Books by age
Age bands are a guide, not a rule. A confident five-year-old and a reluctant eight-year-old often want the same book.
0–3 · Babies and toddlers
Board books. Chunky pages, few words, made to be chewed.
3–6 · Picture books
Read together at bedtime. Illustration does half the storytelling.
5–7 · First readers
Short chapters and controlled vocabulary, for reading aloud or alone.
7–9 · Chapter books
Proper stories with proper plots, still generously illustrated.
9–12 · Middle grade
Longer novels. Bigger feelings, harder questions, still hopeful.
