"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

Lights Out: A Movement to Help Migrating Birds

words by Jessica Stremer, art by Bonnie Pang.
Published by  Paula Wiseman Books
First line: When the air becomes cold
And the fields are bare,
a flock of sparrows know it’s time to fly south for the winter.
Elements used: sets the tone and setting for the story, employs poetic devices, engages multiple senses

Read Jessica's first line revision journey here.

Bear Finds Eggs

Words by Karma Wilson, art by Jane Chapman

Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books

First line: In the forest, near the glen, on a wild, wooded trail, Bear lumbers with his friends through the Strawberry Vale.

Elements used: uses poetic devises, establishes a rhythm that pulls the reader in, and engages multiple senses 

Big Bold Beautiful Me

Words by Jane Yolen and Maddison Stemple-Piatt, art by Chloe Burgett

Published by Magination Press

First line: Some folks say I’ve got peanut butter feet.

Elements used: engages multiple senses, makes the reader wonder something and surprises the reader

Angela's Glacier

Words by Jordan Scott, art by DIana Sudyka

Published by Neal Porter Books

First line: This is Angela’s glacier.

Elements used: surprises the reader, makes the reader wonder something, and hints at an unusual premise

I Am A Meadow Mermaid

Words by Kallie George, art by Elly MacKay

Published by tundra

First line: I am a meadow mermaid.

Elements used: employs poetic devices, references something with universal appeal, and makes the reader wonder something

Have You Seen Mikki Olsen?

By Alex Macdonald

Published by Frances Lincoln

First line: The penguin loved Mikki Olsen.

Elements used: introduces the main character, surprises the reader and makes the reader wonder something

Climbing the Volcano:
A Journey in Haiku

Words by Curtis Manley, art by Jennifer K. Mann

Published by Neal Porter Books

First line: dormant volcano—but at sunrise each day it blazes

Elements used: engages multiple senses, establishes a unique setting and format

Big Bear's Dreaming

Words by Michael Rosen, art by Daniel Egneus

Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

First line: Big Bear looked up at the sky and sniffed.

Elements used: engages multiple senses, introduces the main character, and makes the reader wonder something

Who Made This Mess?

Words by Larua Gehl, art by Aleksandar Stojsic

Published by Captsone Editions

First line: Loud MOOs in the night gave Farmer a fright.

Elements used: establishes a rhythm that pulls the reader in, employs poetic devices, establishes the setting of the story, and engages multiple senses

The North Wind & The Sun

By Philip Stead

Published by Neal Porter Books

First line: Although the sun brightly shone, a coldness had begun to creep in.

Elements used: engages multiple senses and makes the reader wonder something