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How to Write a Children’s Book Using AI (Without Losing the Magic)
- Erin MacNab
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 19
“Technology might write the words—but the heart of the story? That’s still all you.”
Ever dreamed of writing a children’s book, but felt overwhelmed by the blank page? Maybe you have ideas but struggle with plot structure, pacing, or finding the right words for little readers.
Good news: You can absolutely write a book using AI—and still make it wildly imaginative, deeply personal, and full of heart.
This blog post will walk you through how to write a children’s book using AI while answering key questions about the process, creativity, and yes—legality.
Key Takeaways
📚 You can use AI to write a children’s book—ethically and legally
📝 Use it for ideas, structure, and page-by-page drafting
🎨 Consider AI for illustration inspiration or early mockups
💡 AI doesn’t replace your voice—it helps express it faster
🌟 The most magical stories still come from the human heart
Can You Use AI to Write a Book?
Yes—you can. In fact, more and more authors (especially self-published creators) are using AI tools to help with:
Story outlines
Character ideas
Sentence structure
Age-appropriate language
Illustration prompts
Book titles and back cover blurbs
You can use tools like ChatGPT, Sudowrite, or Claude to generate text based on your input—and tweak it to match your tone and message.
Think of AI as your co-writer, not your replacement. You’re the storyteller. AI just helps you bring it to life faster.
How to Write a Children’s Book Using AI (Step-by-Step)
1. Start With Your Spark
Begin with an idea, theme, or lesson. What’s the heart of your story? Is it about kindness? Courage? A magical hedgehog with a lemonade stand?
You can even prompt AI with:
“Give me 3 imaginative story ideas for a children’s book about bravery for ages 5–7.”
2. Build a Simple Outline
Use AI to help map out:
The beginning (intro character and setting)
The middle (conflict or lesson)
The end (resolution + emotional takeaway)
Prompt idea:
“Create a 3-act story structure for a children’s book about a shy dragon who finds her voice.”
3. Write Page-by-Page with Prompts
Instead of drafting the whole thing at once, go slow and give AI page-specific instructions:
“Write 1–2 short, rhyming sentences for the first page of a book about a bear who opens a bakery.”
This keeps things age-appropriate, digestible, and fun.
4. Polish With Your Voice
AI will get you close—but you add the soul. Edit for rhythm, personality, and tone. Read it aloud. Would a child giggle at this? Would they understand?
The best AI-assisted stories still sound like you—just a faster, less frustrated version.
5. Use AI for Illustrations (or Prompts for Your Illustrator)
Tools like MidJourney, DALL·E, or Canva can help generate whimsical art styles. You can either:
Use AI art directly (great for zines or quick eBooks)
Or use it as inspiration to share with a human illustrator
Prompt idea:
“Create a soft watercolor-style image of a frog and a fox having tea in a forest.”
Is It Legal to Use AI to Write a Book?
Ah, the big question—and the short answer is: yes, it’s legal. But here’s what you should know:
✅ You own the text you generate with tools like ChatGPT (as long as you input the prompts).
✅ You can self-publish AI-assisted books on most platforms (including Amazon KDP).
❌ Some AI-generated art tools have murky copyright terms, so read the fine print if you use their images commercially.
🎨 Best practice? Be transparent and add your own creative touch to avoid any legal gray areas.
Final Thoughts: AI Can Help You Share Your Story—Not Replace It
At the end of the day, AI is a tool. A fun, futuristic, helpful tool—but it’s your imagination, values, and sense of wonder that make a children’s book meaningful.
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