"Give me a really good first line,
something I can sink my teeth into, that just pulls me in and makes me want to read more. For me, a really great first line raises a question in my mind, or, better yet, two or three, where I just have to read the book to find out.
A good first line gives me context about the story and lays a roadmap for where we're going."
Jennifer March Soloway
Senior Agent at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency
During an interview on the Writers with Wrinkles podcast
January 2024
Welcome! I'm so glad you stopped by.
I hope you find this collection of picture book first lines inspiring and motivational.
If you'd like your book included in a future collection, click here.
Elements of a great first line
introduces the main character and their problem (bonus points if the character is particularly unusual)
makes the reader wonder something
sets the tone for the story
starts in the middle of the action
hints at a universal theme
uses unique formatting
sets the scene of the story
hints at how the story will end
engages the reader
engages multiple senses
surprises the reader
makes the reader laugh
establishes a rhythm that pulls the reader into the story
employs poetic devices
references a beloved classic
hints at an unusual premise
introduces the concept
references something with universal appeal
uses a play on words
makes the reader feel something
hints at the main character's goal
This Is My Bag: A Story of the Unhoused
Words by Roxanne Chester, art by Abraham Matias
Published by Paw Prints
First line: This is my bag.
Elements used: makes the reader wonder something
Read Roxanne's first line revision journey here.
Ice Cream Everywhere
Words by Judy Campbell-Smith, art by Lucy Semple
Published by Sleeping Bear Press
First line: All over the world, you can find people making and eating ice cream."
Elements used: engages multiple senses, references something with universal appeal, and makes the reader feel something
How Do You Spell UNFAIR?
Words by Carole Boston Weatherford, art by Frank Morrison
Published by Candlewick Press
First line: Magnolia Cox was no ordinary kid.
Elements used: introduces the main character and makes the reader wonder something
The Words We Share
By Jack Wong
Published by annick press
First line: Angie! (also in Cantonese)
Elements used: makes the reader wonder something
To Boldly Go
Words by Angela Dalton, art by Lauren Semmer
Published by Harper
First line: It was TV night—the best night—and I could hear the click-click-clicking of buttons as Dad searched for the right channel.
Elements used: engages multiple senses, starts in the middle of the action, uses unique formatting, and makes the reader feel something
A Walk in the Woods
By Niki Grimes, Jerry Pinkney, and Brian Pinkney
Published by Neal Porter Books
First line: A week after the funeral, I stare in the morning mirror, angry that my father’s eyes stare back at me.
Elements used: makes the reader feel something
Nesting Dolls
By Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers
First line: Isn’t my sister, Sorie, Pretty?
Elements used: makes the reader feel something
SUPERBABY
Words by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard, art by Lincoln Agnew
Published by Neal Porter Books
First line: This is no ordinary baby.
Elements used: Makes the reader wonder something
The Power of Snow
Words by Bob Raczka, art by Bryony Clarkson
Published by Millbrook Press
First line: Two flakes play.
Elements used: employs poetic devices and surprises the reader
A Dollar's Grand Dream
Words by Kimberly Wilson, art by Mark Hoffmann
Published by Page Street Kids
First line: From the minute Big Bill zipped through the printer, he took the reins as a tippin’, payin’, donating’ dollar.
Elements used: introduces an unusual main character and establishes a unique voice