A Formula for Children’s Books?

Are you aware there is a formula for children’s picture books?

This was the question the judge of the writers’ contest asked me. He went on to explain the formula. First, the child encounters a problem. Then the child tries and fails to solve their problem three times. Finally, the child resolves the problem on his or her own, no parent or authority rescues them. He continued to explain that the formula empowers children.

Of course I am aware of this formula. If I could have, I would have explained to that judge that I am offering a different worldview to popular wisdom. The worldview I am demonstrating is one where children don’t rely on their own understanding, but in all their ways acknowledge God so He can make their paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I’ve been an adult for a long time now. I’ve tried and tried and tried to solve my problems in my own. That strategy is never successful. Often my ideas only make a bigger mess of things.

God’s thoughts are higher than my thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). His ways are better than mine. I wish I had learned this much earlier in life.

That is why my children’s stories don’t follow the formula. The children in my books solve their problems by leaning on the Holy Spirit, in a family setting. They model partnering with the Holy Spirit for modern readers.

The formula which encourages children to rely only on themselves sets them up for frustration and failure. Partnering with the Holy Spirit sets children up for success in a confusing and overwhelming world.

We need more Christian writers who are bold enough to challenge the popular formula and write from a biblical worldview. Maybe God is calling you to be that writer.