SCBWI's Blueboard - A Message & Chat Board

Writer's Room => Picture Books (PB) => Topic started by: pilonsc on November 30, 2011, 03:42 PM

Title: Contractions in Early Reader Text
Post by: pilonsc on November 30, 2011, 03:42 PM

For texts aimed at beginner readers, specifically for subbing to a magazine, is it okay to use contractions? Words like "let's" becoming "let  us" sound overly formal imo. Thoughts or experience anyone?

Thanks ! : )

Title: Re: Contractions in Early Reader Text
Post by: CarrieF on November 30, 2011, 05:41 PM

I just had a rebus accepted by Highlights, and the very first word is "Let's"! So there's one data point for you...

Also, as the parent of a beginning reader, I can say that he has absolutely no trouble at all with contractions. I'm not sure where that "rule" (if there is such a rule) came from, but in our case at least it doesn't seem to apply.

Carrie

Title: Re: Contractions in Early Reader Text
Post by: pilonsc on November 30, 2011, 07:53 PM

Thanks Carrie, that's really good to know. And congrats on your Highlight's acceptance!!  :moose