"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
Love Grows Here
Words by Chloe Ito Ward, art by Violet Kim
Published by Albert Whitman & CO
First line: Flounders fly and fishmongers sing, but Aiko is focused on finding…mouthwatering makizushi, salty but sweet; fresh fuji apples, crisp and clean; and marigolds that sing like the market’s neon sign, warm and welcoming.
Elements used: introduces the main character, uses poetic devices, engages multiple senses, and establishes the tone and setting of the story
Read the story of Chloe's first line revision journey here.
One Sweet Song
Words by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, art by Sonia Sanchez
Published by Candlewick Press
First line: One note trills…floating in the air.
Elements used: employs poetic devises and engages multiple senses
Don't Ask Cat!
By Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Published by Albert Whitman & Co.
First line: Cat is always quick to say what’s on his mind.
Elements used: makes the reader wonder something
The Little Tiger
By Nicola Killen
Published by A Paula Wiseman Book
First line: It was Ollie’s birthday and she had been very excited to open her presents.
Elements used: references something with universal appeal
Between Two Windows
By Keisha Morris
Published by HARPER
First line: Between two windows, a clothesline creaks and squeaks.
Elements used: makes the reader wonder something, employs poetic devices, and engages multiple senses
Professor Goose Debunks the Three Little Pigs
Words by Paulette Bourgeois, art by Alex G. Griffiths
Published by tundra
First line: Well, cook my goose—this is outrageous!
Elements used: makes the reader wonder something
When the Rain Came Down
Words by Leslie Helakoski, art by Keisha Morris
First line: When the rain came down and the water rose up…cars packed tight and thousands fled
Elements used: employs poetic devices and engages multiple senses
Love Is My Favorite Color
By Nina Laden and Melissa Castrillon
Published by A Paula Wiseman Book
First line: Love is my favorite color.
Elements used: uses unique formatting and establishes a unique premise
The Last Stand
Words by Antwan Eady, art by Jarrett & Jerome Pumphrey
Published by Alfred A. Knopf
First line: Papa has the last stand.
Elements used: makes the reader wonder something
The Ramadan Drummer
Words by Sahtinay Abaza, art by Dinara Mirtalipova
Published by Reycraft
First line: Hunger gripped Adam like a wild beast, twisting and turning for food.
Elements used: engages multiple senses, starts in the middle of the action and makes the reader feel something