Writing kids books.How do I find out, #of words, #pages, words for age, etc.?

Question

I know that when writing children's books there has to be a certain number of words per book depending on the age group you write for. How can I find out how many words for which age group?

I think that goes for how many pages too?

Also, speaking of words, how can I find out which words are for each age group?
Like magnanimous, would be to big a word, for say, most five year olds.

Answer 1

First, join a writers group for children's books. You'll meet editors and writers who'll know all this.

Here's a list of writers groups, also check search engines:

http://shallabizness.blogspot.com/2006/02/join-writers-associations-and.html

And get a book on writing children's books.

Good luck!

Shalla

Answer 2

I don't know... some of those Dr. Seuss books get pretty long. Try reading a bunch of children's books. This will give you a feel of the type of vocabulary to use. As for how long the books should be, try to keep it to about 10 to 15 minutes long. After that you lost your kid audience. Don't be afraid to use big and difficult words as long as you can make the meaning clear to the kids. You'll be surprised the words kids can pick up.