First Colour Dictionary
Robin Hyman
First Colour Dictionary
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robin Hyman
Illustrated by Mary Budd
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Here’s a secret: every color has its own special name and story hidden in this book. Discover over 2,000 words and more than 1,000 related spellings that bring colors to life with bright, full-color pictures—but that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This dictionary introduces children aged 9 to 12 to over 2,000 words with clear, simple definitions and more than 1,000 derivative words to support spelling skills. Its attractive full-color illustrations make learning engaging and accessible, ideal for middle-grade readers expanding their vocabulary.
Why we rated First Colour Dictionary 9C
First Colour Dictionary is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, First Colour Dictionary works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate First Colour Dictionary as 9C ("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, First Colour Dictionary explores dictionaries, education, and language — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about dictionaries, education, language.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — 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
- 0713514418
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
- Published
- August 22, 1985
- Type
- Fiction