Children can tap into their inner Creative Monster and come on a journey to learn all about writing great stories and creating magical characters.
Creative Writing Magic is packed with information all about different writing techniques, plotting, and character development, but because of the fun and engaging way it is presented, it never feels overwhelming or difficult.
Andy Jones speaks directly to the reader in his short conversational chapters, while Olaf Falafel’s cute and hilarious illustrations help to illuminate the ideas.
The guide begins with the basic ingredients for a good story – goals, struggles and obstacles.
Then Jones takes a deeper dive into the nuts and bolts of writing; creating minor characters, using progressive complications, and the use of portmanteaus (combining two words to make a new one e.g. Helephants, which are of course hairy elephants).
There are chapters on creating tension, writing non-boring exposition, and even what to do when you are finding it hard to get started. Bum Glue anyone?
Story prompts are scattered throughout the book, designed to get kids writing fast and freely. There are also exercises to explain concepts such as cliches and unneeded adverbs, helping children to think about recognising these in their own writing.
This fun and comprehensive book could be used in schools, libraries and classrooms, as well as in the home. The chapters can be read in sequential order, but children could also dip in and out, depending on what skills they are working on.
A wonderful book for budding writers, young and old.
Title: Creative Writing Magic: 80 Tips and Tricks for Young Writers
Author: Andy Jones
Illustrator: Olaf Falafel
Publisher: Walker Books, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781406396638
For ages: 9-12
Type: Junior non-fiction
