The Art of the Perfect Page Turn

David Salariya

Mar 145 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

I’ve know that writing a story is only half the battle - the other half lies in how the book is designed.

A well-thought-out layout can transform a simple story into an immersive experience, keeping readers engaged and eager to turn the page.

Whether you’re writing for toddlers or tweens, a picture book or a non-fiction book, mastering the art of the perfect page turn is crucial to holding the reader's attention and giving variety to the readers' reading experience.

Here I will explore why the layout of a book matters and design impacts storytelling, and what you can do to ensure your pages flow seamlessly! From font choices to strategic placement of illustrations, we'll look at the design elements that can make or break a book.

Why Page Layout Is So Important

The layout of a book is more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s a storytelling tool in itself. A well-designed page guides the reader's eye, builds anticipation, and enhances the narrative flow.

Pencil drawings to show planning stage for a children's book on Vikings by David Salariya — Pencil layouts showing thumbnail sketches at the planning stage of You Wouldn't Want To Be A Viking - Created and designed by David Salariya

In children's books, where visual appeal is just as important as the text, getting the layout right can mean the difference between a cherished bedtime favourite and a book that gets tossed aside after one read!

The Role of Layout in Storytelling

Imagine reading a suspenseful picture book where the big reveal happens on the same page as the build-up, and of course, suddenly, the excitement is lost.

This is why picture book creators often use page turns strategically to build tension, create surprise, and control the pacing.

Take, for example, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's The Gruffalo. The layout is meticulously designed to encourage children to guess what comes next.

The suspense builds on one page, and the reveal is placed after the turn, creating a rhythm that keeps young readers engaged.

Similarly, in chapter books like David Walliams' Gangsta Granny, the text layout, font size variations, and illustrations help create drama and humour, enhancing the reader's engagement and making the book feel dynamic.

Key Elements of an Effective Layout

So, what makes a book's layout successful? Whether you’re working on a picture book or a middle-grade novel, here are some key elements to consider:

1. Whitespace and Breathing Room

A cluttered page can be overwhelming, especially for young readers who are still developing their reading skills. Whitespace (the empty areas around text and images) gives the eyes a chance to rest and makes the content easier to absorb.

For example, board books like Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell use ample whitespace to direct focus and make the illustrations pop, making it easier for toddlers to engage with the story.

2. Font Choices and Readability

Choosing the right font can make or break the reading experience. A playful, bold font may work well for a younger audience, while older readers might prefer a more traditional serif typeface. The key is to ensure readability while matching the tone of the story.

Consider how books like Oi Frog! by Kes Gray and Jim Field use bold, playful fonts to complement the humorous tone, making it a joy to read aloud.

Read more in my other helpful blog below.

What Are The Best Font Choices For Children's Book Text?

3. Text Placement and Flow

Where the text is placed on the page can significantly impact how the story is experienced. Well-designed children's books often balance text and imagery in a way that naturally leads the eye across the page.

Illustrators and book designers work together to ensure that important moments aren't lost amid clutter. In books like Oliver Jeffers' Lost and Found, the text is positioned to guide the reader’s focus without overshadowing the artwork.

Discover more in

Do Children's Book Publishers Provide Illustrators? : A Guide for Aspiring Children's Book Authors

4. Strategic Page Turns

One of the most important aspects of layout design is deciding where the text and illustrations are split across pages. A compelling story often leads to natural stopping points, creating anticipation and excitement for what’s next.

Classic fairy tales and bedtime stories like Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney use page turns beautifully to build emotion and suspense.

5. Illustration Integration

In illustrated books, the artwork should complement the story rather than compete with it. Careful layout planning ensures that illustrations enhance the narrative and work seamlessly with the text.

In books like The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr, the illustrations take centre stage without overshadowing the charming text, creating a timeless reading experience.

Common Layout Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best-written story can fall flat if the layout isn't well thought out. Here are some common mistakes authors and designers should avoid:

Overcrowding the Page: Too much text or imagery can overwhelm young readers and make the book difficult to enjoy.

Inconsistent Design: Sudden changes in font style, spacing, or illustration placement can disrupt the reading experience.

Ignoring Readability: Choosing complex fonts for main text that are difficult to read can alienate younger audiences. Conversely choosing fonts which look too schoolbookish can have the same effect on young readers.

Lack of Flow: If the story doesn’t guide the reader's eye naturally from one page to the next, it can feel disjointed and hard to follow.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Page Turn

If you're working on your own children's book and want to ensure your layout enhances the storytelling experience, here are some practical tips:

Storyboard Your Layout: Sketch out how each page will look before finalising the design. This helps in planning where to place text and illustrations for maximum impact.

Test Page Turns: Read your draft aloud and test where natural pauses occur. Adjust the layout to create anticipation and surprise.

Get Feedback: Show your book to children or parents to see how they engage with the layout. Their reactions can offer valuable insights. Read my tips on reader feedback in my other helpful guide How to Handle Revisions and Feedback from Young Beta Readers

Work with Professionals: If possible, collaborate with an experienced book designer or illustrator who understands the importance of layout.

Why Layout Matters for Different Age Groups

Different age groups have different expectations when it comes to book layout.

Babies and Toddlers: Simple layouts with large, engaging visuals and minimal text work best. Think lift-the-flap books and touch-and-feel textures.

Early Readers: Clear fonts, short sentences, and supportive illustrations help build confidence in reading.

Older Children: Chapter books with well-spaced text and occasional illustrations help maintain interest without feeling too “babyish.”

I have some more useful tips on writing for specific age groups below.