Writing Children’s Literature: Picture Books to Middle Grade

The episode opens with a look at current publishing news affecting authors, including reading behavior shifts and trends. Then we look at the three major stages of children’s literature and why understanding developmental stages matters. Perfect for writers curious about children’s books, writers who think they already understand the category, and anyone interested in how readers develop.

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Overthinking Couch Topics:

• The latest book trends
• Why writing for kids is so hard
• Picture books and story economy
• Early readers and building confidence
• Middle grade and emotional depth
• Why “books for all ages” do not exist

• More Writing Tips
• Leah Williamson and Richard Osman back National Year of Reading | Books | The Guardian
• Reading and Publishing Predictions: Book Trends to Watch for in 2026
• FT book award enters new partnership with Standard Chartered
• Book Clubs Reading Trends
• BookTok Trends
• Bookstores report sales boom as youth social media ban takes effect
• Predictions: what lies ahead for the book trade in 2026?

Music licensed from Storyblocks.