First Lines that Lure – How to Hook Readers from Page One
This September, we’re focusing on the two Cs that define successful picture books: Craft and Character. And what better place to begin than the very first line?
A strong opening line is your book’s handshake. It introduces your reader to the world, the tone, and—often—the character in one clean, confident swoop.
A great first line can:
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Establish voice
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Spark curiosity
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Signal conflict or emotion
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Anchor the story in time or place
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Make the reader feel something immediately
And in a market as competitive as picture books, it can make the difference between a pass and a page turn.
Three Recent First Lines That Hook
1. “Before we marched, we met.”
— Because of You, John Lewis by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illus. by Keith Henry Brown (2023)
In just six words, this line grounds us in relationship, tension, and history. It’s emotionally resonant, lyrical, and instantly intriguing.
2. “My dad is a grizzly bear.”
— My Dad Is a Grizzly Bear by Swapna Haddow, illus. by Dapo Adeola (2021)
Funny, bold, and packed with voice, this line invites us into a playful exaggeration that kids can relate to—and it tells us who this story is about right away.
3. “When I came to this country, I felt like a little seed.”
— The Blue Scarf by Mohamed Danawi, illus. by Ruaida Mannaa (2024)
This opens with powerful metaphor and vulnerability, immediately positioning the narrator as both outsider and growing presence. It’s gentle and evocative—and layered with theme.
Try This Writing Prompt:
Take the current first line of your manuscript and rewrite it in a variety of new ways:
1.Make it sensory
Focus on what the character sees, hears, smells, touches, or tastes to draw the reader in through the senses.
“The wind smelled like salt and secrets.”
2. Begin with action
Drop the reader into movement or momentum—what’s your character doing?
“Nina ran faster than the wind—and faster than her worry.”
3. Start with emotion
Name how the character feels or use metaphor to evoke it.
“Today felt like a rainy Tuesday—even though it was sunny.”
4. Use dialogue
Let your character or another voice speak right away.
“No! You can’t take the frog!”
5. Set the scene with surprise or contrast
Defy expectations or subvert a common idea.
“Everyone thought dragons were dangerous. But mine was vegan.”
6. Zoom out with a big-picture statement
Offer a universal truth, a poetic observation, or a narrator’s reflection.
“In every forest, there’s one creature who knows all the secrets.”
Then ask: Which version most effectively sets tone, character, and curiosity in motion?
Want more guidance on mastering your picture book craft?
Join us October 4 at Picture Book Summit, where bestselling authors, agents, and editors will help you elevate your craft and develop unforgettable characters.
