In the world of children’s literature, crafting a compelling narrative requires more than just a good story. Understanding and effectively using voice, style, and tone can elevate your picture book, making it resonate with young readers and their caregivers. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and functions. Let’s delve into each and explore their significance in kidlit.
Voice: The Author’s Unique Fingerprint
Voice refers to the distinct personality, perspective, and authenticity that an author brings to their writing. It’s the unique way an author sees the world and conveys that vision through words. In children’s literature, a strong voice can make a story stand out and create a lasting connection with readers.
Example: The Pigeon Has to Go to School! by Mo Willems
Mo Willems’ Pigeon series is renowned for its unmistakable voice. In The Pigeon Has to Go to School!, the Pigeon’s humorous and somewhat (somewhat?!) obstinate personality shines through, engaging readers with a conversational and relatable tone. Willems’ authorial voice is so distinctive that readers can immediately recognize his work without seeing the cover.
Style: The Craftsmanship of Writing
Style encompasses the specific techniques an author employs, including vocabulary choice, sentence structure, and literary devices. It’s the “how” of writing—the deliberate choices that shape the narrative’s flow and aesthetic. In picture books, style plays a crucial role in complementing illustrations and engaging young audiences.
Example: Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Beth Ferry’s lyrical style in Swashby and the Sea uses rhythmic and poetic language to tell the story of a grumpy old sailor and his evolving relationship with a young girl. The flowing sentences and melodic word choices create a soothing reading experience, enhancing the book’s overall charm.
Tone: The Story’s Emotional Hue
Tone reflects the author’s attitude toward the subject matter and audience. It’s the emotional coloring of the narrative—be it joyful, somber, playful, or serious. Tone sets the mood and guides readers’ emotional responses throughout the story.
Example: The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
In The Rabbit Listened, the tone is gentle and empathetic. The story addresses themes of loss and healing with sensitivity, using a soothing tone that reassures young readers and offers comfort. (I’ve gifted this book to many friends who’ve experienced loss. It’s such a beautiful book.)
Why Understanding These Differences Matters in Kidlit
In children’s literature, where every word and illustration counts, mastering voice, style, and tone is essential. A consistent and authentic voice builds trust with readers, an appropriate style enhances readability and engagement, and a well-chosen tone ensures the story resonates emotionally. Missteps in any of these areas can lead to a disconnect with the audience or dilute the story’s impact.
Tips and Strategies for Nailing Narrative Voice in Picture Books
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Read Aloud Regularly
Hearing stories read aloud can help you internalize different voices, styles, and tones. Read more recently published books. Pay attention to how various authors handle these elements and consider how they affect your engagement with the story.
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Experiment with Different Perspectives
Try writing the same scene from multiple viewpoints or in different styles to discover what feels most authentic and engaging. This practice can help you develop a flexible and distinctive voice.
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Seek Feedback from Experienced Writers
Share your work with a critique group that’s working in your same target age group. Their responses can provide valuable insights into whether your voice, style, and tone are hitting the mark. My Picture Book Summit cofounders and I are in a critique group and none of us can believe how much it has helped us!
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Stay True to Your Authentic Voice
While it’s beneficial to study and learn from others, ensure that your writing reflects your unique perspective and sensibilities. Authenticity resonates with readers and sets your work apart.
By clearly understanding and skillfully applying voice, style, and tone, you can craft picture books that not only captivate and entertain but also leave a lasting impression on young readers. Remember, in the vibrant world of kidlit, how you tell your story is just as important as the story itself.
