"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
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
uses fairytale language
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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