How we count
The big number on your Today screen is estimated words read aloud: about how many printed story words were in the books you logged, counting every reread.
Where each book's number comes from
We use the best source we have for each book, in this order:
- Your count. If you counted a book yourself, we use your number for your family.
- A real count. When someone has actually counted that book's text, we use it.
- A typical count for the book type. About 140 words for a board book and 230 for a picture book. These come from published research that counted samples of children's books. Your book may have more or fewer.
- No estimate. For longer books or when you're not sure of the type, we leave words blank instead of guessing, and show what share of your reading has an estimate.
Wordless books count as zero printed words. The talking you do over the pictures is wonderful, we just can't measure it.
Rereads count, every time
Hearing the same story again helps little ones learn the words in it, so reading Goodnight Moon three times counts three times. Reading half a book counts half its words.
Two kids, one story
If you read one book to two children together, it counts once for your family and once for each child.
Your history doesn't shift under you
Each reading keeps the estimate it was logged with. If you later change a book's type or add your own count, new readings use it and past ones stay put.
What the number isn't
It's not words your child has learned, not a measure of vocabulary, and not a score to compare with other families. It counts the words in the books, not attention or understanding. Think of it like a step counter for storytime: a fun, honest way to see a habit add up.
Why it matters anyway
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading together from infancy for language, literacy and connection. Research comparing picture books with everyday speech to young children found books use a wider range of words. Any storytime is a good storytime, including a few pages before sleep wins.
Book details
Titles, authors and covers come from Open Library, a free, open catalog of books. Covers appear inside the app only. Recaps you share use our own drawn book covers.