New Ideas by Combining the Unexpected

Emma Walton Hamilton January 21, 2025

Sometimes the most original ideas come from combining two completely unrelated concepts. This “mash-up” approach invites you to think outside the box and create something fresh and surprising. By juxtaposing…

Mining Childhood Memories for Story Gold

Emma Walton Hamilton January 14, 2025

The best picture books resonate because they capture universal truths about childhood. One way to tap into these truths is by mining your own childhood memories for ideas. What were…

What If? The Golden Question for Picture Book Ideas

Emma Walton Hamilton January 7, 2025

One of the best tools for developing picture book ideas is the question “What if?” This simple phrase unlocks endless possibilities for storytelling. It invites your imagination to explore new…

From Spark to Story: A New Year of Generating Picture Book Ideas

Emma Walton Hamilton January 1, 2025

The start of a new year is a perfect time for fresh beginnings—and for picture book writers, it’s the ideal opportunity to plant seeds of inspiration that can grow into…

The Perennial Appeal of Holiday-Themed Picture Books

Emma Walton Hamilton December 16, 2024

Year after year, holiday-themed picture books find their way into the hands of young readers – and they rarely lose their appeal. These books bring families together, mark seasonal traditions,…

Why Self-Publishing May Not Be the Best Choice for Picture Books

Emma Walton Hamilton December 3, 2024

Self-publishing has grown enormously over the past decade, offering authors the ability to bypass traditional publishing gatekeepers and reach readers directly. For many types of books, this can be an…

Strengthen Your Story with Concrete Nouns

Emma Walton Hamilton November 26, 2024

In linguistics, “concrete nouns” refer to physical, tangible objects—things that can be perceived through the senses, such as “apple,” “dog,” or “mountain.” Intangible concepts, such as “freedom,” “love,” or “curiosity”…