Cecily Cicada
Kita Hlmetag Murdock
Cecily Cicada
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kita Hlmetag Murdock
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 dry leaves crackle under tiny feet as Cecily Cicada waits beneath the sassafras tree. The warm earth smells sweet and rich, hiding secrets of the world above. She's eager and a little nervous—will this be the year she finally climbs out to see the sun?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle story follows Cecily Cicada, who patiently waits underground beneath a sassafras tree in Washington, D.C., before emerging into the world. Designed for early readers aged 5-8, it introduces themes of nature and growth with simple, evocative language. The book is appropriate for young children and offers a comforting exploration of anticipation and discovery.
Why we rated Cecily Cicada 7C
Cecily Cicada is written at a Level 2 reading level across 28 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Cecily Cicada works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Cecily Cicada 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, Cecily Cicada explores animals - general, animals - insects, nature & the natural world, and juvenile fiction — 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 - general, animals - insects, nature & the natural world.
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
Cicadas
Margaret Hall
Cicadas
Margaret Hall
Cicada
Mike Shoulders
Cicada
Mike Shoulders
Cicada City
Gina Gallois
Cicada City
Gina Gallois
The bizarre life cycle of a cicada
Greg Roza
The bizarre life cycle of a cicada
Greg Roza
Buzzy and the Little Critters
Kenton HIll
Buzzy and the Little Critters
Kenton HIll
Caterpillar, Caterpillar
Vivian French
Caterpillar, Caterpillar
Vivian French
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780615125480
- Pages
- 28
- Publisher
- Possum Products Co
- Published
- April 30, 2004
- Type
- Fiction