By Penned by Me · Published October 30, 2026 · Last reviewed October 30, 2026 · Editorial policy
A good large print life story journal states its type size (look for questions at 18pt or larger and body text at 16pt or larger), has wide writing lines on a page big enough to lie open, and asks short, open questions with an easier option for days when a long answer feels like too much. Many journals say "large print" without giving a size, so check the details before you buy.
Why print size matters
The Library of Congress notes that most adult books use 10 to 12 point type and that large-print materials are most commonly available in 16 to 18 point type. A journal that states its type size lets a reader compare the page with the print they already find comfortable.
A checklist
- A stated type size. "Large print" is not a standard. Look for a number: 16pt or more for all text, ideally 18pt or more for the questions.
- Strong contrast. Dark type on plain, light paper. Pale grey text and busy backgrounds are harder to read.
- Wide writing lines. Check that the spacing suits the writer’s own handwriting.
- A comfortable page and binding. Page size creates writing room; binding determines how easily the book stays open. Check both.
- One question at a time. A single clear question per page is easier than a list of five.
- An easier way in. A shorter alternative for each question helps on days when a full story feels like too much.
- Room for help. Pages where a family member can write while the storyteller talks keep the journal useful when writing becomes harder.
- A comfortable length. Choose a number of questions that feels inviting for this particular writer, with permission to skip pages.
Questions that invite, not test
The best questions open a door to a place, a person or a feeling, rather than asking for names and dates. "Describe the kitchen of the house you grew up in" invites a story. A question that asks for an exact year can feel like a quiz. Look for warm, open questions, and skip journals that are mostly fill-in-the-blank facts.
How Penned by Me was made
large print life story journal was designed around this checklist:
- All text is 16pt or larger, and every question is set in 18pt.
- 56 questions across six chapters, each with an "Or simply" option, for example: "Describe the kitchen of the house you grew up in. Or simply: one smell, one sound, one person you picture there."
- Eleven Write Together pages, with space for "Told by", "Written by" and the date.
- A What Matters to Me in Care section for daily routines, comforts and how they like to be greeted.
- 7 by 10 inches, 128 pages; $29.99 in paperback, $39.99 in hardcover.
Questions families ask
What font size counts as large print?
Large print usually means 16 point type or larger, compared with 10 to 12 point in a standard book. For a journal, questions at 18 point or more are easier still. Because "large print" has no fixed definition, choose a journal that states its type size instead of only using the label.
What is the best journal for an elderly parent who wants to write their life story?
Look for a journal with stated large print, wide writing lines, a page size that lies open, and short, warm questions with an easier option for each. Pages where a family member can help write are useful too. Penned by Me was designed around these points.
Is a large print journal suitable for someone with early memory loss?
It can be, if the questions are gentle and open rather than asking for exact facts, and if there is room for someone else to help write. Choose a journal that offers a shorter option for each question and does not need to be finished in order.
What size should a life story journal be?
Choose a page size that leaves enough room for the writer’s natural handwriting, then check the binding separately to see how well the book stays open. Penned by Me uses a 7 by 10 inch page; that specification is a product fact, not a universal minimum.