"First lines are really important.
First lines are essentially the opportunity any reader has of creating cerebral fusion. That’s when the reader’s brain and the storyteller’s brain essentially become one even though no one’s in the same space together.
It feels like magic. It’s leveraging imagination.
It’s really really important."
Cecilia Lyra
Literary Agent with PS Literary
During a Books with Hooks episode of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing podcast
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.
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
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
By Katie Mazeika
Published by Beach Lane Books
First line: It was Mazie’s first day at her new school. She put on her favorite scarf and wore her prettiest eyepatch. She was ready.
Elements used: introduces the main character, establishes the setting of the story, and makes the reader wonder something
Read Katie's first line revision journey here.
By Claire Evans
Published by Scholastic Press
First line: It was springtime in Fairyland.
Elements used: employs fairytale language and establishes the setting of the story
By Monica Arnaldo
Published by Katharine Tegen Books
First line: There’s been a robbery at the Museum of Very Bad Smells!
Elements used: establishes a unique setting and surprises the reader
By Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
First line: It all started with a raindrop.
Elements used: engages multiple senses and makes the reader wonder something
Words by Mo Willems, art by Dan Santat
Published by union square kids
First line: Hi, Righty! Did you know…there was a time when people could get into trouble…really, really BIG trouble—For what, Lefty?
Elements used: uses unique formatting and makes the reader wonder something
By Miguel Tanco
Published by tundra
First line: My mom is a dreamer.
Elements used: makes the reader feel something and wonder something
Words by Britt Gondolfi, art by Amanda Romanick
Published by PAW PRINTS
First line: Everyone was looking down.
Elements used: makes the reader wonder something
Words by Justin Colon, art by James Rey Sanchez
Published by Disney Hyperion
First line: Carl is Bad.
Elements used: Introduces the main character and makes the reader wonder something
By Guillaume Gueraud and Alfred
Published by Floris Books
First line: We built my treehouse between the branches of a tall tree, in the forest behind my grandparents’ garden.
Elements used: establishes the setting of the story and references something with universal appeal
By Karl James Mountford
Published by Candlewick Studio
First line: “I think a storm is on its way, Rat,” Jackdaw said.
Elements used: introduces the main characters and makes the reader feel something