"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

February 2025

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

Made for More

Words by Chloe Ito Ward, art by Gael Abary

Published by 

First line: My obaa has skin like the moon. Soft and pale, it glows and glistens like a lantern sent out to sea.

Elements used: employs poetic devices and engages multiple senses


Read Chloe's revision journey here.

This Is How We Play

Words by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, art by Kayla Harren

Published by Dial Books for Young Readers

First line: We sing, learn, sign!

Elements used: makes the reader feel something

Cookie Time

By Jessie Sima

Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

First line: Grandpa put the cookies in the oven and set the timer.

Elements used: starts in the middle of the action, establishes the setting of the story, and references something with universal appeal

On The Line

Words by Jennifer Jones and Lissette Norman, art by Robert Paul Jr.

Published by Harper

First line: What do you love doing most in the world?

Elements used: engages the reader

OAK the Littlest Leaf Girl

By Lucy Fleming

Published by Candlewick Press

First line: In the middle of the woods, a huge old oak tree stands strong.

Elements used: establishes the setting of the story, uses poetic devices, and engages multiple senses

Dive, Dive into the Night Sea

By Thea Lu

Published by Candlewick Studio

First line: Dive, dive! Dive into the night sea.

Elements used: establishes the setting of the story and engages the reader

There's a Ghost in the Garden

Words by Kyo Maclear, art by Katty Maurey

Published by Enchanted Lion Books

First line: There’s a ghost in the garden.

Elements used: establishes an unusual premise, surprises the reader, and makes the reader feel something

The Magic Callahoo

Words by Trish Cookie, art by Sophie Bass

Published by Candlewick Press

First line: Long, long ago, Somewhere far, far away, a large callaloo plant grew in the center of a small village square.

Elements used: employs fairytale language and establishes the setting of the story

A BOLD Pumpkin Plan

By Katy Hudson

Published by Capstone Editions

First line: Hedgehog was timid.

Elements used: introduces the main character and their problem, and makes the reader feel something

I'm Always Loving You

Words by Kathy Wolff, art by Acamy Schleikorn

Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

First line: I love you when you rise and shine—awake as you can get!

Elements used: establishes a rhythm that pulls the reader in and engages multiple senses