I would like you to understand the following information about writing stories for early readers. The target age range for early readers is between 5 and 8 years old, with a word count 1000 to 2500 words.

Children’s literature specialist NAME_1 says, “Early readers are books with slightly more text than found in your average picture book. They have 32 to 64 pages, with simple, repetitive text. Usually every page or every other page has an illustration.”

When writing for early readers, keep in mind that your book is one of the first they will ever read. This is a new and hopefully exciting experience for them. 

As a writer, you want their experience to be enjoyable and for them to quickly come back for more.

While your word count is a bit longer than it would be if you were writing a picture book, just because you have a larger word count doesn’t mean every word should be different. 

Early readers are new to reading. Using words repetitively, going back to the same phrase over and over (as fits the story), and cutting most words that they wouldn’t be able to sound out will make their reading experience more enjoyable. 

You could also incorporate phrases that rhyme or use words that sound similar. 

This should help build their excitement for reading. Instead of getting frustrated at all the new words they don’t know, they’ll enjoy coming back to phrases they’ve mastered, and likely feel a sense of accomplishment at learning a new word or two by the end of the story.
