Understanding Author’s Purpose: Why It Matters for Writers, Parents, and Educators

Every story begins with a purpose—and understanding that purpose allows us to connect more deeply with the messages and emotions behind the words. Whether you're an author working to clarify your own "why," a parent preparing your child for a new experience, or an educator curating meaningful books for your students, knowing the intent behind a story can guide how we share, teach, and experience it. In my children’s book, Oh No! Don’t Panic! The Adventures and Mishaps of Traveling, the purpose was clear from the start: To inform children about what to expect when traveling To ease anxiety for both young readers and the adults guiding them To entertain and spark moments of laughter and connection And to reflect the beautifully messy, real-life moments that unite us all Through understanding author’s purpose, we not only become more intentional storytellers—we also become more compassionate readers, parents, and educators.