Hush!
Minfong Ho
Hush!
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Thai Lullaby
by Minfong Ho
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
Soft whispers float through the warm night air as gentle raindrops tap on the roof. Every creature from the lizard to the water-buffalo tiptoes quietly, careful not to wake the sleeping baby. The calm hush wraps around the room like a cozy blanket, soothing and peaceful.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This beautifully illustrated book features a soothing lullaby that invites various animals to be quiet so as not to disturb a sleeping baby. Perfect for early readers aged 5-8, it combines lyrical poetry with gentle themes of calm and restfulness. The content is gentle and appropriate for young children, ideal for bedtime reading.
Why we rated Hush! 7C
Hush! is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hush! works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Hush! 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, Hush! explores lullabies, poetry, family, nature, and calm & rest — 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 lullabies, poetry, 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
- 9780531071663
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 1996
- Type
- Fiction