Feelings
Joanne Brisson Murphy
Feelings
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Joanne Brisson Murphy
Illustrated by Heather Collins
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 soft rustle of leaves, the gentle hug from Dad, the quiet of the dark—each moment feels different inside. Sometimes your heart races, sometimes it feels calm and warm. What do your feelings say when you're in these special moments?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle early reader explores a range of emotions children experience in everyday situations, such as being in the dark or spending time with a parent. It’s designed for ages 5-8 and helps young children recognize and name their feelings, promoting emotional literacy. The book uses simple language and relatable scenarios, making it ideal for early readers beginning to understand social and emotional concepts.
Why we rated Feelings 7C
Feelings 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, Feelings works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Feelings 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, Feelings explores emotions & feelings, social situations, family, and emotional literacy — 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 emotions & feelings, social situations, 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
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780887531293
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Windsor, Ont. : Black Moss Press
- Published
- July 1, 1985
- Type
- Fiction