Thinking of creating a children’s storybook with AI art? Then you shouldn’t just type ‘children’s storybook style’ into Midjourney or DALL·E3 prompt and call it a day.
This is because the default style these AI generators create can be way too detailed for a kid’s book. You want something simpler and more relatable for the younger crowd. Older kids might appreciate more complexity, but even then, the typical AI-generated style screams ‘I’m AI-generated!’
So, I’ve put together 13 best illustration art styles that will make your children’s book stand out from the crowd.
Note: the images below were created with Midjourney V6 and Niji V5. The style of your children’s storybook illustration will vary, depending on the ai art generator you use.
Flat vector
This is the most common type of art used for children’s books. You can find it in all types of children’s books, from activity books to storybooks. The colors are simple, and if you’re creating a print book, it works really well. You can target any age group with this style, from babies to toddlers to 10-year-olds, or even teenagers.
Colored line art
This art style combines the clarity of line art with some color; using colored outlines to define shapes and add depth. This style is perfect for young readers, as the bright outlines make characters and objects pop off the page. It’s ideal for storybooks where you want simplicity with a playful twist, suitable for toddlers to early readers.
Digital painting
This art style is a very popular choice for children’s books. It offers a wide range of possibilities, from soft, painterly effects to sharp, detailed illustrations. Whether you’re creating a whimsical fairy tale or an adventurous journey, using the digital painting can bring your story to life with depth and realism. This style works well for a broad age range, from toddlers to teenagers, depending on the complexity of your prompt.
Line art
Most people, when they think of line art, think of coloring books. But you can also use line art in your storybooks, especially if you’re targeting older kids. Line art has a bit of realism, but you can also use it in a simplistic way to tell stories. Line art books are good for older kids, not younger ones, because younger kids love to look at colors. Unless you are creating a storybook coloring book, in that case, simple line art is fine.
Dry pastel
The Dry Pastel art style brings a soft, textured look to your illustrations, reminiscent of traditional pastel drawings. This style is ideal for creating warm, cozy atmospheres in children’s books, especially for bedtime stories or books with a gentle, comforting theme. The colors in Dry Pastel art are often muted and blended, giving the illustrations a dreamy, soft-focus effect. This style works well for storybooks aimed at younger children, from babies to five-year-olds; it perfectly complements any good calm and nurturing narratives story.
Naive and wonky
The Naive and Wonky art style is all about embracing imperfection. This style is characterized by exaggerated proportions, quirky shapes, and a playful, childlike quality. It’s perfect for your children’s books that create a sense of whimsy and innocence. The simplicity of the lines and the intentional lack of realism make it accessible and engaging for younger audiences. The quirky nature of Naive and Wonky art is great for both toddlers and young children below twelve years.
Loose and sketchy
The Loose and Sketchy art style is all about capturing the essence of a scene with minimal details. This style gives illustrations a raw, energetic feel, often leaving lines and strokes visible to convey movement and spontaneity. It’s perfect for books that have a playful, light-hearted tone, as the style itself feels informal and fun. Loose and Sketchy art is ideal for storybooks for younger children who enjoy lively, animated visuals. This style is also great for educational books or activity books where the illustrations need to be engaging but not overly detailed.
Realistic
If you are targeting teenagers or kids above 10 years old, then this is the style you want to explore. The realistic style is almost like a photograph or a digital painting, but it has a lot of details. The details tell the story in unique ways.
The only problem I’ve found with the realistic art style for storybooks is consistency. Because it has so many details, many AI generators struggle to keep the style consistent and interpret the details correctly. So be mindful when you’re trying to use a realistic art style for your storybook.
Realistic colored sketch
The Realistic Colored Sketch art style combines the detail and accuracy of realism with the dynamic, hand-drawn quality of sketches. This style is characterized by detailed line work enhanced with subtle coloring, creating illustrations that feel both lifelike and artistic. It’s perfect for children’s books that want to convey a more serious or mature tone while still maintaining creativity. This style is especially suited for older kids, from eight years and up, who appreciate more detailed and sophisticated artwork.
Textured vector
This is one of my favorite art styles. If you want to create books for toddlers, this art style is perfect. It has beautiful textures that make it so adorable. The colors are not just bright; they are also saturated with little details.
Manga
This style is closely related to Anime style but is specifically tailored to the comic book or graphic novel format. Manga art is typically black and white, with a strong emphasis on line work and shading. This style is great for older kids and teens who enjoy more complex stories with a graphic novel feel. Manga can range from lighthearted and fun to dark and intense, so it’s important to consider your target audience when choosing this style. For children’s storybooks, a more simplified Manga style with clear lines and expressive characters can be very effective.
Watercolor
The watercolor art style is very unique. It has its own properties but, you can also use it for children’s storybooks. If you’re creating books for kids between the ages of two to eight, this is an ideal style to use.
Anime
The Anime art style is usually associated with Japanese animated movies. Known for its expressive characters, big eyes, and dynamic poses, Anime is a favorite among kids and teens alike. This style can vary greatly, from cute and chibi (small and cute characters) to more detailed and dramatic, making it suitable for a range of age groups. For younger children, you might want to stick with a simpler, cuter Anime style, while for older kids and teens, a more detailed and dynamic approach could be more appealing.
To conclude
Diving into the world of children’s storybook illustrations with AI doesn’t have to mean sticking to the same old styles. By exploring these unique AI art styles, you’re set to create a storybook that captures the attention of kids.
To use these styles in midjourney, you should add "(style) children's story book" to your prompt. For example; "anime children's story book".
With the right approach and a bit of editing magic, your book will not only capture the imagination of its young readers but also increase your chances of making more sales.
Hi, I’m Blessing, a pro writer and graphic designer turned AI EXPERT! My passion is helping you unlock the full potential of AI tools to elevate your skills and create a successful side hustle or brand.
I skip the hype and focus on what truly works, bringing you the best tools to 10x your creativity.