Apple
Dick Bruna
Apple
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dick Bruna
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
Crunch! The apple falls from the tree, smooth and round, but then it starts to cry under the quiet moonlight. The rooster on the weathervane hears the soft sobs and offers a gentle ride across the glowing night sky. Together, they discover a world full of wonder, and Apple feels a little less alone.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This simple and charming picture book tells the story of an apple that falls from a tree and embarks on a gentle nighttime adventure with a weathervane rooster. The story uses vivid sensory language to engage early readers aged 5-8 and explores themes of comfort and friendship. It is appropriate for young children with no intense content or conflict.
Why we rated Apple 7C
Apple is written at a Level 2 reading level across 24 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Apple works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Apple 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, Apple explores children: babies & toddlers, friendship, and adventure — 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 children: babies & toddlers, friendship, adventure.
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
2/10A 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
Apple
Valerie Bodden
Apple
Valerie Bodden
Little apple
Brigitte Weninger
Little apple
Brigitte Weninger
This Apple
Sarah Ginier
This Apple
Sarah Ginier
My apple tree
David Bauer
My apple tree
David Bauer
Apple
Judy Dodge Cummings
Apple
Judy Dodge Cummings
Little Apple
Brigitte Weninger
Little Apple
Brigitte Weninger
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780458915606
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Price Stern Sloan Pub
- Published
- October 1975
- Type
- Fiction