Chasing Butterflies
Lily Palmerino
Chasing Butterflies
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lily Palmerino
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here’s a little secret: Willow carries a pocketful of worries wherever she goes. But when butterflies start to dance around her, something magical begins to happen — and that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Chasing Butterflies is a vibrant picture book that gently addresses social anxiety in young children through the story of Willow and her supportive circle of friends and family. Designed for early readers ages 5-8, this book offers practical strategies to help children manage their worries and includes thoughtful discussion questions to reinforce learning.
Why we rated Chasing Butterflies 7LE
Chasing Butterflies is written at a Level 2 reading level across 36 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Chasing Butterflies works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Chasing Butterflies as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, Chasing Butterflies explores friendship, family, emotional growth, social anxiety, and education — 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 friendship, family, emotional growth.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Butterfly Meadow
Scholastic
Butterfly Meadow
Scholastic
Mommy, Where Do Butterflies Go?
Leta Laugle
Mommy, Where Do Butterflies Go?
Leta Laugle
Butterflies
Grace Hansen
Butterflies
Grace Hansen
Little Butterfly
Aimee Spring
Little Butterfly
Aimee Spring
Butterflies
Teresa Wimmer
Butterflies
Teresa Wimmer
Butterflies
Julie Murray
Butterflies
Julie Murray
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9798218253103
- Pages
- 36
- Publisher
- Palmerino Publishing, Lily
- Published
- 2023
- Type
- Fiction