Stronger Kidlit Writing: Active vs Passive Voice | How Voice Fixes Children’s Writing

Is your children's writing writing feeling a little sleepy?

In this video, we dig deep into the craft of writing picture books by exploring the active and passive voice.

You’ll learn how each voice changes clarity, pacing, rhythm, and emotion, and how you can use both intentionally to strengthen your storytelling.

📌 In this video, I'll explain:

• What the active and passive voice actually are, with simple kidlit-friendly definitions
• How sentence structure changes the pace, energy, and tone of a picture book
• When passive voice hurts clarity, and when it adds mystery, softness, or emphasis
• Three sample paragraphs using all active, mostly passive, and a balanced mix
• How to revise your manuscript using “the lens of voice”
• Questions to ask yourself when deciding which voice best serves the story
• Slide-ready examples you can use as a reference while you write
• Why passive voice is a tool, not a mistake, when used with intention


💡 If you want to grow your skills as a picture-book writer, explore my Writing Picture Books playlist where we dive into narrative craft, editing techniques, pacing, pagination, and more. You’ll also find helpful resources and printables to support your writing and revision process.

🔗 Website:
https://picturebookcreators.com/

🔗 Printable Resources:

✷Writing Exercises: https://picturebookcreators.gumroad.c...
✷Story Builder Template: https://picturebookcreators.gumroad.c...
✷WHY Guide Mission Statement Template: https://picturebookcreators.gumroad.c...
✷Pagination Planner: https://picturebookcreators.gumroad.c...
✷ 3-Day Concept Book Challenge: https://picturebookcreators.gumroad.c...


🔗 Writing Class Playlist:

   • FREE CLASS | Writing Picture Books  

🔗 MJ’s Picture Books:

✷ A Busy Day in ABC Woods [USA Amazon]: https://amzn.to/3Uy6WXj
✷ A Busy Day in ABC Woods [Canada Amazon]: https://amzn.to/3UyBqZh
✷ Wait Darling Wait [USA Amazon]: https://amzn.to/3R2jd4Y
✷ Wait Darling Wait [Canada Amazon]: https://amzn.to/48pwHOQ
✷ Let’s Sourdough [USA Amazon]: http://bit.ly/4nhw93V
✷ Let’s Sourdough [Canada Amazon]: http://bit.ly/47egZWR

🎉 Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications so you never miss a video about picture book creation.💬 I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment and tell me about your picture book process! Let’s chat! 👇