By Order of the King
Joan Critz Limbrick
By Order of the King
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Story About 24 Blackbirds And a Pie Eating Queen
by Joan Critz Limbrick
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
The crisp crunch of leaves underfoot fills the air as 24 blackbirds scatter across the royal garden. A sweet aroma of fresh-baked pie drifts from the castle kitchen, tempting every curious beak and whisker. But what happens when the Queen’s love for pie leads to an unexpected adventure?
Quick Assessment
This early reader book features a charming tale about 24 blackbirds and a Queen who adores pie, designed for children ages 5-8. With simple language and engaging illustrations, it encourages interactive reading and imagination. The story is gentle, making it suitable for young readers beginning to explore chapter books.
Why we rated By Order of the King 7C
By Order of the King 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, By Order of the King works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate By Order of the King 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, By Order of the King explores adventure, friendship, and family — 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 adventure, friendship, 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
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
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Based on content and theme analysis
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781419612770
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- CreateSpace
- Published
- September 19, 2005
- Type
- Fiction