A children’s book by any other name would sound as sweet . . . right? Part of judging a book by its cover includes judging its title. In just a few words, you’ve got to catch your reader’s eye, give them an idea of what your book is about, and make them want to read past the cover. No pressure!
Choosing a title can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be perfect right away. Like any part of the writing process, it takes a bit of brainstorming, refining, and creativity. Here are six things to consider when coming up with your dream children’s book title.
Word Count
There’s no set rule for how long the title should be, but generally, children’s book titles are pretty short because they’re easier for young readers to remember (for example, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown). Keep your title short and sweet. Anywhere from one to five words is standard. Ideally, aim for it to be no longer than ten words.
Subtitles: Are They Necessary?
Although some chapter books may use subtitles, especially if they are part of a series (for example, Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne), subtitles are usually only seen in nonfiction children’s books. Whether or not you should include one depends on how long and/or vague your title is. One-to-three-word nonfiction titles are punchy and attention-grabbing, but you’ll want to add a subtitle to explain what kind of book it is (for example, Kate DiCamillo’s La La La: A Story of Hope). Subtitles are also helpful when the title on its own doesn’t make much sense (for example, Chelsea Clinton’s She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World).
Note that your subtitle must be longer than your title. Subtitles are usually between three and seven words. Ideally, your title and subtitle combined should be ten words max.
Keep Your Audience’s Age in Mind
Mira Reisberg, the director of the Children’s Book Academy, notes that children’s book titles should match the language skills and interests of their readers. She says that picture book titles should be short and catchy and reflect the story’s plot, heart, humor, and/or characters. Chapter book titles can focus on the protagonist’s journey, and middle-grade book titles can be more abstract.
Easy Language
If your reader can’t understand your title, they’re not going to read the rest of the words you wrote. Stick to familiar, simple language so your young reader can use their brainpower on your content, not your cover. If a phrase is repeated throughout the book, making it the book’s title can make it even more memorable (for example, Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney).
Your Personal Taste in Titles
If you’re totally stuck, think of children’s book titles you’re drawn to. Which ones stick out when you’re browsing? Which titles do you remember? Do your eyes skip over subtitles, or do they reel you in every time? Choose a title that would make you, as a child or parent, pick up your book if you’d never heard of it before.
Ultimately, your book is yours, so what matters most is that you choose a title you love. Blue Balloon Books’s editorial and marketing teams can help you choose a title you’ll be proud to have on your shelf and that kids will want on theirs. We’ve got you covered!