Keeper Of Soles
Teresa Bateman
Keeper Of Soles
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Teresa Bateman
Illustrated by Yayo
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
Colin the shoemaker is busy fitting a pair of boots—on Death himself! But just when Death thinks he’s got Colin’s soul, Colin has a clever trick up his sleeve. Can Colin outsmart Death again, or is this the end?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This humorous picture book tells the story of Colin, a shoemaker who cleverly outwits Death by keeping him distracted with custom-made shoes. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it combines playful storytelling with inventive illustrations to engage young children. The story features light fantasy elements and is free of intense content, making it appropriate for its intended age group.
Why we rated Keeper Of Soles 6C
Keeper Of Soles 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, Keeper Of Soles works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Keeper Of Soles 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, Keeper Of Soles explores humor, folklore, fantasy, and cleverness — 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 humor, folklore, fantasy.
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
- 9780823421374
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Holiday House (P)
- Published
- January 2, 2008
- Type
- Fiction