A kiss like this
Mary Murphy
A kiss like this
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mary Murphy
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered how animals say 'I love you' with a kiss? Imagine gentle giraffes, tiny mice, and even buzzing bees sharing special kisses with their babies. What kinds of sweet kisses do you think you’ll discover?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming picture book introduces young readers to the affectionate world of animals through simple descriptions of how adult animals kiss their offspring. Suitable for early readers aged 5 to 8, it uses gentle, relatable examples to explore themes of love and care in nature. The content is light and appropriate, making it a comforting and educational read about animal behavior.
Why we rated A kiss like this 7C
A kiss like this is written at a Level 2 reading level across 18 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A kiss like this works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate A kiss like this as 7C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, A kiss like this explores animals, juvenile fiction, family, early learning, and affection — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about animals, juvenile fiction, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780763661823
- Pages
- 18
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press (MA)
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction