Is it a good idea to use a cliffhanger ending in a picture book?
At first glance, you might think the answer is no. Picture book writers know young readers need a satisfying ending. They need an ending that resolves the main conflict and leaves them feeling that the story has reached a natural conclusion.
And that’s generally true.
A picture book isn’t the place to leave your young reader wondering, Wait…what happened? If the protagonist’s problem hasn’t been resolved, the story will feel incomplete or frustrating.
But there’s an important exception: series picture books.
If you’re writing a picture book that is intended to be the first in a series, you can provide a satisfying resolution while still leaving an open window to the next adventure.
HOW DO YOU LEAVE AN OPEN WINDOW?
It’s essential to resolve the story before leaving a slight opening to the next story. This slight opening is a teaser.
The key is to distinguish between a cliffhanger and a teaser for what’s next.
A true cliff-hanger leaves the current story unresolved.
For example, imagine a picture book about a little girl who loves to discover things but is limited to her backyard. She discovers insects, a rabbit burrow, a bird’s nest, and then one day, a mysterious door in an old oak tree. She’s thrilled and opens it. There is a swirling portal on the other side. The End.
This is a true cliffhanger. It’s not satisfying. The reader has been led toward a problem or mystery, but the story hasn’t delved into it or resolved anything. In fact, it leaves unanswered questions.
A teaser: instead of an unresolved ending, suppose the story is about the girl’s fear of exploring the strange door. During the story, she learns to be brave enough to step through it. She discovers an enchanted forest, helps a young, lost lamb find its flock, and returns safely home.
The conflict is her fear of the unknown. And it’s been resolved.
Then, on the final page, she notices something unusual.
A tiny sparkling footprint appears on her bedroom windowsill. She smiles.
Maybe tomorrow, she’ll find out where it came from. This is a teaser ending.
Now the reader has a satisfying ending and a reason to look forward to the next book.
THINK “TEASER,” NOT “A SWIRLING PORTAL FULL OF THE UNKNOWN”
One way to think about a series ending is to imagine that you’ve closed one door while leaving another slightly open.
The first book should answer the question it asks.
If the story is about whether a child can overcome a fear, solve a problem, make a friend, or accomplish a goal, the story should answer that central question by the end.
But you can introduce a new question that belongs to the next adventure.
For example, a picture book might follow a boy who is searching for the compass his father gave him. Instead, he finds a yellow, glowing rock that has magical powers. By the end, he figures out how to use the rock to find the compass (the immediate problem) and returns home safely.
The story is complete.
But as he puts the rock on his nightstand, it begins to glow again. He looks at it. This time, the light is blue.
Turn the page. The End.
The first story is resolved, but the ending creates curiosity and anticipation about what might happen next.
This works well for children’s series books.
DON’T LET THE CLIFFHANGER TEMPT YOU
The temptation with a series is to make the ending so dramatic that children have to read the next book. But a picture book doesn’t need a drastic cliffhanger, especially when writing for young children.
For example: “Suddenly, the rock began to shake and crack open! To be continued…” or “Find out in the next book…”
This scenario creates anxiety.
Young readers should be able to close the book and feel satisfied—even if they never read another book in the series.
The next adventure should feel like a bonus, not the missing final piece of the current story.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE A SATISFYING ENDING?
A good test is to ask: If this were the only book in the series a child ever read, would the ending still feel complete?
If the answer is yes, you’ve probably found the right balance.
A satisfying ending gives young readers emotional closure. A small mystery, surprising discovery, or glimpse of what’s ahead gives them something to look forward to.
And that’s a powerful way to end a series picture book.
Resolve today’s adventure. Then leave the window open just wide enough for tomorrow’s.
Here is an excellent example that perfectly illustrates this technique:
“If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff
• The Satisfying Ending: After a chaotic and stressful day, an exhausted boy finally satisfies the mouse, cleans up, and all is calm. The primary conflict is resolved.
• The Teaser: On the very last page, the now thirsty mouse looks at a cookie and asks for a glass of milk. This subtly brings the boy right back to the beginning of the next cycle.
SUMMING IT UP
Giving a child a satisfying ending with full closure is essential to writing a children’s book. But if you’re writing a picture book series that leads the reader to the next adventure, that’s good marketing.
The key is to do it subtly: end the story with a satisfying ending, then give a glimpse of the next adventure.
Five Types of Children’s Story Endings with Examples
Children’s Series Characters: Why Kids Love Them and How to Write Them
Children’s Book Series and Book Sales
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, book doctor, editor, and self-publishing consultant. I help turn your idea, outline, or manuscript into a book you’ll be proud to call your own—and provide hands-on guidance through every step of the self-publishing process.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A 200+ page book that will help you write your own children’s book.
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK AND CHAPTER BOOK COACHING
4- to 12-week programs
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING CONSULTING AND SERVICES
Guidance and more for children’s authors (specializing in picture books and chapter books)
You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.
