"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

September 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

Addy's Chair to Everywhere

Words by Debi Novotny, art by Jomike Tejido

Published by Free Spirit Publishing

First line: There are rocking chairs and reading chairs, haircut chairs and dentist chairs.
Elements used: Establishes a rhythm that pulls the reader in and makes the reader feel something 


Read Debi's first line revision journey here.

Daddy, Tell Me a Story

Words by Kathleen Long Bostrom, art by Ela Smietanka

Published by Worthy Kids

First line: Sophie snuggled in her father’s lap.

Elements used: makes the reader feel something, introduces the main character, and references something with universal appeal

The Truth About the Couch

By Adam Rubin

Published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons

First line: Pssst! Hey. You know what this thing is? Yeah, that’s right, it’s a couch.
Elements used: engages the reader, and makes the reader wonder something 

The Elephant and the Sea

By Ed Vere

Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers

First line: In a village by the sea, carved into the rockiest edge of land, where the waves are wild and tumbling…lives an old elephant.
Elements used: engages multiple senses, establishes the setting of the story, and surprises the reader 

When Rosie Walks George

Words by Amy Hest, art by Taeeun Yoo

Published by two lions

First line: George is old and deaf in one ear, and he doesn’t run fast anymore.

Elements used: makes the reader wonder something and feel something

Who's Walking Dawg

Words by Marie Prins, art by 

Published by Red Deer Press

First line: "Life was good for Dawg - krunchy kibble, comfy bed, tasty treats. Until one day..."
Elements used: introduces the main character and makes the reader wonder something 

Into the Goblin Market

Words by Vikki Vansickle, art by Jensine Eckwall

Published by tundra

First line: For many years, a wicked band of goblins has traversed the land.

Elements used: establishes a rhythm that pulls the reader in, esatblishes the premise of the story, and makes the reader wonder something and feel something

PUFF All About Air

By Emily Kate Moon

Published by Dial Books for Young Readers

First line: This is air.
Elements used: introduces the main character and surprises the reader 

I Love Harriet Kippley

Words by Jenny Lynn Pease, art by Alessia Girasole

Published by Free Spirit Publishing

First line: Harriet and her friends were almost ready for their art party.

Elements used: introduces the main character, makes the reader wonder something, and references something with universal appeal

A Mischief of Mice

By Christie Matheson

Published by sourcebooks jabberwocky

First line: A mischief of mice used to play in these woods.
Elements used: makes the reader wonder something and establishes the setting of the story