From Theme to Story: Turning Abstract Ideas into Specific Stories
Themes are the big ideas that give stories depth and meaning… that make them resonate long after the first read. But when it comes to picture books, it’s important to translate those abstract ideas into specific, child-friendly stories. A theme like “friendship” or “bravery” needs to be anchored in relatable characters and situations to truly resonate for young readers.
What’s the point? Ask yourself: What do I want to say with this story? What do I want to leave my young reader feeling, thinking, or talking about? For instance, if your theme is “kindness,” think about how you’ve directly experienced kindness in your life or seen it in action. A small moment, like a child sharing their crayons, can become the basis for a powerful story. Themes that stem from real emotions or experiences feel more authentic and impactful.
Who can help me tell this story? If you have a theme you want to write about – patience, let’s say – the first question to ask yourself is who the character is that can best help you tell that story. And then, who or what do they come up against to learn about patience?
Focus on the details. Picture books thrive on specificity. Instead of writing about kindness in general, imagine a lonely hedgehog who knits sweaters for his cold woodland friends. What obstacles might the hedgehog face? How does the act of knitting change the hedgehog’s relationships? The theme remains universal, but the story becomes personal and memorable.
Go deeper. Once you’ve identified the theme, think about what layers you can add. How does the theme connect to the character’s growth? What visual or textual elements could reinforce the theme? What words can you use that connect to your theme’s vernacular? These layers will help your story feel cohesive and engaging for young readers.
Show, don’t tell. When it comes to conveying theme in picture books, showing rather than telling is the key to creating an engaging and meaningful takeaway for your readers. Instead of explicitly stating the message or moral, weave it subtly into the narrative through the characters’ actions, dialogue, and choices, as well as through the illustrations (for those who are illustrators.) Let the theme emerge organically as readers experience the story’s emotional arc and take the journey alongside its characters. For example, a story about kindness can show a character making small, thoughtful gestures that ripple outward, rather than declaring, “Being kind is important.” This approach allows readers, especially children, to discover the theme on their own, making it more impactful and memorable.
