This is part two of my series on Writing Simply, inspired by Oobi. You can read part one here.

Characters are what draw readers to your story. A strong character in a children’s story should be both aspirational and relatable. They should be good role models, but have flaws, just like real kids.

Each episode of Oobi is centered on a character with a simple goal, usually tied to their emotions. Characters with simple goals are powerful. Sure, they aren’t blowing up bad guys, but they give readers someone to relate to. These characters minister to their young audience, helping children cope with their big feelings.

Strong, Simple Goals

How do the writers of Oobi give its child characters strong, simple goals? It begins with an understanding of how a child thinks. In “Make Art!”, Grampu sets out some art supplies and Uma and Kako immediately start creating. Oobi, meanwhile, stares at the blank page. “Oobi…art?” asks Grampu. “Oobi think,” says Oobi.

So Grampu leaves and helps Uma. When he comes back to check on Oobi, Oobi is still contemplating. “Oobi think.” Grampu looks at the audience and points at his grandson:

GRAMPU

Artist at work.

Then, Grampu helps Kako. When he returns to Oobi, the poor kid’s still stuck. Frustrated, Oobi explains, “Oobi think, Oobi think…no art.”

Oobi’s struggle is so relatable for preschoolers, especially those who are more mathy than artsy. Creative block affects kids, too, especially the “what-ifs”: What if I mess up and have to start all over? What if it doesn’t look like I want it to?

Here’s another example. In the episode “Rainy Day!”, Uma is on a quest to find a rainbow and she wants Oobi and Kako’s help. Kako wants to play inside and wouldn’t dare run out into the wet, wet rain. Kako looks Uma in the eye:

KAKO

Uma…find rainbow not easy.

Uma LIFTS HER HEAD HIGH.

UMA

Today, Uma. Find. Rainbow.

Kako GLARES AT HER.

KAKO

Maybe.

Kako’s determination to avoid the rain is highly relatable for kids – I’ve met many kids who don’t like getting wet and try at all costs to avoid it. Likewise, Uma’s determination is relatable to young viewers. She is a toddler, and she won’t take no for an answer. She will drag those boys out into the rain even if they protest!

Morals Matter

The characters’ goals in each episode often lead to a subtle moral. In “Make Art!”, Grampu helps Oobi figure out what to make with a simple question: “Oobi like…what?”

Oobi thinks it over. “Oobi like…Oobi like…Oobi like cheese.”

After this interesting turn of events, Grampu dashes off-screen and returns with a piece of Swiss cheese. Oobi happily sticks it to his paper. “And toothpaste! Oobi like toothpaste.” Cue Oobi squeezing a tube of toothpaste onto the paper. “And flowers! Oobi like flowers.” Cue faux flowers added to the mix.

Uma and Kako observe his work. In a matter of seconds, Oobi has a masterpiece of toothpaste, cheese, and plastic flowers. Uma and Kako don’t laugh at Oobi or say his art is weird; they give Oobi compliments about the unusual elements of his artwork.

I always lost it laughing when I watched this as a kid, but I still understood the message. This episode reaches out to kids who struggle with art and gently shows them art can be whatever they want it to be. It encourages them to create for the joy of creating, instead of focusing on the “what-ifs”.

Now, it’s your turn!

Do you want to create simple characters like Oobi, Uma, and Kako? The best way to write childlike characters is to watch children (with permission) who are the age of your audience. Is there a certain emotion or problem that a child in your life is struggling with? This could be your character’s goal. You could also reflect on your own childhood. Think of times that were difficult for you, even if it seems small, like learning how to tie your shoes or ride a bike. These true-to-life goals make your character more relatable.

Don’t think too hard about the lesson your character learns yet. For now, just write. Once you know the character, then the moral will come. Have your character make choices that reflect this moral. I’m okay with characters overtly talking about the moral; unlike stories for adults, preschool kids can’t grasp allegory and require repetition for the moral to sink in. Little kids are blunt, therefore, you can be blunt. However, avoid simply discussing the moral – show, don’t tell. Have your character struggle, then let him say what he learned at the end. Kids (and grown-ups) expect a story to entertain them, after all!

Do you have a favorite Oobi character? Got any tips for writing simple characters? Tell me in the comments below, and stay tuned for part three! Happy writing!

Emma, you, friends! 😊