[sepideh-faraji Posts: 19 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Hi all,

My manuscript has only 200 words!! Is that too little??
Do you think it will get rejected because it is short?
I made it very simple and my target is 3-5 years olds. Should I add more words and make it longer or more complicated?
Any advice is appreciated.

[Hopeful Posts: 227 Status: Offline I love kid books!]

That's actually a good length these days for a picture book.

[David Wright Posts: 1,018 Status: Offline Tell me that again.]

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is something like 161 words.

There are lots of short PBs. But make sure there's a full story.

[Laurel Gale Posts: 71 Status: Offline I write middle grade fantasy. WWW]

I wouldn't add words just to add words.  Have you  figured out where you think the page breaks should go? Even if you're not going to submit the manuscript with this information, it can be helpful to think about, especially if you're worried the story might be too short or simple.

If you think the length is right for the story, you can always include comps of other picture books with low word counts (like  the one David mentioned) when you submit the manuscript. 

[sepideh-faraji Posts: 19 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is something like 161 words.

There are lots of short PBs. But make sure there's a full story.

Good example! Mo Willem's newer book "Cat the Cat Who Is That?" is even shorter than the one you mentioned!!

[Anne Marie Posts: 2,855 Status: Offline VAMPIRINA season 3 is on Disney Junior now! WWW]

My book Busy-Eyed Day is something like 61.  It's fine if it works.

[sepideh-faraji Posts: 19 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

My book Busy-Eyed Day is something like 61.  It's fine if it works.

Hi Anne,

Thanks. I would love to read your book but unfortunately I could not find it in our library. I saw it on Amazon.

[sepideh-faraji Posts: 19 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Thank you everyone for your valuable comments!