How to Write a Children’s Book They’ll Love: A Beginner-Friendly Online Workshop Review
Have you ever dreamed of writing a magical story for kids—but aren’t sure where to start?
Whether it’s bedtime tales, picture books, or chapter books, children’s literature isn’t “easy” to write just because it’s short. In fact, it’s a highly specialized craft that requires clarity, empathy, structure, and creativity. Luckily, if you want expert guidance without enrolling in a pricey MFA or waiting for the next local workshop, there’s now a more accessible path forward.
In today’s review, we’ll explore one of the best-rated online children’s book writing courses available: the Children’s Book Writing Workshop on Udemy.
This beginner-friendly course teaches aspiring authors how to turn their ideas into engaging, age-appropriate stories—complete with characters, plot, dialogue, and publishing tips.
And best of all? You can start today, from anywhere.
Let’s dive into what this course offers, who it’s for, and whether it can help you finally write the children’s book you’ve been dreaming about.
Who Is the Children’s Book Writing Workshop For?
This course is perfect for:
- New writers with an idea for a story but no background in writing education
- Parents or teachers who want to tell stories inspired by real life
- Bloggers or hobbyists interested in expanding into children’s literature
- Anyone curious about self-publishing or traditional publishing
If you’re intimidated by the blank page or don’t know the difference between a picture book and a middle grade novel, this course assumes no prior experience—making it an ideal gateway into writing for kids.
What You’ll Learn in the Course
Based on expert reviews and the official course page from Udemy, this workshop delivers a comprehensive breakdown of writing for children, including:
- Understanding Children’s Book Genres and Age Groups
Learn how children’s literature is categorized—from board books (ages 0–2) to young adult fiction—and why word count, themes, and tone matter depending on the age of your target reader. - Structuring Your Story
Discover the frameworks that make kids’ stories meaningful. This includes how to start strong with a hook, build conflict, and finish with a satisfying or humorous resolution. - Developing Characters That Kids Connect With
Whether you’re writing a curious bunny, a courageous third-grader, or a comically grumpy robot, characters are everything. You’ll learn how to build vivid, relatable protagonists that kids cheer for. - Writing Natural Dialogue and Narrative Voice
Children’s books need simple, direct language and clear rhythms. This module helps you develop pacing, flow, and emotional tone, without over-explaining—or dumbing it down. - Editing and Revising with a Child’s Eye
You’ll learn how to improve your draft with feedback, plus techniques for self-editing with fresh eyes. - Publishing Pathways
The final module explores getting your book out into the world, whether you choose traditional publishing, hybrid, or the booming world of self-publishing.
A Quick Look Inside the Course
Here’s a preview of what this course looks like (image from Udemy):
(Note: Actual images may vary. Please refer to the course page for updated visuals.)
Real Student Feedback
One of the most incredible parts about this writing workshop is the overwhelmingly positive student feedback. According to reviews on Udemy:
“This class unlocked my creativity and gave me the tools to write my first children’s book. I’ve already started my second!”
“I’ve taken in-person workshops that weren’t this practical. The publishing advice alone was worth the price.”
“I liked the lectures, but I wish there had been more in-depth critique.”
That last critique is fair. As with most video-based courses, peer feedback is limited unless the instructor offers a community component (which varies by course). Still, the clarity, affordability, and empowering lessons offer top-tier value for beginners.
Is It Worth the Money?
Absolutely. According to industry research, in-person children’s book workshops can range from $500 to as much as $5,000 for a multi-week certification. Source: Institute of Children’s Literature.
By comparison, this Udemy course typically ranges between $20–$60 depending on current deals—often with lifetime access and instructor Q&A sessions included.
For that price, it’s hard to argue the value.
How It Stacks Up Against Competitors
Compared to other options in the space such as:
- Gotham Writers Workshop
- Institute for Children’s Literature
- Self-study books (like Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul)
This Udemy course wins on accessibility, affordability, and on-demand instruction.
Though it may not be as “elite” as taking an accredited MFA course or working one-on-one with a writing coach, the Children’s Book Writing Course gives you all the foundational tools to write and edit your first book—without the tuition or travel.
Red Flag Alert: As with any online course, always verify who’s instructing. Look for instructors with real publishing experience. Avoid programs that guarantee you’ll get published—they can’t.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly: No experience or writing background needed
- Flexible learning: Watch lessons anywhere, anytime
- Clear framework for writing children’s books
- Budget-friendly alternative to expensive workshops
- Lifetime access included
Cons:
- Limited interactive feedback
- May lack depth for more advanced writers
- Publishing process only lightly covered; you may need more study
Final Thoughts: Should You Take This Children’s Book Course?
If you’ve got a children’s story (or dozens of ideas) inside you but aren’t sure how to begin or finish your book, this course can help you finally bring it to life.
It offers a no-pressure, low-cost, step-by-step introduction to writing picture books, early readers, or middle grade stories with heart and humor.
While it might not give you the deep-dive mentorship of an MFA or intensive manuscript consultation, it delivers everything you need to get started—on your own schedule and for a fraction of the price.
If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I wish I could write stories for kids,” this might be your sign.