A book title is the first thing that is seen. An effective picture book title must contain essential elements that invite the reader to explore the story.
Once a picture book has been written, an author tries to come up with a suitable title. While creating a title can be relatively easy, creating a title that is effective involves far more. A title is the first thing an editor, a librarian or a buyer (such as a parent) sees.
What factors make a title for a picture book out?
Catchy Titles
An effective picture book title is one that is catchy. Children love the sound of words, so a title that uses alliteration such as Snake Slithered Silently (where the s-sound mimics the sound of a snake) or a title that rhymes, as seen in The Cat in the Hat may be far more compelling to a young audience. Kids also enjoy humor and a title that tickles their funny bone may be the title that catches their fancy.
Why is "catchy" so important? A catchy title is easily remembered. Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham is a perfect example. Even adults who've never read the book to young children have still heard of it--and they remember this title. According to Publisher's Weekly, Green Eggs and Ham became the fourth best-selling English-language children's book of all time. If this book had been titled Eggs and Ham, it would not have sounded nearly as interesting and may not have caught on as it did.
A Good Title Expresses Mood
Right after catchy comes the attribute of mood. A picture book title is effective if it forecasts the mood of a story. Someone spying Green Eggs and Ham would gain an inkling that the story was going to be funny. A title such as Ker-Splash, Ker-Plunk! would give the impression of a wildly funny and energetic story.
An Effective Title Stirs Curiosity
A picture book titled, Why Does My Tummy Tickle? or How Come, Mom? would appeal to an inquisitive child. Children want to know about everything around them: their bodies, their family, and the world at large.
Why Shorter Titles When Writing Picture Books?
In her 2009 book, Writing Picture Books, Author Ann Whitford Paul says: "It's common sense that if a child is going to ask an adult to read a book, the title has to be something he can say." Paul gives examples of good shorter titles: Bugs for Lunch and Bunny Cakes.
While a kid's book is written to be read aloud to small children, a title young ones can ask for is ideal.
An effective picture book title can be likened to the icing on a cake: it tempts a sampling of the goods inside.
Melody Rhodes - M. Rhodes is author of the Bedbug Books. She's been published in Canada, U.S. U.K. & NZ and has won awards for her poetry/prose.
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