Dolphin finds a star
Moira Butterfield
Dolphin finds a star
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Moira Butterfield
Illustrated by Burnett, Alex, illustrator
The text is written at a 1st 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
What if a dolphin could find a star fallen from the sky? Splash dives into the shimmering ocean waves, feeling the sparkle under his fins as he hunts for the perfect gift for his mother. But will the star be lost forever in the deep blue sea?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming early reader follows Splash the dolphin on a gentle quest to find a fallen star for his mother, combining engaging storytelling with tactile, sparkling illustrations to enhance sensory learning. Suitable for children ages 5 to 8, the book introduces themes of love and exploration in an accessible and age-appropriate way without any challenging content.
Why we rated Dolphin finds a star 6C
Dolphin finds a star is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 24 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dolphin finds a star works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Dolphin finds a star as 6C ("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, Dolphin finds a star explores adventure, family, friendship, science & nature, 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 adventure, family, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6C — 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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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781405476041
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Parragon Publishing
- Published
- 2006
- Type
- Fiction