When I create characters like Sleepy Ann, Sam, or Mama Kitty, my goal is always the same: make them feel real enough that kids see themselves—or someone they love—in the story.
Main Points:
Emotions Come First: Children may not always relate to the situation, but they’ll always connect with the feeling. Whether it’s fear, excitement, jealousy, or joy, I try to tap into emotions that feel authentic.
Inspired by Real Life: Many of my characters are based on real animals or people in my life. I think that truth—no matter how small—makes the characters more grounded.
Flaws Make Them Believable: A perfect character doesn’t teach much. I want my characters to mess up, try again, and grow. That’s where kids learn.
Consistency Builds Trust: Kids are sharp. If a character changes in a way that doesn’t make sense, they’ll notice. I focus on keeping personalities true across the story.
Closing:
Relatable characters are the bridge between fantasy and real life. When children see themselves in a story, they’re more likely to carry its message with them long after the book is closed.