Create: Resources

READING AND WRITING RESOURCES

We have a collection of specially created resources to share with you. We also have links to some great resources from literacy partners and friends. You’re welcome to use them and share them on – please just credit The Book Tree or the original source.

Free Creative Writing Prompt Sheets

Sometimes a little prompt to think about what to write helps practice creative writing skills. Download these 8 free prompt sheets.

How to Write a Book Review

Check out our book review template for some inspiration.

Create Vocabulary Lists

We have templates for vocabulary lists – download them now.

My Reading Progress

Research shows that charting your child’s reading progress is a great incentive to reading more. Download these templates and let your child proudly mark how much they have read. Reward their progress and you’ll be amazed at how much reading gets done!

Resources for writing children's books

Do you want to write a children’s book? Of course you do. Do your homework first, though and make sure you’ve figured out all the nuts and bolts before you begin. We’ve gathered some of the best sites and resources that offer inspiration and guidance.

1. This lovely site prompts you to think why you want to write a children’s book. And helps you be clear on what you want to write about.

2. Debbie Ridpath Ohi (that’s her work above) is one of our favourite authors and her generosity in sharing resources is legendary. Check out her book layout templates and notes here.

3. Author of Daddy, I Can’t Sleep, Alan Durant has a simple break down of how to get started. He also offers courses online.

4. Journey to Kidlit have a free template to download with an overview of How to Write A Children’s Book.

5. Join the South African branch of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI SA) and attend workshops, talks and more. Note membership is pricey, as it is in dollars, but worth it if you are seriously pursuing a writing career.

6. Imagnary House is a South African publisher celebrating unique and creative stories from local writers. They have a self-publishing division as well as an open period for submissions.

7. Pan Macmillan South Africa have some useful notes and resources on writing and publishing. They are not currently accepting submissions, but keep checking in on them.

8. Penguin Random House South Africa have a submissions outline of books they will consider.

9. Kokila – a subdivision of Penguin Books, looks for stories from marginalised communities around the world.

10. Jacana Media publish a great range of local children’s books. Find out about their submissions here.

11. NB Publishers have a wide range of local children’s books in all languges. Find their submissions here.

12. Ingram Spark offer some good advice when it comes to marketing your book.

13. QuickFox Publishing are reputable publishers in South Africa, should you decide to go the self-publishing route.

14. Exclusive Books have a few tips for authors looking to get published in South Africa.

15. Listen to podcasts about how to write children’s books. It’s best hearing from other author’s about what works for them. We like Writing for Children by the Institute for Writers and here’s a great list of podcasts recommended by the SCBWI.

Good luck and have fun!