Writing a Children’s Book vs. Writing a How-To Book for Adults: How They Differ

Many people assume that writing a children’s book is easier than writing a book for adults. After all, children’s books are shorter and often contain fewer words. So, really, how hard can it be? Most experienced authors will tell you that writing for children can be surprisingly difficult. On the other hand, writing a how-to book for adults presents an entirely different set of challenges. While both types of books require planning, research, and strong writing skills, the approach to each is vastly different. In addition to working on my second children’s book, I am currently writing a how-to book for adults. This book was inspired by adults saying to me at several book events, “I have always wanted to write a children’s book, but I don’t know where to begin or how it all works.” I bring this up because I now have experience with writing for two very different audiences, and so I decided to write this blog and talk about the differences.

Audience Is Everything

The biggest difference between writing a children’s book and a how-to book for adults is the audience. When writing for children, authors must consider developmental stages, vocabulary levels, attention spans, and emotional maturity. A story written for preschoolers will look very different from one written for middle-grade readers. In picture books, the stories invite children to use their imaginations and go on adventures through different settings, with all kinds of characters.

In contrast, adult readers are generally seeking information, solutions, or guidance. They often pick up a how-to book because they want to learn a skill, solve a problem, or gain expertise in a particular area. Adult readers expect clarity, organization, and actionable advice. In short, children read to experience a story, while adults often read how-to books to accomplish a goal.

Storytelling vs. Instruction

Children’s books are driven by storytelling. They rely on engaging characters, conflict, emotion, and resolution. Even books with educational themes must entertain first. Young readers are rarely interested in being lectured. Instead, they learn through the experiences of the characters and the events within the story. Children’s books often have a message, such as being kind to one another or sharing with each other.

A how-to book, however, is instructional by nature. Its primary purpose is to teach. Readers expect step-by-step guidance, explanations, examples, and practical strategies. While storytelling can certainly enhance a how-to book through anecdotes and personal experiences, instruction remains the central focus. One book asks, “What happens next?” while the other asks, “What do I do next?”

Word Count and Structure

Children’s books often have strict word-count expectations. Picture books typically range from 300 to 600 words, though some extend beyond that. Every word matters because space is limited, especially when illustrations carry part of the story. In addition to word count, you need to watch how many pages you have. The number of pages for my children’s picture book is 32. This is the recommended page count. If you go beyond this, especially for very young children up to early readers, they are going to lose interest.

A how-to book for adults usually allows much greater flexibility. Chapters may include detailed explanations, worksheets, case studies, checklists, examples, and references. Depending on the topic, these books can range from 20,000 to 80,000 words or more. And, obviously, if you have more words, you will have more pages. My how-to book is 297 pages, and it covers everything and anything that an author would need to know, not just about writing, but everything else that goes along with getting a book published.

Writing for children requires one to briefly tell a story in a concise and in an engaging manner. It requires substance while also writing in a way that can be easily understood, with the illustrations telling most of the story. Writing for adults often requires depth. When writing a how-to book, you must be deliberate, detailed, and intentional in how you present information to your readers. Because readers are learning solely through your written words, it is important to break concepts down into clear, step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. This can be challenging because, unlike in a classroom or demonstration, you cannot physically show readers how to complete a task or model the process for them. Instead, your writing must serve as the guide. As a result, each explanation should be precise, straightforward, and carefully organized so readers can understand and apply what you are teaching with confidence.

Illustrations Play Different Roles

In children’s books, illustrations are not merely decorations. They are part of the storytelling. The artwork often communicates emotions, setting, humor, and plot elements that are not directly stated in the text. Authors and illustrators work together to create a complete reading experience.

In a how-to book for adults, visuals serve a different purpose. Charts, diagrams, screenshots, worksheets, and tables are typically used to clarify information and improve understanding. The visuals support instruction rather than drive the narrative.

Language and Voice

Writing for children requires simple yet engaging language. This does not mean “talking down” to children. In fact, children are highly perceptive readers. The language should be age-appropriate, rhythmic, and clear while still respecting a child’s intelligence.

Adult how-to books often use a conversational yet authoritative tone. I, for one, love to write in a conversational tone. For me, I feel like it lets readers know a little of who I am and what my personality is like. When writing a how-to book for adults, the authoritative tone should reflect that you know what you are teaching. However, you do not want to get “preachy” or “bossy”. Even though it is a book for adults who want to learn something, the book should also be enjoyable. I have read several how-to books on certain things I needed to learn (specifically when I was trying to build my website myself). Some were very enjoyable and made me even more excited to do what I was doing, while others made me want to rip my hair out because it was written in a way that was hard to understand, unclear, and over my head. Readers want expertise presented in a way that is easily understood. The goal is to educate without overwhelming or confusing the reader.

Research Requirements

Research is important in both genres, though it takes different forms. Children’s authors may research developmental milestones, educational standards, cultural accuracy, animal behaviors, historical settings, or age-appropriate themes.

How-to authors often conduct research on industry trends, best practices, statistics, legal considerations, publishing processes, or professional experiences. Credibility is especially important because readers rely on the information to make decisions. Before I started writing my how-to book, I spent three years researching by reading articles, blogs, and watching YouTube videos on what it takes to become a children’s book author, how to get published, and everything in between. Then, after I wrote my first children’s book, I decided to use all of my knowledge and compile all of my three years of notes and research to write my how-to book.

Whether you are a new author of a children’s book or a seasoned author, you will need to do research. Sometimes this looks like a couple of hours, and other times it is a lot longer, depending on who you are writing for and what you are writing.

Emotional Impact vs. Practical Application

Children’s books often leave readers with a feeling, like a sense of wonder, comfort, laughter, or inspiration. The emotional journey is central to the reading experience.

A how-to book aims to leave readers with knowledge, skills, and confidence. Success is measured not only by enjoyment but by whether the reader can apply what they learned.

Similarities Between the Two

Despite their differences, both types of books share several important qualities. Both require strong organization, careful editing, and a clear understanding of the target audience. Both benefit from thoughtful design, compelling titles, and effective marketing. Most importantly, both seek to serve the reader.

Whether you are writing for a child discovering the joy of stories or an adult pursuing a new goal, the mission remains the same: provide value. Make the book enjoyable, memorable, and easy to understand.

Final Thoughts

Writing a children’s book and writing a how-to book for adults are two very different creative journeys. One invites readers into imaginative worlds filled with characters and adventure. The other guides readers through real-world challenges with practical instruction and expertise. Neither is easier than the other. They are simply different. Each requires its own skills, mindset, and approach. The key is understanding your audience and writing with purpose.

At the end of the day, every successful book answers an important question for its readers. A children’s book asks, “What story can I share?” A how-to book asks, “How can I help?”