"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

July 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

BUILDING A BEAK:
HOW A TOUCAN'S RESCUE INSPIRED THE WORLD

Words by Becca McMurdie, art by Diana Hernandez

Published by Page Street Kids

First line: High in the Costa Rican treetops, a toucan named Grecia soared from branch to branch, picked berries, preened her feathers, and sang for all the creatures of the rainforest.

Elements used: establishes the setting of the story, engages multiple senses, and introduces the main character

Read Becca's first line revision journey here.

Tate's Wild Rescue

Words by Jenny Turnbull, art by Izzy Burton

Published by Crown Books for Young Readers

First line: Tate loved animals. Cats, turtles, hamsters, bunnies . . but the wild ones were her favorite.

Elements used: references something with universal appeal and makes the reader feel something and wonder something

The Wild Ones

By Megan Lacera & Jorge Lacera

Published by Children’s Book Press

First line: Hi! My name is Valentina.

Elements used: introduces the main character

Rhythm

Words by Jackie Azua Kramer, art by Taia Morley

Published by Magination Press

First line: It was the first frost.

Elements used: employs poetic devices and establishes the setting of the story

Leo the Lazy Lizard

Words by Ed Shankman, art by Dave O’Neill

Published by arcadia children’s books

First line: The desert’s a place full of wide-open space—which is great for a hike, or a game, or a race.

Elements used: establishes a rhythm that pulls the reader in, uses poetic devices, and establishes the setting of the story

Two Together

By Brendan Wenzel

Published by chronicle books

First line: Two together headed home.

Elements used: makes the reader wonder something and employs poetic devices

When I See You

Words by Brynne Barnes, art by Brianna McCarthy

Published by A Denene Millner Book

First line: Where do you come from, little bird, like a ticklefeather in flight?

Elements used: makes the reader wonder something

The Vibes Book

Words by Hannah Clarke, art by Aki

Published by bala kids

First line: Vibes are a special kind of energy.

Elements used: establishes a unique premise

Was It A Cat I Saw?

Words by Laura Bontje, art by Emma Lidia Squillari

Published by amicus INK

First line: Anything Hannah could do forwards, she could do backwards, too.

Elements used: hints at a unique premise

The WRONG Book

Words by Drew Daywalt, art by Alex Willmore

Published by Philomel

First lines: This is an apple.