Genres • 3-6 Year Olds

The features and styles present in a children's book aimed for the age range of 3-6 year olds

Children's books aimed at the age range 3-6 years old, are possibly the most difficult of their kind to design. This is in comparison to books designed for babies, where they can be solely reliant on their pictorials, sensory elements, colours and big words, or to book aimed at 9-11 year olds where they become more dependent on the written element, as the child is growing and learning to read. 

But for children right between those ages, designing books that compel them can be a challenge. Children all develop at completely different ages, by 6 years old, a child can either be more interested in imagery and colours - learning how to read at a slower pace, or alternatively, they can be looking towards more 'heavy duty' books with little no pictures - such as J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter'. It's important find a medium between these two very different age groups - a book that appeals to both groups of children who are still in the process of learning to read, and those who have picked up reading quicker and are looking for stimulation not only in pictures, but also in text.

Great examples of styles that suit this age group are found in book collections such as 'Beatrix Potter Books' (Illustrated also by Beatrix Potter) and 'The Magic Key' illustrated by Alex Brychta.

These books fit the purpose entirely. A balance between text and illustration enough to keep any child of this age group compelled, at whichever speed they are learning at. Beatrix Potter's collection of  books, although appear to be dated in comparison to contemporary children's books, to this day still work wonders with children between the ages of 6-9 years old. The images show personification and character in these tiny woodland animals in big - somewhat frightening or confusing world - understandably, this is relatable to young children. The adventures and relationships of the characters in Potter's story are apparent via not only the illustrations, but also in the text.

Alike the Beatrix Potter collection of children's books, The Magic Key books are also a collection of books directed towards children who are still in the process of learning to read, and not only finding the illustrations attractive because they're colourful, but also engaging in story-lines and plot-twists. 

To conclude, both books are completely suitable for the intended audience (and those around a similar age) and are successful in such a way that they involve the child in their stories, whether that be with the story-telling techniques in text or illustration.