Kneading Stories: How Children's Books are Written

Ever wondered how children's books are written? The inspiration for the story "Living Dough" came from imagining what might happen if that dough suddenly came to life.

Ina Chitenco

11/10/20241 min read

A woman smiling, holding a children's book titled "Living Dough," with a dough face on the table.
A woman smiling, holding a children's book titled "Living Dough," with a dough face on the table.

Have you wondered how children’s books are written?

There are no ready recipes for that. I think all books for children are made of sparkles of the author’s childhood, a handful of the real world peppered with the imagination of this adult boy or girl, and the desire to share joy with their young readers.

My first tale was born in the kitchen, among familiar things and routine activities. I was kneading warm, savoury, fluffy dough, and my son was playing with small pieces that I cut from its round sides. Then, one moment, I thought, “What would it be like if our dough came to life? What would little Stevie do?” This is how I came up with a tale that smelt like a cozy home, fresh buns, and frosty air.

Check out Living Dough for a fun, heartwarming story to enjoy with your family. Bring a little magic to your storytime and see where Stevie’s adventures take you!