Finding the right title is often the last thing you think about — and yet it's the first thing everyone reads.
Whether you're creating a book to give your child as a gift or planning to publish it, the title does all the heavy lifting. It makes people want to open the book (or not). It captures the essence of the story in just a few words. And most importantly, it sticks in your mind.
The good news: it's a skill you can develop. Here's how.
What makes a bad title (and why we all fall into the same traps)
Before searching for the right one, let's look at what doesn't work.
Too vague. "Leo's Adventure" or "Zoe's Story" — cute, but they say nothing. Thousands of books could have those names. Nothing sets yours apart. Too long. A ten-word title is impossible to remember. A four-year-old can't repeat it to their teacher. If you find yourself having to summarize it when you mention it, that's a bad sign. Too descriptive. "The Day Tom Lost His Stuffed Animal and Learned to Be Brave" — that's a plot summary, not a title. A title makes people want to discover the story; it doesn't give it away upfront.The method for finding a title that hooks
You don't need to be a marketing genius. There are a few formulas that consistently work in children's literature.
The name + situation formula
Simple and effective: the main character's name followed by a concrete situation or problem.
"Malo and the Monster Under the Bed", "Nour Won't Go to Sleep", "Oscar Swallowed a Star".
It works because it's instantly clear. You know who it's about and what's happening. And if the character shares the name of the child you're giving the book to, the effect is even stronger.
The question formula
"Why Do Lions Roar?", "Where Did Grandpa's Hugs Go?", "What If We Moved to the Moon?"
A question automatically sparks curiosity. The child (and the adult reading the cover) wants to know the answer. It's a simple mechanism — and a devastatingly effective one.
The magical or unexpected object formula
Take an everyday object and add something extraordinary to it.
"The Umbrella That Talked", "Grandma's Suitcase", "Thursday Morning Socks".
The unexpected catches the eye. A slightly quirky or funny title stands out on a shelf. It gives the impression that something original is about to happen.
The superlative formula
"The Biggest Fear in the World", "The Best Cake in the Universe", "The Longest Night of All Time".
Kids love exaggeration. "The biggest", "the best", "never ever" — these phrases speak directly to their imagination.
The 3-second rule
Once you have a shortlist of candidate titles, apply this blunt test: show each title to someone who doesn't know your story. You have 3 seconds. Do they understand what it's about? Do they smile or raise an eyebrow?
If the answer to both is no, the title doesn't pass.
You can also test it with the child themselves. Kids are disarmingly honest — if a title leaves them cold, they'll let you know without pulling any punches.
To sharpen your narrative structure before even choosing a title, the guide to writing a children's story can help you clarify what your book is really about.
The 5 questions to ask before committing
- Can a child in the target age group repeat it from memory?
- Does it make you want to read more without giving everything away?
- Does it sound good out loud (rhythm, flow)?
- Is it unique — or do 10 other books share the same name?
- Does it reflect the mood of the book (funny, gentle, adventurous)?
What if you're completely stuck?
It happens. Here are a few concrete ways to get unstuck:
Flip through your favorite passages. There's often a phrase, an image, or an expression that captures everything. It might just become your title. List 20 words connected to the story — characters, places, emotions, objects. Combine them two by two. Sometimes the magic appears out of nowhere. Look at the titles of books you love. Not to copy them, but to understand what creates that irresistible pull in your genre.If you're using MakerBook to create your story, the tool gives you a narrative framework that makes finding the right title much easier — because the story itself is better structured from the start.
Frequently asked questions
Can a title be just a name?
It's risky. A name on its own ("Theo", "Emma") tells you absolutely nothing about the story. Unless the name is very unusual or belongs to an already well-known character, it's better to pair it with an extra element.
How do I know if my title is already taken?
Search for it on Google and on Amazon. Titles aren't legally protected, but sharing a name with a famous book can cause confusion. Also check on Goodreads or other book databases.
Can the title change after the book is created?
Yes — and it's actually recommended to finalize it last. Many authors find their best title once the story is complete, because that's when they can truly see what lies at the heart of it.
Does a children's book need a subtitle?
Not really. Subtitles are most useful for non-fiction or educational picture books ("The Seasons — Discover Nature"). For fiction, one strong title is always more impactful.
