Listen Sh'ma
Alyson Solomon
Listen Sh'ma
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Alyson Solomon
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
Have you ever listened closely to the sounds around you? Imagine slowing down a special prayer so you can hear the whispers of the world and the quiet feelings inside you. What secrets might you discover in the gentle sounds of shhh, mmm, ahhh?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This beautifully illustrated early reader invites young children to experience the Sh'ma prayer in a calming, sensory way by breaking down its first word into soothing sounds. Perfect for ages 5 to 8, it encourages mindfulness, love, and tenderness at bedtime without complex themes or challenging content.
Why we rated Listen Sh'ma 7C
Listen Sh'ma 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, Listen Sh'ma works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Listen Sh'ma 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, Listen Sh'ma explores family, spirituality, and mindfulness — 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 family, spirituality, mindfulness.
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
- 9781681156118
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Apples & Honey Press
- Published
- 2023
- Type
- Fiction