How many words are in a typical picture book?

Most picture books have between 400 and 800 words. For most publishers, 1,000 words is the upper limit, and for toddlers it’s often under 200.

How many words should go on a picture book page?

Aim for 20 to 40 words, or two to four short sentences. That’s enough to read aloud while your child looks at the illustrations, and short enough to let the pictures do their job.

How long does it take to read a picture book aloud?

Reading aloud goes at about 100 to 160 words per minute. A 600-word picture book takes four to six minutes, plus time for your child to explore the pictures.

Is a longer children’s book better?

No. For a picture book, a shorter text is almost always stronger, since the illustrations tell half the story. Only in chapter books and novels should the story dictate the length.

How many words are in a children's book? Guidelines by age

Shorter than you think! Find out the word count by age, what that means for each page, and five ways to check if your story fits.