Concept books – in this case, books about colors – are not all that simple to write and sell. That was the lesson I learned recently after I had a GREAT IDEA for a picture book about colors, and it has gone nowhere! I share some research on COLOR books, but it applies to any concept.
A concept book’s primary purpose is to introduce/reinforce a specific area of learning. Colors, numbers, ABC, opposites, pets, and on and on, in board book format for ages 0-3. As I looked at comp titles, however, I found distinct types of books featuring colors.
Concept
This is the very simplest kind of book. There are fewer than 10 words per page, clear photos or pictures, often on a white background. They are written by an author/illustrator, or the text is compiled by publishing staff, or they are work-for-hire projects.
Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton
Here We Are: Book of Colors by Oliver Jeffers
Colors by Shelley Rotner
Hello Hello Colors by Brendan Wenzel
Simple Storyline
Teaching colors is still the central goal of the book, but the entire book is less than 5 sentences that tie the colors together in some way. They can be read to ages 1-4, even in group Storytimes, and are often perennial best sellers. Often, the background is still white, but the images may be more detailed.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Mix It Up! by Herve Tullet
Freight Train by Donald Crews
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
Complete Story
In these books, color learning is not at the center of the story but is used to enhance it. These books are best for kids who know the basic colors, about ages 3-6. The pictures are more elaborate with backgrounds and action by the characters. The author is often the illustrator.
Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung
Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds
Hello, Red Fox by Eric Carle
A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni
Continuing Series
These books are one of many concept books in a series featuring the same characters or theme. They are often developed by publishing staff or assigned by work-for-hire authors.
Spot’s Favorite Colors by Eric Hill
Maisey’s Colours by Lucy Cousins
Babies Love Colors by Michelle Rhodes-Conway
ABC Kids and The Wiggles: First Book of Colours by ABC Kids/The Wiggles
Older Kids
Ages 4-9 have picture books about colors, too, with more complicated plots. They are good for Storytime or reading with kids rather than on their own since the vocabulary is not limited.
How the Crayons Saved the Rainbow by Monica Sweeney
Never Let a Unicorn Scribble! by Diane Alber
Vivid: Poems & Notes About Color by Julie Paschkis
Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas by Jeanne Walker Harvey
I did figure out why MY book was not selling – I wrote one with a unique twist on colors, but as a board book, I was told it would be written by the staff. Sigh.
This month, choose a simple concept and see how it might be developed for different levels. Which one is your book to write?
Robin Currie is a multi-award-winning author. As a public librarian, she learned story sharing during more than 1000 story times. She has sold 1.7 M copies of her 45 traditionally published picture books and writes stories to read and read again. Her next book, Just Enough Room for Christmas, will be released September 2, 2025.
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