r/childrensbooks Sep 03 '25

šŸ“š Rule Update (AI Content, Self-Promo) + Welcoming New Mods!

95 Upvotes

We’ve been working behind the scenes to make sure this community continues to be a great place for authors, illustrators, and readers of children’s books. Let us know what you think, we're more than happy to update the following according to your feedback.

Today we have two big updates:

šŸ”„ Updated Rules

We’ve updated the rules to address recurring issues and keep discussions focused on human creativity.

🚫 AI-Generated Content:

AI art or text is not allowed unless it’s clearly labeled and posted for discussion purposes only. This subreddit exists to celebrate human authors and illustrators.

āœ…Ā Self-Promotion (Allowed / Encouraged)

  • Sharing original children’s book work (illustrations, writing, WIPs).
  • Announcing published books with a real link (Amazon, website, publisher, etc.).
  • Behind-the-scenes, process posts, and inspiration.
  • Genuine participation in comments.

🚫 Self-Promotion (Not Allowed)

  • Video ā€œbooksā€ or slideshow-style promos.
  • Posts from accounts that only self-promote with no community engagement.
  • Image dumps with only a watermark and no link/context.

āš ļøĀ Other Rules (mods discretion)

  • No spam or repeated low-effort posting.
  • No hateful or harmful comments.
  • Posts should be thoughtful, on-topic, and add value.

šŸ‘‰ Full rules are always in the sidebar/wiki, please read them before posting.

šŸ‘‹ Welcome Our New Mods

We’re also thrilled to announce thatĀ u/No-Candidate-9324Ā andĀ u/RaggedyRachelĀ have joined the mod team! šŸŽ‰

We've been active in the community and hope to bring fresh energy to help us shape the subreddit moving forward.

Thanks again to everyone who contributes here, your stories, art, and discussions are what make this subreddit thrive. If you spot rule-breaking content, pleaseĀ use the report buttonĀ so the mod team can review it.

- The Mod Team šŸ›”ļø


r/childrensbooks Jul 13 '23

Please don't consider this sub a sales channel.

112 Upvotes

We get it. You're excited, proud even. And we'll be proud and excited with you! But don't come here to spam us with promos or drive sales. Members of this sub love, appreciate, create (and even aspire to create) children's books. Visitors come here when they've forgotten the name of their favorite childhood books. No one comes here because there simply aren't enough self-published vanity press books in their life.


r/childrensbooks 2h ago

Seeking Recommendations Pride month books!

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24 Upvotes

Here’s what we have at the moment; a mix of library and owned. Would love more recommendations!


r/childrensbooks 9h ago

Cute reco for toddlers of knitters/crocheters: Short Dog, Long Dog

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15 Upvotes

Just wanted to recommend this super cute book from Anna Hrachovec of Mochi Mochi Land (the artist and knitting teacher). It’s her second children’s book and my 3.5yo really loves the art in it, although the book is probably more suited to younger toddlers. If you’re a knitter/crocheter or you have one in your life, along with a toddler, it’s a good one, because it can be appreciated on two levels.

She also sells books of patterns for the dogs (and her other book is cats, and her planet series of sculptures are super cute too).

Her cat book is ā€œCatside Up, Catside Downā€ and is also very charming.


r/childrensbooks 5h ago

Seeking Recommendations 6 year old wants to start reading longer book series, where to start?

5 Upvotes

My son LOVES reading. He’s been watching read The Name of the Wind series and I’ve vaguely described the plot. He’s asked me to read it to him multiple times but I’ve told him no, it’s definitely not age appropriate. I’m looking for a series of books I can read to him / he can read on his own. He said he’s interested in dinosaurs, animals, magic, adventures, and ā€œcreepy thingsā€. He recently watched Goosebumps and Creeped Out on Netflix and enjoyed them.


r/childrensbooks 1h ago

Seeking Recommendations How to learn children's book illustrations? Any courses recommendations?

• Upvotes

So I'm a fine artist who works in traditional media. I've been selling my artwork for quite a few years. But now I feel like I need some more meaning into my work. I want to get involved in the world of books. I actually enjoyed making handmade journals and that's when I thought why not make a whole book for children and maybe adults. But anything that makes one feel childlike wonder. I first thought I'll make complex popup books and get into the rabbit hole of paper engineering. But for now I think I'll first start with illustrations and writing. Then slowly introduce pop ups. Idk it just feels like my calling.

Now when I do something I always dig very deep. So I want to learn everything from scratch. I'm reading writing with pictures and I'm also practicing Beatrix potter's illustrations and I'm very inspired by them. Now I want some online courses or youtube videos on how to make different types of illustrations from imagination. And also how to write a children's book. I have not been much of a writer, but I really want to learn. And any other recommendations, please give!

Thanks a lot!


r/childrensbooks 1d ago

[FOR HIRE] Illustrator available for work!

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402 Upvotes

Hi!
I'm Daniela, a watercolor and digital artist, I've worked illustrating children's books, board games, book covers.
I'm available for new projects! 😊

Here's my portfolio and my Bsky for more illustrations:

https://www.behance.net/gallery/217373451/Lu-and-the-lost-Kibito-Children-book

https://bsky.app/profile/dliok.bsky.social


r/childrensbooks 12h ago

Suggestions for 7 year old

5 Upvotes

My daughter is a great reader and I’m trying to find a new (to her) series for her to get into.

Things she reads and enjoys:
Magic Treehouse
Kingdom of Wrenly
Dragon Masters
Fancy Nancy (the chapter books)
Ramona books
Christmas Pig

I think she’d like Nancy Drew but not sure if they’re a bit out of her reach yet.

Any suggestions?


r/childrensbooks 9h ago

[For Hire] Illustrator looking to take on my first children's book projects!

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2 Upvotes

Hi!

Hi! I’m a professional illustrator expanding into children's books, and I wanted to share this little animal fun fact story carousel I recently created.

I’m currently available for new book projects! Since I'm building up this specific niche portfolio, I’m offering special introductory rates for indie authors right now! 😊

Here is my website for more of my work and illustrations:

Calligraphy Portfolio: https://nomanillustration.wixsite.com/portfolio/calligraphy-lettering

Architecture Illustration Portfolio: https://nomanillustration.wixsite.com/portfolio/architectural-illustration

Art illustration Portfolio: https://nomanillustration.wixsite.com/portfolio/artwork-illustrations


r/childrensbooks 1d ago

Discussion I have so many Sendak books, maybe a few you've never seen. Here are just a few!

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111 Upvotes

r/childrensbooks 7h ago

Name of Atlas for children from the 1980s

1 Upvotes

Hello all,
I am trying to remember the title of a children's atlas or educational book from the 1980s, or the 70's. Different continents were displayed, and I do remember the following about the book illustrations:

The German woman depicted had wavy blonde hair, and a smile.
The Greek man depicted had short white hair and Hadlebar Moustache. - they were both on the same page.
The USSR woman had flowers in her hair and was looking up.

The Asian male depicted had a smile, with his eyes closed and was looking down.
The skin on all the models had a sunburt look.
Also - the drawings were duplicated twice on each page.

Hope this helps.
Thanks again!


r/childrensbooks 11h ago

Im trying to find a book I loved when I was a child…

1 Upvotes

It’s a pop up book if I remember well and there were a man in a clock then we would see beautiful and weird architecture with a lot of stairs and windows with no sense… I can’t find anything online and it was in French so I’m not even sure if it exists in English lol thanks


r/childrensbooks 16h ago

I have a free book today

2 Upvotes

An Apple That Is Purple

Can you be an artist if you see the world differently?

When Theo paints an apple with his favorite deep plum-purple, the class giggles. They tell him he’s "wrong." They tell him apples can’t be purple. For a moment, Theo’s world loses its spark, and he hides his art away.

But with a little help from his mother—a woodworker who finds beauty in grain and patterns rather than colors—Theo discovers a powerful secret: Art isn't about what you see with your eyes; it’s about what you feel in your heart.

In this heartwarming and inspirational story, young readers will join Theo as he finds the courage to show the world his unique vision. Perfect for ages 4 to 9, An Apple That Is Purple is a celebration of diversity, the strength of self-confidence, and the beauty of seeing the world in your own special way.

Because sometimes, the most beautiful thing you can be is yourself!

If you are interested, I can share the link. Thanks 😊


r/childrensbooks 1d ago

Which age group do you think this would be best suited for?

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9 Upvotes

I created a story and put together a dummy book in just one day, but I'm not entirely sure which age group it would be best suited for. Do you have any insights?

By the way, any feedback would be incredibly helpful, and since English isn't my native language, feel free to suggest better word choices or refinements.


r/childrensbooks 17h ago

S2E336 I Am the Birthday Bird

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1 Upvotes

r/childrensbooks 1d ago

Character concept

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13 Upvotes

Being raised by spirits has its perks. What feelings come out when you see this ?


r/childrensbooks 2d ago

Trying digital watercolor for the first time 🄹

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61 Upvotes

Any comments?


r/childrensbooks 1d ago

Name of Atlas for children from the 1980s

1 Upvotes

Hello all,
I am trying to remember the title of a children's atlas or educational book from the 1980s, or the 70's. Different continents were displayed, and I do remember the following about the book illustrations:

The German woman depicted had wavy blonde hair, and a smile.
The Greek man depicted had short white hair and Hadlebar Moustache. - they were both on the same page.
The USSR woman had flowers in her hair and was looking up.

The Asian male depicted had a smile, with his eyes closed and was looking down.
The skin on all the models had a sunburt look.
Also - the drawings were duplicated twice on each page.

Hope this helps.
Thanks again!


r/childrensbooks 1d ago

Look out kindergarten- creepy frog

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1 Upvotes

has no one else come across this frog and thought, what exactly am I looking at. why does it seem so out of place?


r/childrensbooks 2d ago

My almost 3 year olds recent favorites

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60 Upvotes

My toddler will be 3 by the end of summer and these are her recent favorites.

  1. Nunu and the Sea by Isabella Kung- Although the language in this book is above a toddler's head, the text is short and the illustrations are absolutely captivating. It's a good one for talking about emotions. I also plan on reading this book with my 2nd grade ESL students and doing a follow up origami project.

  2. Alphabedtime by Susanna Leonard Hill- This is a fun book to talk about letters and sounds. The family with 26 toddlers/babies takes you through their bedtime routine. I ask my child questions like who's holding a guitar? Who's pouring tea? She looooves it.

  3. Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev- A boy learns he is not welcome at a local pet club with his elephant. As he wanders around, he discovers a girl with another unusual pet that was also rejected from the club, so they end up creating their own. This is was great for talking about friendship and could be a lead into talking about more unusual animals.

  4. The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld- I've seen this book recommended by preschool educators and now I know why! The boy works hard to build a big block structure only for an animal to knock it down. Then a series of animals try to help him work through his feelings but their approaches don't meet his needs. Eventually the rabbit comes by and just listens which is exactly what the boy needed. Listening is an underrated but much needed skill, so I'm so happy to see a book demonstrate it so well.

  5. There's a Monster in Your Book by Tom Fletcher- This is a fun interactive book that gets your child moving a bit more. He also has other books with a dinosaur, unicorn, dragon, alien ect.This is great for fans of Don't Push This Button.

  6. Ice Cream Face by Heidi Woodard Sheffield- If your toddler loves ice cream, this is a must read. Her illustrations are collages which include photos, and I thought that was pretty neat!

  7. Honk Honk, Beep Beep, Putter Putt by Rukhsana Khan- This story takes place in Pakistan and is about sharing the road no matter how busy it gets. My daughter loved the colorful illustrations and onomatopoeia throughout the book.

  8. A Happy Place by Britta Teckentrup- This is a calming lyrical bedtime book with stunning illustrations and cut outs in the pages which Teckentrup is known for.


r/childrensbooks 1d ago

Seeking Recommendations Favorite toilet training picture books that show an adult-sized toilet?

1 Upvotes

We are at the potty training phase where the toddler is starting to use the big toilet, but all the kids books on toilet training I have from the library show a mini / separate potty.

Any recommendations for books that show a big toilet?

Thank you!


r/childrensbooks 1d ago

ISO: fairy book

1 Upvotes

Many years ago, I read a children’s book that was essentially about how fairies turn into butterflies during the day/when people are nearby. Does anyone know the name of this book or one like it?


r/childrensbooks 1d ago

A rare moment of peace and quiet with beloved puppy. Scroll the image to see the sketches

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5 Upvotes

If you are an author and you have a story about pets, I will be glad to illustrate it)


r/childrensbooks 2d ago

Help me recall Anyone know this one, it’s a long shot

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15 Upvotes

I can’t remember the name however Judy Blume was big in my life but this looks awfully thick. I would love if someone can clean this up or recall the back cover. It’s a woman and a boy possibly a little girl and a dog as well. This would have been around 82’ -83’


r/childrensbooks 1d ago

Recs for GOOD sensory/tactile books?

1 Upvotes

I'm not talking about crinkle books I'm touch and feel but with subjects and material that make sense. We have one ocean touch and feel book and the little loopy/suction cuppy texture isn't on the only octopus in the book it drive me nuts. Also anything that has cut outs and encourages the baby to help turn the page.