Actual Size
Every animal in this book is printed in its actual life-size. It’s a hands-on experience where children can measure themselves against a gorilla’s hand or a shark’s tooth to understand scale.
Actual Size by Steve Jenkins is estimated to take about 4 minutes to read aloud (219 words, about 1 sentence a page), and it lands best with children aged 3-8.
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- Estimated read-aloud time
- about 4 minutesEstimated read-aloud time
- Word count
- 219Counted words
- Sentences per page
- 1Sentence per page
- Re-read tolerance
- 5/5still good at forty
- Vocabulary level
- 3/5a few new words
- Best for
- Ages 3-8Our editorial fit
Our review
The book relies on the physical scale of the animals to do the work, rather than heavy text. It turns reading into a tactile, mathematical exploration of nature.
It’s a great way to introduce the concept of size and measurement. Because children can physically interact with the pages, it's a very memorable way to learn about wildlife.
Before you buy it
"Life-size" is a bit of a trick; for the largest animals, you only see a part, like a gorilla's hand or a crocodile's head. Let children know this so they aren't disappointed.
Themes
- size
- animals
- measuring
- nature
- first facts
Books like Actual Size
Matched by refrain, density, length, and listener—not just the subject.
What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?about 6.5 minutes estimated · 5/5 re-read
Me... Janeabout 3.5 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
Dinosaur Roar!about 3 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?about 3.5 minutes estimated · 5/5 re-read
Press Hereabout 4.5 minutes estimated · 5/5 re-read
Questions parents ask
How long does it take to read Actual Size aloud?
About 4 minutes at an unhurried pace, including a standard allowance for page turns, pictures and participation, from a word count of 219. Stopping for a longer conversation on every page will add more time.
What age is Actual Size actually for?
Ages 3-8 in our testing, which is narrower than the publisher's range. With 1 sentence a page and vocabulary at 3 out of 5, it asks for that much attention span and no more.
Does Actual Size survive being read on repeat?
Yes - this is one of the few that is still fine on the fortieth reading, which is why it scores 5 out of 5 with us.
Is Actual Size a good book for a child who will not sit still?
It helps that it asks the child questions to answer out loud. Those three features are what keep a wriggling toddler listening, far more than the subject matter does.
Will my child memorise Actual Size?
It can. It scores 5 out of 5 with us for holding up to repeat reading, and children tend to learn by heart the books they ask for most, even without a strong refrain.
Can a beginning reader read Actual Size on their own?
Not yet. At vocabulary level 3 out of 5 and 1 sentence a page, it is a read-aloud book rather than a first solo read. Read it to them now, and hand it over in a year or two.
What themes does Actual Size cover?
We tag it with size, animals, measuring, nature and first facts. Those are the threads that actually run through the book, not just the ones on the cover, which is how it earns its place on our themed lists rather than a keyword match.
