When psychologists study how people remember things, they’ve discovered something fascinating:
We don’t remember everything equally.
We tend to remember the beginning and the ending best.
Everything in the middle?
Often… a blur.
This is called the Serial Position Effect — and once you understand it, it can quietly transform the way you write children’s books.
Let’s explore how.
🧠 How Young Brains Remember Stories
When a child hears or reads a story, their brain isn’t recording it like a video camera.
It’s picking highlights.
And research shows those highlights usually come from:
- The first part (what grabs attention)
- The last part (what lingers emotionally)
Think of it like a sandwich:
The bread is remembered.
The filling is enjoyed… but often forgotten.
📖 Why Your Opening Page Is So Powerful
The first page does three critical jobs:
- It sets emotional tone
- It builds curiosity
- It earns attention
If your opening is flat, children may:
- Fidget
- Tune out
- Ask for another book
- Wander off mentally
But a strong opening says:
“Something interesting is happening. Stay with me.”
Great openings often include:
- A question
- A mystery
- A funny moment
- A surprising image
- A character in trouble
Example:
“Ellie had never planned to get lost… especially not before breakfast.”
Instant curiosity.
🌟 Why the Last Page Shapes the Whole Book
Here’s the secret many writers miss:
Children judge the whole story by how it ends.
The final page becomes:
- The emotional memory
- The takeaway
- The “feeling” of the book
If the ending is weak, rushed, or dull, the entire story feels weaker — even if the middle was brilliant.
A strong ending can:
- Make kids want a re-read
- Spark conversation
- Create attachment
- Build loyalty to your books
❤️ Where to Put Your “Message” (Hint: Not in the Middle)
Many writers hide the main lesson halfway through.
But children are least likely to remember the middle.
If your story has a theme — courage, kindness, persistence, friendship — place it:
✔ In the opening
✔ Reinforced at the ending
Example structure:
Beginning:
“Max was afraid of everything.”
Ending:
“Max still felt afraid… but now he knew he could try anyway.”
The lesson sticks.
🧩 How This Helps With Picture Books Especially
Picture books are perfect for this effect because:
- Short length
- Visual memory
- Repeated reading
Children often remember:
- The first picture
- The last picture
So make them count.
Ask yourself:
“If a child only remembers two pages, would I be happy with those?”
If yes → you’re doing it right.