How to Get Amazon Reviews for Children’s Books: A Creator’s Complete Guide

An article by The Children’s Book Review.

Table of Contents

• Building Long-Term Review Success
• What Makes Children’s Book Reviews Different?
• Why Amazon Reviews Matter for Children’s Books
• Understanding Amazon’s Review Policies
• 13 Proven Strategies to Get Reviews for Your Children’s Book
• Review Practices That Could Hurt Your Book’s Success
• Handling Negative Reviews Gracefully
• Building Long-Term Review Success

Did you know that displaying reviews can dramatically increase purchase likelihood, with research from Northwestern University’s Spiegel Research Center showing that products with five reviews are 270% more likely to be purchased than those with no reviews? In the competitive world of children’s publishing, where parents and educators are your primary buyers, reviews serve as crucial trust signals that can make or break your book’s success.

Unlike other Amazon products, children’s books face unique challenges in the increasingly competitive publishing landscape: young readers can’t write reviews themselves, buyers often purchase for someone else, and parents are particularly cautious about the content they choose for their children. This creates both obstacles and opportunities for gathering meaningful feedback.

Our guide will show you how to ethically and effectively collect Amazon reviews for your children’s book, helping you build the credibility needed to reach a wider audience of young readers.

What Makes Children’s Book Reviews Different?

Children’s book reviews operate in a unique ecosystem compared to other Amazon products. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing an effective review strategy.

The Buyer vs. Reader Gap: Unlike most products, the person buying your children’s book (parent, grandparent, teacher) is rarely the primary consumer (the child). This means that reviews often focus on educational value, age appropriateness, and the child’s reaction rather than the personal experience.

Quality Over Quantity Expectations: Parents expect detailed reviews that address specific concerns: reading level, content appropriateness, illustration quality, and educational benefits. A single thoughtful review from a teacher or librarian often carries more weight than five brief customer comments.

Seasonal Purchasing Patterns: Children’s book sales spike during back-to-school periods, holidays, and summer reading seasons. Review timing can significantly impact visibility during these crucial sales windows.

Trust and Values Alignment: Parents are particularly cautious about the content their children consume, making reviews a critical trust-building tool. Reviews that mention the alignment of values, age appropriateness, and positive child reactions are especially valuable.

Why Amazon Reviews Matter for Children’s Books

Reviews for children’s books serve multiple crucial purposes that directly impact your book’s success and reach.

Algorithm Boost for Discovery: Amazon’s algorithm heavily weighs review frequency and recency when determining search rankings. Fresh reviews signal that your book is actively engaging readers, improving visibility in searches for age-specific content, educational themes, or seasonal topics.

Parent and Educator Confidence: Reviews provide the social proof that hesitant parents and cautious educators need to feel confident. When spending money on children’s content, buyers want assurance that the book delivers educational value and/or age-appropriate entertainment.

Competitive Edge in Crowded Categories: The children’s book category is incredibly saturated. Reviews help differentiate your book from countless similar titles, especially when reviewers mention specific benefits, such as “helped my reluctant reader” or “perfect for bedtime routine.”

Long-Term Credibility Building: Unlike trendy products, good children’s books have long shelf lives. Positive reviews compound over time, creating lasting credibility that drives sales for years.

Enhanced Author Platform: Strong review profiles support your overall author brand, making future book launches more successful and opening opportunities for school visits, library partnerships, and media coverage.

Understanding Amazon’s Review Policies

Before implementing any review strategy, it’s crucial to understand Amazon’s strict guidelines. According to Amazon’s official Community Guidelines and Customer Review policies, reviews must be honest, unbiased, and free from any form of compensation or manipulation.

Key Policy Points:

• Reviews cannot be created, edited, or removed in exchange for compensation (including cash, discounts, free products, gift cards, and refunds)
• Amazon has a zero-tolerance policy for any review designed to mislead or manipulate customers
• It’s acceptable to review a free or discounted book (advanced reader copy) received from an author or publisher, but they cannot require a review in exchange or try to influence the review
• Only customers who have spent at least $50 on Amazon in the last 12 months can submit ratings and reviews

For complete details, refer to Amazon’s Community Guidelines and Customer Review policies.

12 Proven Strategies to Get Reviews for Your Children’s Book

Getting reviews for children’s books requires creativity, patience, and understanding of your unique target audience. Here are proven strategies that respect Amazon’s guidelines while effectively building your review base.

1. Use Amazon’s Official Review Request Tools

For Self-Published Authors (KDP): If you’re selling through Amazon as the publisher, you may have access to Amazon’s “Request a Review” button through Seller Central. This button appears on individual order detail pages and allows you to send Amazon-generated review requests to customers who have purchased your book.

The process: The review request option is available 5-30 days after an order’s delivery date, and Amazon will send a generic, policy-compliant email in the customer’s preferred language asking for feedback.

For All Authors (Author Central): Amazon Author Central allows you to create an author profile, add your biography, and manage your book information. While Author Central doesn’t have a direct review request feature, it helps build credibility and author-reader relationships that can indirectly encourage reviews.

Learn more: Amazon Seller Central – Request a Review | Amazon Author Central

2. Create Parent-Friendly Book Inserts

Include a colorful, child-friendly insert in your physical books that encourages parent engagement. Design it as a fun activity page with a gentle review request at the bottom.

For example: “Did your little reader love this adventure? Help other families discover this story by sharing a quick review on Amazon! Your feedback helps books find their perfect young readers.”

Important: Never offer incentives for reviews—this violates Amazon’s policies and can result in account suspension. Focus on the community benefit of helping other parents make informed choices.

Important Note on Review Eligibility: As of 2025, Amazon requires customers to have spent at least $50 on Amazon in the last 12 months to submit ratings and reviews. This policy helps ensure reviews come from genuine Amazon customers rather than fake accounts, though it may limit the pool of potential reviewers.

3. Tap Into Educational Communities

Teachers, librarians, and homeschool educators are ideal reviewers because they regularly evaluate children’s books and understand what makes content effective.

Reach out to:

• Local school librarians
• Children’s literature professors
• Homeschool curriculum reviewers
• Early childhood education bloggers
• Reading specialists

Offer free review copies with no pressure—many educators appreciate discovering quality new books for their students.

4. Utilize Amazon’s Vine Program Strategically

Amazon Vine can be particularly effective for children’s books because Vine reviewers often include parents and educators who are well-suited to review these types of books. The detailed, verified reviews from Vine members carry significant weight with other parents.

Submit your book to Vine during strategic periods (back-to-school season, before holiday shopping) to maximize the impact of those early reviews.

Requirements: Active registered trademark, Amazon Brand Registry enrollment, and FBA-fulfilled products (if selling on Amazon).

Learn more: Amazon Vine for Sellers | Amazon Vine Customer Program

5. Engage with Parenting and Reading Communities

Join Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and online forums where parents discuss children’s books. Don’t spam—instead, become a valuable community member who occasionally shares your work when relevant.

Look for groups focused on:

• Early literacy development
• Homeschooling resources
• Special needs parenting (if your book addresses these themes)
• Specific age groups (toddler parents, preschool families, etc.)

6. Host Virtual Story Time Events

Online story readings provide opportunities for engagement that can naturally lead to reviews. Host virtual story times on social media, through library partnerships, or via video calls to classrooms.

After positive interactions, follow up with participating families: “Thank you for joining our story time! If your family enjoyed the experience, sharing a review would help other families discover this book too.”

7. Create Read-Aloud Videos and Content

Develop engaging content around your book, such as read-aloud videos, activity guides, or educational materials, and share it on platforms where parents discover children’s content.

When families engage positively with your content, they’re more likely to purchase your book and leave reviews. Include gentle calls-to-action in your content descriptions.

Professional Support Available: For help creating high-quality activity kits and educator guides that complement your children’s book, visit our Activity Kit and Educator Guide services.

8. Target Gift-Giving Seasons

Children’s books are popular gifts, but gift-buyers don’t always leave reviews. Create gentle reminder campaigns during peak gift seasons (holidays, birthdays, graduations) that encourage gift recipients to share their experience.

Consider including a bookmark with gift purchases that says: “Was this book a hit? Help other gift-givers choose perfect books by sharing a quick review!”

9. Build Relationships with Libraries and Educational Institutions

Libraries and educational institutions have staff who are passionate about children’s literature. Recommendations from librarians and educators carry significant weight with parents.

Offer to do author visits, story times, or educational presentations. Genuine enthusiasm from librarians and educators who discover quality books often translates to word-of-mouth recommendations and, when they personally purchase your book, authentic reviews.

10. Follow Up with Early Supporters

Track your first reviewers and early supporters. These engaged readers are often willing to review future books or share your work with their networks.

Send personalized thank-you messages to reviewers, and keep them informed about new releases. Loyal fans often become your most consistent sources of reviews.

11. Time Your Review Requests Strategically

Children’s books have natural reading rhythms. Time your review requests for when families are most likely to have finished and reflected on the book:

• Picture books: 1-2 weeks after delivery
• Early readers: 2-3 weeks after delivery
• Chapter books: 3-4 weeks after delivery

Consider seasonal timing—families are often more active with reading during school breaks and summer months.

12. Optimize Your Product Listing with A+ Content

A professionally designed product listing can have a significant impact on both sales and review generation. Amazon’s A+ Content (formerly Enhanced Brand Content) allows Brand Registry members to create rich, visual product descriptions that help parents make informed decisions.

How A+ Content Helps Generate Reviews:

Increased Sales Volume: Enhanced listings can improve conversion rates by 3-10%, leading to more sales and more potential reviewers

Better Customer Expectations: Clear visual representation of your book’s content, age-appropriateness, and educational value reduces disappointment and negative reviews

Professional Credibility: High-quality layouts signal professionalism, encouraging customers to engage with your brand and leave feedback

A+ Content Ideas for Children’s Books:

• Showcase interior pages and illustration style
• Create age-appropriate content guides for parents
• Display educational benefits and learning outcomes
• Include author/illustrator background information
• Add comparison charts for series or related books

Access Requirement: Available to Amazon Brand Registry members at no additional cost.

Learn More: Amazon A+ Content

Need help with your Amazon A+ content? Let us know.

Review Practices That Could Hurt Your Book’s Success

Avoiding harmful review practices is especially crucial for children’s book authors, as parents and educators expect the highest ethical standards from content creators.

Never Incentivize Reviews: Offering free books, discounts, or prizes in exchange for reviews is prohibited by Amazon’s terms and can result in account suspension. This is particularly damaging for children’s book authors who rely on trust and credibility.

Avoid Family and Friend Reviews: While it’s tempting to ask relatives to leave positive reviews, Amazon can detect patterns and remove these reviews. Instead, focus on building a genuine readership.

Be Cautious with Author-to-Author Reviews: While genuine appreciation between authors is natural, Amazon’s systems may flag patterns where authors review each other’s books, even when the appreciation is authentic. If you genuinely love another author’s work, consider whether the review could appear as an exchange arrangement to Amazon’s detection systems.

Skip Social Media Review Campaigns: Organized review campaigns on social media often result in suspicious activity flags and review removal.

Handling Negative Reviews Gracefully

Negative reviews are inevitable, but they’re particularly challenging for children’s book creators because they can question your content’s appropriateness or educational value.

Respond Professionally When Appropriate: If you have an Amazon Brand Registry, you can respond to reviews. Keep responses brief, professional, and focused on helping other potential readers.

Example response: “Thank you for your feedback. We understand that reading preferences vary by family. This book was designed for ages 4-7 with gentle themes about friendship. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.”

Learn more: Amazon Brand Registry – Access review management tools and other brand protection features.

Address Legitimate Concerns: If multiple reviews mention the same issue (e.g., reading level, content concerns), consider whether adjustments are needed for future editions or how to better communicate expectations in your book description.

Report Inappropriate Reviews: Reviews that contain offensive language, reveal plot spoilers without warning, or focus on shipping/delivery issues rather than book content can sometimes be removed by Amazon. You can report reviews that violate Amazon’s Community Guidelines through their reporting system.

How to report: Look for the “Report abuse” link underneath any problematic review, or visit Amazon’s Community Guidelines for more information on what constitutes a violation.

Use Negative Feedback Constructively: Negative reviews often provide valuable insights for your next book. Parents and educators can offer valuable perspectives on what works and what doesn’t work for children.

Building Long-Term Review Success

Sustainable review growth requires building genuine relationships with your reading community and consistently delivering quality content.

Develop Your Author Platform: Maintain an active social media presence, a professional author website, and an email newsletter. Engaged followers are more likely to review new releases and recommend your books to others.

Create Series and Connected Content: Books in series or by established authors with previous positive reviews tend to receive reviews more easily. Build your reputation gradually across multiple titles.

Engage with the Children’s Literature Community: Attend conferences, join professional organizations like SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), and network with other children’s book creators, educators, and librarians.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity: One thoughtful review from a teacher or librarian often drives more sales than several brief comments. Cultivate relationships with readers who provide detailed, helpful feedback.

Be Patient and Persistent: Building a review base for children’s books takes time. Parents and educators are busy, and the timeline from purchasing to reviewing is often longer than for other products.

Leverage Editorial Reviews for Enhanced Credibility: Editorial reviews from professional sources can significantly boost your book’s credibility and encourage customer reviews. These are different from customer reviews—they’re endorsements from industry professionals, media outlets, or recognized authorities in children’s literature.

How Editorial Reviews Help Generate Customer Reviews:

• Build Initial Trust: Professional endorsements give hesitant parents confidence to purchase, leading to more sales and review opportunities
• Establish Quality Perception: Books with editorial reviews are perceived as higher quality, encouraging customers to engage and leave feedback
• Provide Social Proof: Quotes from librarians, educators, or children’s literature experts validate your book’s worth
• Differentiate from Competition: Editorial reviews help your book stand out in crowded categories

Where to Source Editorial Reviews for Children’s Books:

• School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, The Children’s Book Review
• Children’s literature bloggers and book reviewers
• Local librarians and educators after author visits
• Book awards and recognition programs
• Fellow children’s book authors (with authentic appreciation)
• Educational organizations and literacy advocates

Adding Editorial Reviews to Your Amazon Listing: If you’re enrolled in Amazon Author Central, you can add editorial reviews to your book’s detail page through the “Editorial Reviews” section. Include compelling quotes (50 words or fewer) with proper attribution to build credibility that encourages customer engagement.

Final Thoughts

Getting Amazon reviews for your children’s book requires patience, authenticity, and understanding of your unique audience. Success comes from creating genuine connections with parents, educators, and the broader children’s literature community.

Remember that behind every review is a family’s reading experience. Focus on creating books that truly serve children and their caregivers, and the reviews will follow naturally. Your ultimate goal isn’t just collecting reviews—it’s connecting your stories with the young readers who need them most.

The children’s book market is competitive, but there’s always room for authentic voices and quality stories. By following these ethical review strategies and staying committed to your craft, you’ll build the credibility and audience your books deserve.

Happy writing and publishing!

P.S. Review guidelines and best practices evolve constantly, so if you’ve discovered effective strategies or have insights to share, please leave a comment below. Your knowledge helps strengthen our entire community—we’re all here to support each other’s growth.