Extra Yarn
Annabelle's magical box of yarn never runs out, allowing her to knit color into a grey town. As the story unfolds, the book's illustrations visibly grow in color, making the experience of reading a physical, visual transformation.
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett is estimated to take about 7 minutes to read aloud (566 words, about 1 sentence a page), and it lands best with children aged 3-6.
Check the book on AmazonAffiliate link
- Estimated read-aloud time
- about 7 minutesEstimated read-aloud time
- Word count
- 566Counted words
- Sentences per page
- 1Sentence per page
- Re-read tolerance
- 4/5repeat friendly
- Vocabulary level
- 3/5a few new words
- Best for
- Ages 3-6Our editorial fit
Our review
The pacing is tied directly to the act of knitting, which creates a wonderful rhythm between the text and the art. It handles themes of generosity and fairness through a very visual, striking medium.
This is a beautiful choice for younger children who can follow the visual progression of the colors as the town is transformed.
Before you buy it
The archduke’s threat to "hunt you down" might be a bit intense for a sensitive three-year-old. Also, don't expect a big, triumphant ending; it’s much more subdued.
Themes
- knitting
- generosity
- colour
- fairness
Books like Extra Yarn
Matched by refrain, density, length, and listener—not just the subject.
The Dotabout 4.5 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
Stuckabout 6.5 minutes estimated · 5/5 re-read
This Is Not My Hatabout 4 minutes estimated · 5/5 re-read
The Day the Crayons Quitabout 11 minutes estimated · 5/5 re-read
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friendabout 4.5 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
Questions parents ask
How long does it take to read Extra Yarn aloud?
About 7 minutes at an unhurried pace, including a standard allowance for page turns, pictures and participation, from a word count of 566. Stopping for a longer conversation on every page will add more time.
What age is Extra Yarn actually for?
Ages 3-6 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 Extra Yarn survive being read on repeat?
Yes. It survives a fortnight of nightly repeats, which is the real test.
Is Extra Yarn a good book for a child who will not sit still?
It helps that it has a refrain a child can join in with. Those three features are what keep a wriggling toddler listening, far more than the subject matter does.
Will my child memorise Extra Yarn?
Probably, and fast. The book leans on a repeated refrain, and at 4 out of 5 for re-read tolerance it survives the nightly repeats that get a book memorised. Expect your child to chant the pattern back before they can actually read.
Can a beginning reader read Extra Yarn 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 Extra Yarn cover?
We tag it with knitting, generosity, colour and fairness. 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.
