"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
March 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
When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful
words by Kate Rietma, art by Jennie Poh
published by B&H Kids
First line: Sometimes, hard things happen.
Elements used: makes the reader wonder something and uses poetic devices
Read Kate's revision journey here.
The Not-Quite-Perfect Passover
Words by Laura Gehl, art by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov
Published by Albert Whitman & Co
First line: “There’s good news and bad news,” Dad tells Ruby.
Elements used: makes the reader wonder something
The Unstoppable Jamie
Words by Joy Givens, art by Courtney Dawson
Published by two lions
First line: I’m the Unstoppable Jamie.
Elements used: introduces the main character, uses unique formatting, and make the reader wonder something
Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu
Words by Ying Chang Compestine, art by Crystal Kung
Published by Rocky Pond Books
First line: By now, you have probably heard the old fairy tale about Rapunzel.
Elements used: references a beloved classic, engages the reader, and makes the reader wonder something
THE WALK
Words by Winsome Bingham, art by E.B. Lewis
Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers
First line: My granny is taking me on THE WALK.
Elements used: makes the reader wonder something
Old to Joy
By Anita Crawford Clark
Published by Gnome Road
First line: Joy’s Grandmama lived in an old house, on an old street, with old trees, and all kinds of old things.
Elements used: makes the reader feel something
A Stone Is A Story
Words by Leslie Barnard Booth, art by Marc Martin
Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books
First line: A stone is not just a stone.
Elements used: makes the reader wonder something and feel something
A Good Deed Can Grow
Words by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman, art by Holly Hatam
Published by Christy Ottaviano Books
First line: A good deed can grow like a seed.
Elements used: employs poetic devices, establishes the premise of the story, and hints at how the story ends
How to Be Brave
Words by Karl Newson, art by Clara Anganuzzi
Published by templar books
First line: In our great big world, it can feel scary to try something new without knowing how it will turn out.
Elements used: makes the reader feel something
The Spark in You
By Andrea Pippins
Published by Random House Studio
First line (over 3.5 spreads): There’s a spark in you, and whenever you have an idea, it dances in your smile, through your hands, and in your feet.
Elements used: employs poetic devises, engages multiple senses, and makes the reader feels something