Joey's too much TV
Jodie McCallum
Joey's too much TV
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
created and illustrated by Joanne (Jodie) McCallum ; written by Barbara Linville.
by Jodie McCallum
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever wondered what happens when you watch too much TV? Joey's cat might just have the answer, as mysterious angels start to appear around the house. What secret will Joey discover about his own curiosity?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader book explores themes of curiosity and the effects of watching too much television through the story of Joey and his cat. Suitable for children ages 5-8, it gently encourages reflection on media consumption and good conduct in a light, accessible way. The story includes imaginative elements like angels, making it engaging without any intense content.
Why we rated Joey's too much TV 6C
Joey's too much TV is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Joey's too much TV works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Joey's too much TV 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, Joey's too much TV explores cats, angels, conduct of life, curiosity, and television — 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 cats, angels, conduct of life.
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
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Too much TV!
Gladys Moreta
Too much TV!
Gladys Moreta
Teaching Joey
Bre Anderson
Teaching Joey
Bre Anderson
What would Joey do?
Jean Little
What would Joey do?
Jean Little
Joey
Hope Ryden
Joey
Hope Ryden
Television
Andrew Langley
Television
Andrew Langley
Jojo's House
Xavier Deneux
Jojo's House
Xavier Deneux
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0874036283
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Standard Pub. Co.
- Published
- 1989
- Type
- Fiction