A Picture book for kids aged 2 to 5 years can have up to 800 words, but it’s best to aim for under 500 words. These books average 32 pages and have lots of full-colour illustrations (usually on every page).

The most common types of picture books are story (or fiction), concept, activity, and novelty picture books. These can overlap (for instance, a book can be a concept and a novelty picture book). These can also be written in rhyme.

 

Examples
Story picture book examples

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

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Concept book examples

Cement Mixer’s ABC: Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault  

      

Activity book examples

These books are interactive and require the child to colour, draw, do puzzles or quizzes, or write, for older children.

Press here by Herve Tullet

My First Toddler Coloring Book: Fun with Numbers, Letters, Shapes, Colors, and Animals! by Tanya Emelyanova

 

Novelty book examples

Leaves by Janet Lawler (do yourself a favour and check this one out!)

World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm by Mark Rader

Little Green Frog Chunky by Ginger Swift

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