3 Types of Picture Book Voice: Character, Narrative, & Authorial
Voice is one of the most defining aspects of a picture book, and understanding the three key types—character, narrative, and authorial—can help writers create engaging and dynamic stories. Each serves a distinct purpose, and together they shape the reading experience.
Character Voice: Bringing Your Protagonist to Life
Character voice refers to how a character speaks, thinks, and expresses themselves within the story. It’s their unique way of interacting with the world, and it should be distinct, consistent, and authentic.
Character voice is particularly crucial in first-person narration or dialogue-driven books.
To develop a strong character voice, consider:
- The character’s age, personality, background and experience
- Their word choice and sentence structure (as informed by the above)
- Their emotional perspective on the events of the story
Narrative Voice: The Story’s Perspective
Narrative voice refers to how the story is told. Whether first-person, second-person, or third-person, it shapes the reader’s relationship to the events unfolding on the page.
A strong narrative voice:
- Matches the tone and theme of the book
- Helps guide the pacing and emotional arc
- Seamlessly integrates with the illustrations
Authorial Voice: Your Signature as a Writer
Authorial voice is the distinct style that remains consistent across an author’s body of work. It reflects their unique storytelling approach, whether through humor, poetic language, or a particular rhythm.
Consider how Mo Willems’ books often have a playful, conversational authorial voice, or how Oliver Jeffers infuses his work with warmth and whimsical curiosity. Readers come to recognize and expect an author’s voice, even as they write different books. Authorial voice is most often a by-product of experience.
To cultivate your authorial voice:
- Write regularly and let your natural instincts emerge
- Embrace the themes and tones that resonate most with you
- Look for recurring themes, words, syntax in your work
Balancing the Three Voices
A great picture book seamlessly integrates character, narrative, and authorial voice. Each element should enhance the others rather than compete for attention. By understanding how these voices interact, writers can craft engaging, memorable stories that resonate with young readers and adults alike.
When all three voices work in harmony, your picture book becomes not just a story, but an experience—one that lingers in the minds and hearts of your audience long after they’ve turned the final page.
