A Salmon for Simon
Betty Waterton
A Salmon for Simon
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Betty Waterton
Illustrated by Ann Blades
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The splash of water and the cool, fresh scent of the river fill the air as Simon waits patiently. Suddenly, a shimmering salmon leaps from the water, glistening like a jewel in the sunlight. But when Simon sees the fish needs help, he faces a big choice that touches his heart.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle fiction story follows young Simon as he attempts to catch a salmon, only to discover the fish is in trouble and too beautiful to harm. Aimed at early readers aged 5-8, the book introduces themes of nature, empathy, and environmental care in an accessible way without any intense content. It's a calm, engaging read that encourages children to think about kindness toward animals and the natural world.
Why we rated A Salmon for Simon 7C
A Salmon for Simon is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Salmon for Simon works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate A Salmon for Simon 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 Salmon for Simon explores nature & the natural world - ecology, children, empathy, and environmental awareness — 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 nature & the natural world - ecology, children, empathy.
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Salmon moon
Mark Karlins
Salmon moon
Mark Karlins
Fishing
Nick Ross
Fishing
Nick Ross
The Life Cycle of a Salmon (The Life Cycle)
Bobbie Kalman
The Life Cycle of a Salmon (The Life Cycle)
Bobbie Kalman
Fish for Supper
M. B. Goffstein
Fish for Supper
M. B. Goffstein
Migrating with the salmon
Thessaly Catt
Migrating with the salmon
Thessaly Catt
Fish
Liam Francis Walsh
Fish
Liam Francis Walsh
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780888992659
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Groundwood Books
- Published
- July 26, 1996
- Type
- Fiction