Chapter books come in all lengths. Some are short, with only a few chapters. Others are much longer, with hundreds of chapters and pages.

Dividing a story into chapters helps readers follow changes in:

• characters
• time
• location
• point of view

Meet an Australian author: Anh Do

Anh Do is one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors. His first book, The Happiest Refugee, was an autobiography released in 2010. A year later, a version for children called The Little Refugee was published.

In 2013, Anh released WeirDo, the first book in a chapter book series that has grown to include at least 18 titles. Anh has also written many other illustrated chapter books that are enjoyed by children around the world.

A novel expands on the content and structure of chapter books. It is a longer and more complex type of story. Novels typically:

• has more characters and storylines
• explores deeper themes
• includes few or no illustrations

Because they are longer, novels give authors more space to describe settings, emotions and actions in detail. This helps readers visualise the story and connect with the characters.