Writing Chapter Books for 6-9 year olds
Writing Chapter Books for 6-9 year olds is ideal for anyone wanting to know how to create a chapter book series for early readers
You will:
Learn how to write a book that 6 to 9 year olds will love
Discover what goes into a story that enthrals younger readers
Find out how to work with illustrations
Receive personalised feedback on a writing exercise.
And much more.
“I have started writing my first chapter book! This course gave me confidence to give it a go.”
– Joanna Donaldson, Writing Chapter Books for 6-9 year olds graduate
See more reviews
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Write chapter books that spark a lifetime love of reading in 6–9 year olds
Kids aged 6–9 are transitioning from picture books to their first independent reading – this is your chance to write stories that make them feel big and brave. In Writing Chapter Books for 6–9 Year Olds, award-winning author and educator Lesley Gibbes shows you how to craft illustrated stories that excite, motivate and inspire early readers.
Why this course is a must
This self-paced course is designed to give you the exact guidance you need – whether you’re a beginner or have some writing experience. It goes beyond theory, delivering the hands-on instruction and storytelling frameworks that actually work in today’s early-chapter-book market.
Lesley Gibbes
Children’s author. Her Fizz series has sold more than 300,000 copies internationally.
What you’ll discover in the course
Understand your readers and write with clarity
- Explore what ages 6–9 really need from vocabulary, pacing, sentence structure and tone.
- Recognise the chapter book format: short stories with illustrations, engaging text, and just the right complexity.
- Learn the magic of chapter hooks – those little cliffhangers that keep young readers turning pages.
Craft stories that read big using a tight word count
- Set up your story quickly, create fast-paced plots and use streamlined ideas to stay within word limits.
- Work with illustrations as a storytelling tool – not just decoration – and learn how visuals and text can support each other.
- Choose themes that resonate with this age group – fun, quirky, adventure, humour – without writing content that’s more suitable for older readers.
Visualise your story as a series – and think like a reader
- Discover what makes a chapter book series succeed (and keep your idea open for sequels).
- Learn to structure story arcs across multiple books, maintaining consistency and freshness.
- Avoid common pitfalls: series ideas that wrap everything in Book One or concepts that simply don’t expand well.
What’s included and how it works
- Almost 2.5 hours of lesson content – audio or video, learn on your schedule.
- Nine supporting handouts full of tips, templates and examples.
- Personalised tutor feedback on a writing exercise to sharpen your learning.
- Access to the materials for 12 months so you can revisit whenever you need a boost.
Who this course is for
- New writers who dream of creating their own chapter book series.
- Picture book authors ready to write longer stories.
- Parents or educators who want to tell stories that support early independent reading.
- Any writer seeking a structured, fun and expert-led intro into writing for 6–9 year olds.
Ready to write stories that kids can’t put down?
Chapter books are many children’s first taste of independent reading – and your story could be the one that sparks it.
Click here to enrol in Writing Chapter Books for 6–9 Year Olds today.
Skills snapshot – what you’ll master
- Write engaging, illustrated chapter books with strong pacing.
- Create irresistible hooks to keep early readers turning pages.
- Select themes and language perfect for newly independent readers.
- Plan ideas that work as a single book or a series.
- Collaborate confidently with illustrators and structure story arcs across chapters.
“Lesley Gibbes was a personable, knowledgeable and highly engaging presenter. She demonstrated a wealth of knowledge about chapter books beyond her own titles. The most enjoyable part was delving into the details about chapter books, and hearing Lesley’s tips on word choices, themes and sentence structure.”
Liz Ledden
Reviews of Writing Chapter Books for 6-9 year olds
“Lesley Gibbes was a personable, knowledgeable and highly engaging presenter. She demonstrated a wealth of knowledge about chapter books beyond her own titles. The most enjoyable part was delving into the details about chapter books, and hearing Lesley’s tips on word choices, themes and sentence structure.”
– Liz Ledden
– Debra Tidball
– Kerry Malone
– Bridget White
How our “self-paced courses” work
This is one of AWC’s 60+ “self-paced” online courses. But what does that mean? Allow us to explain:
“I loved Lesley’s nuts and bolts, no-waffle approach. She knew her subject matter inside out, and her key points were effectively communicated.”
Debra Tidball
About course creator Lesley Gibbes
Lesley Gibbes is an internationally published children’s author and primary school teacher. Her books include the hilarious chapter book series Fizz, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (CBCA Notable Book, Younger Readers) and picture books Dinosaur Dads, Three Little Mermaids, Searching for Cicadas, Bouncing Bouncing Little Joeys, Fluke, Little Bear’s First Sleep (CBCA Notable Book, Early Childhood), Quick As A Wink Fairy Pink, Bring A Duck and Scary Night (CBCA Early Childhood Book of the Year, Honour Book). She has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney and 16 years’ teaching experience in Primary Education.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: I’m a complete beginner. Will this course suit me?
A: Yes, welcome! If you have an interest in writing books for the 6-9 age group, you’ll love this course. It has been designed as an introduction to the popular category of chapter books, with no prior knowledge necessary. You’ll learn what goes into a successful story that kids, parents, teachers and publishers love.
Q: Will I receive feedback on my writing?
A: You can complete this course in your own time over 12 months. When you’re ready, there is a small writing exercise to complete to cement your learning – and presenter Lesley Gibbes will provide you with feedback.
Q: I want to write for children but how do I work out which writing course is right for me and my book?
A: Children’s fiction is separated into a number of different categories, depending on the age range of the reader. We have a course to guide you in every one of these categories:
- Writing Picture Books is perfect if you’d like to write illustrated books for younger readers (aged under 6)
- Writing Chapter Books for 6-9 year olds will help you write a book series for newly independent readers (ages 6-9, as suggested by the course name!)
- Writing Middle Grade Fiction covers writing middle grade stories in the vein of Nevermoor, Wonder or the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series (ages 8-13)
- Writing Young Adult Fiction is for people keen to write for teenagers (all the way from 13 to almost-adults!)
If you’re not sure which area you might like to write in, one of the best ways to decide is to think about your protagonist. Kids like to read up a bit (that is, read a little older than they are) so if your protagonist is 10, you’re likely writing either a chapter book or children’s novel. If your protagonist is 16, then it falls into YA.
The AWC methodology
We truly believe that every person needs to tap into their own creative intuition. It’s YOUR ideas and imagination that will make your stories unique – and find your voice in your writing. However, we also know there are clear frameworks and techniques that will make you a better writer. AWC’s methodology will equip you with the right tools and skills you need, but also show you how to harness the creative process and tap into your own innate talents.“Lesley gave us all the information we needed to write our chapter books. Australian Writers’ Centre courses are full of fabulous information and are easy to work through.”
Kerry Malone
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Duration 1
Online self-paced course with tutor feedback
Duration:
Your 12 months' access begins straight away
Feedback on your writing:
Yes
Course Creator: Lesley Gibbes $295 | |||||
