Enliven Your Writing with Juicy Verbs
When we read a book that pulls us right into the story, that sweeps us along with vivid energy and emotional clarity, we’re often witnessing the magic of verbs in action. Strong, juicy verbs – the kind that make us feel, hear, and see what’s happening – are the engine that drives the narrative and propels readers forward. They bring stories to life, connect us to the characters, and help transform simple words into vibrant worlds.
In picture books especially, every word matters. Picture books are a unique art form, where the rhythm of language and the efficiency of word choice are critical. Space is limited, and every word must earn its place on the page. The right verbs infuse the text with clarity, movement, and emotion, giving young readers a sense of action and dynamism that fuels their imagination.
Why “Juicy” Verbs Make a Difference
A “juicy” verb is one that’s vivid and specific, that goes beyond general description and leaps into the realm of experience. Think about the difference between “walked” and “stomped.” “Walked” simply describes a form of movement. “Stomped” shows us mood, intent, and energy. It’s rich with subtext, signaling to readers that this character feels a certain way, which might resonate with their own feelings or make them curious about what’s next. It shows rather than tells the emotion of the scene. The right verb creates texture and layers, engaging readers on multiple levels.
Verbs and Emotional Connection
One of the greatest challenges – and greatest rewards – in writing for young children is the opportunity to tap directly into emotion. Children often understand and process emotions through action; they “feel” the story as it unfolds. Verbs like “shiver,” “scamper,” or “whisper” tap into this by suggesting not only action but also atmosphere. Strong verbs create tone, letting readers feel the weight of a character’s excitement, fear, or wonder, even before the character says a word. They set the mood with just a flick of ink on the page.
The Balance of Words and Illustrations
When writing picture books, we are working in tandem with illustrations. The images on the page will convey at least half the story, so choosing precise verbs allows us to communicate the “how” of an action without overloading the text with unnecessary adjectives or explanations. For example, instead of “She walked slowly down the hill,” a verb like “sauntered” or “crept” leaves plenty of room for the illustrator to interpret that mood visually while giving readers an immediate, visceral understanding of the character’s experience.
Tips for Using Strong Verbs in Your Writing
- Be Specific: Instead of a weak or general verb, think about the exact way your character might move, speak, or react. Experiment with verbs that capture their unique traits.
- Show Don’t Tell: Strong verbs let you show action without needing extra description. Whenever you catch yourself using an adverb or an extra modifier like “very,” chances are you need a stronger verb, Let your verbs carry the load!
- Match the Tone: The verbs you choose should support the mood of your story. A story about adventure might call for verbs like “charged,” “darted,” or “lunged,” while a bedtime story might favor “drifted,” “nestled,” or “swayed.” This is known as mimetic writing – when the language matches the mood.
- Test Different Verbs: When you revise, try swapping out verbs. Always keep a good Thesaurus on hand, or use thesaurus.com or wordhippo.com to explore alternatives. You might find that one small change transforms a good sentence into a great one.
In picture books, we create an experience through word and image. We give young readers the chance to step into a story with their whole heart and mind. Juicy verbs are one of our best tools for turning words into action, movement, and feeling – and for writing picture books that truly come to life on every page.
