My husband and I have been shopping for a new refrigerator. The old one has been fine, keeping cold foods cold and frozen foods frozen. Other than that, I never gave it much thought. But now that our kitchen remodeling project is done, it’s time for a new one. We’ve searched three appliance stores and checked out all the new models. We’re leaning towards a French door-style refrigerator with a freezer on the bottom, although a side-by-side has its advantages, too.
The funny thing – for better or worse, is that by not looking at new refrigerators over the years, I didn’t know what I was missing. Now that I know what else is available, I begrudge each time that I have to get down on my knees to look in the vegetable and fruits bins. Who ever decided that freezers should be on the top anyway?
And that got me to thinking – who ever decided that beginning readers must be 8.5 x 6 x 0.2 inches, with a banner on the top and number in the corner? Though the publishers do not agree on readability levels, there has been apparent agreement in matters of shape, size and general appearance. For years, my beginning reader shelves were the neatest in the library – each book a perfect match to its neighbor.
Newer shapes and sizes have been steadily increasing in volume, however. The Elephant and Piggie series (Hyperion) stretched the genre by about an inch (the better to see the delightful duo). The I Like to Read series (Holiday House) is the same size as a typical picture book. 
The always innovative Toon Books has turned the usual shape on its side with their new Level One books measuring up at 9.4 x 6.3.
(My kids grew up with the non library-friendly, but nevertheless tiny and wonderful, Bob
Books, so I am familiar with the appropriateness of little books for little hands.)
However you measure them, it seems to me that there is a trend toward greater choice in the shape, size and appearance of beginning readers. One size does not fit all. The newfound possibilities are limitless – for readers and refrigerator buyers. My shelves have never looked messier and I’m happy with that. (My kitchen, I prefer neat).
Holly
Ha! When I saw the title of your blog post my first thought was, “I know, what’s with all of the stainless steel appliances? How are kids supposed to learn their ABCs if they can’t play with magnetic letters on their refrigerators?”
Lisa
As you can see, I’m very fond of magnets on my refrigerator. 🙂 (my new one will be black)
Renee Grassi
Thanks so much for bringing this up! I manage our Library’s leveled Early Reader collection, and lately, I’ve been having the same thoughts about if size really does matter. After reading your blog post, I’ve come to the conclusion that it doesn’t!