101 Fun Words for Picture Book Authors

Ask almost any fan of picture books and they'll tell you: fun and interesting language is a key ingredient in the best picture book stories.

Picture books, though often targeted at young children who are just learning how to read, don't have to be full of simple, common, everyday words. They don't have to be easy for a five or six year old to read, and their language doesn't have to be limited only to words that a first or second grader will understand. After all, one of the benefits of reading and being read to for a child is that it helps develop his or her language skills.

Of course, context is important. And unfamiliar, exotic vocabulary should be used within reasonable limits so as not to overwhelm your audience with new verbiage. So, with that in mind, here is a list of 101 words that are fun to say AND hear, and that you should not be afraid to use in your picture book manuscripts!

1. Serendipity
2. Monstrous
3. Monstrosity
4. Galactic
5. Reptillian
6. Gargantuan
7. Amphibious
8. Rickety
9. Trickery
10. Misdeed
11. Dastardly
12. Hankerin'
13. Delectable
14. Stupendous
15. Bamboozle
16. Tirade
17. Goose pimple
18. Pucker
19. Salivate
20. Divy
21. Clamber
22. Rambunctious
23. Stealthy
24. Serenade
25. Despicable
26. Kerfuffle
27. Brouhaha
28. Atrocious
29. Beastly
30. Immense
31. Colossal
32. Minuscule
33. Paltry
34. Shrill
35. Petite
36. Precipitation
37. Anticipation
38. Tempest
39. Whimsical
40. Humdinger
41. Whopper
42. Stegosaurus
43. Gale
44. Arachnid
45. Vermin
46. Ruffian
47. Rapscallion
48. Skirmish
49. Lugubrious
50. Stalemate
51. Exotic
52. Excelsior
53. Epic
54. Morose
55. Wretched
56. Infectious
57. Exhilarating
58. Blustery
59. Indeed
60. Resolute
61. Valiant
62. Vigorous
63. Robust
64. Accelerate
65. Quagmire
66. Jurassic
67. Jaunt
68. Barricade
69. Revamp
70. Quirky
71. Swoop
72. Bodacious
73. Ramble
74. Throttle
75. Illustrious
76. Crustaceous
77. Rhythmic
78. Timber
79. Briny
80. Thicket
81. Bounteous
82. Exquisite
83. Cuisine
84. Mongrel
85. Bloodcurdling
86. Persnickety
87. Bovine
88. Aloof
89. Encompass
90. Bombard
91. Ferocious
92. Imperial
93. Wrath
94. Scallywag
95. Perplex
96. Disintegrate
97. Methodical
98. Languish
99. Harrumph
100. Conundrum
101. Incinerate

This list is by no means complete. The English language is a wealth of wordy wonders, and life is more interesting when we make regular use of the treasure trove of vocabulary at our disposal, especially in places where they may be least expected--like in picture books!

What are some of your favorite words?