Plot Twists that Zing! - by Natascha Biebow

So you’ve written a picture book and it’s got a beginning, middle and an end, but it doesn’t yet zing . . .  You’re still left asking, "So what?"

What can you do?

Lately, I’ve been noticing that the picture books that tickle my fancy are those that have something extra – a twist.

Remember I blogged about creating a breakout premise? Well, if you can surprise the reader and add some humour or unpredictability to your premise, you are definitely on your way towards creating a premise that is extraordinary.

Children love extraordinary flights of the imagination. They relish the unpredictable!
Here are some ways to add a twist to your book:

1. Give your premise a twist:

If you can turn the predictable on its head, you are headed for a premise that equals a distinctive USP (unique selling point). Editors, sales people, booksellers, librarians, children and all kinds of readers just love that!

Aliens that love underpants . . .

Aliens Love Underpants by Freedman & Cort

Pirates that are . . .

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs by Andreae & Ayto

                                                                                         . . . dinosaurs!

from Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs by Andreae & Ayto

2. Give your characters a twist:

The Gruffalo really does exist . . .

from The Gruffalo by Donaldson & Sheffler

. . .  plus the tiny mouse is cleverer and braver even than this fierce-looking beastie!

The Gruffalo by Donaldson & Sheffler

This is Goldilocks’ story . . .

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems

. . . but no bears live here!

from Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems

This crocodile . . .

I Really Want to Eat a Child by Donnio and De Monfreid

. . . needs to eat bananas to get big and strong after all – not a child!

from I Really Want to Eat a Child by Donnio and De Monfreid

3. Give your plot a twist:

Two families plan to swap houses for their holiday . . .

Pirate House Swap by Longstaff & Chambers

But one is not quite what they expected . . .

Pirate House Swap by Longstaff & Chambers

Grandma mustn’t find out about the lion . . .

How to Hide a Lion from Grandma by Helen Stephens

 . . . but she has a secret too – she's hiding a bear in her bedroom!

from How to Hide a Lion from Grandma by Helen Stephens

4. Give your ending a twist:

Daisy doesn’t like peas!

Eat Your Peas by Gray & Sharratt

But she will only eat her peas if her mum eats her Brussels. 
And Mum doesn't like Brussels . . .  

from Eat Your Peas by Gray & Sharratt

But they both like pudding!

from Eat Your Peas by Gray & Sharratt

 The mammoth actually belongs to the boy . . .

A Mammoth in the Fridge by Escoffier & Maudet

. . . and he's not the only animal in the boy's bedroom!

from A Mammoth in the Fridge by Escoffier & Maudet

 A gorilla has come to visit . . .

Ding Dong Gorilla! by Robinson & Lord

. . . but not only did he make the mess – he left with the last of the pizza!

from Ding Dong Gorilla! by Robinson & Lord

Billy warned Dad that there were all kinds of sea creatures in his birthday bucket . . .

Billy's Bucket by Gray & Parsons

. . . but Dad borrowed it to clean the car anyway . . .

from Billy's Bucket by Gray & Parsons

What others can you think of?

Give it a twist and it will zing!
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Natascha Biebow

Author, Editor and Mentor

Blue Elephant Storyshaping is an editing, coaching and mentoring service aimed at empowering writers and illustrators to fine-tune their work pre-submission. Check out my NEW small group coaching courses!

Natascha is also the author of Elephants Never Forget and Is This My Nose?, editor of numerous award-winning children’s books, and Regional Advisor (Chair) of SCBWI British Isles.  www.blueelephantstoryshaping.com