Open sesame picture dictionary
J. W. Schimpff
Open sesame picture dictionary
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Hardcover
by J. W. Schimpff
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever wondered how to say all your favorite things in a brand-new language? Imagine exploring the world of words with your Sesame Street friends, discovering names for everything from toys to tasty treats. What surprising words will you learn next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This picture dictionary uses familiar Sesame Street characters to introduce over 500 vocabulary words across everyday topics like body parts, toys, food, and family. Designed for children aged 9 to 12, it supports English language learners and young readers exploring foreign languages. The book is a nonfiction reference tool with simple visuals and language appropriate for its middle-grade audience.
Why we rated Open sesame picture dictionary 9C
Open sesame picture dictionary is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 102 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Open sesame picture dictionary works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Open sesame picture 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, Open sesame picture dictionary explores foreign language study, english as a second language, juvenile nonfiction, reference, and dictionaries — 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 foreign language study, english as a second language, juvenile nonfiction.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Sesame Street dictionary
Linda Hayward
The Sesame Street dictionary
Linda Hayward
My Picture Dictionary with Book
Diane Snowball
My Picture Dictionary with Book
Diane Snowball
The picture book dictionary
Valerie Laud
The picture book dictionary
Valerie Laud
My Fun Picture Dictionary
Roger Priddy
My Fun Picture Dictionary
Roger Priddy
Let's Discover More New Words Picture Dictionary
Marlene Goodman
Let's Discover More New Words Picture Dictionary
Marlene Goodman
Picture Dictionary in French
Felicity Brooks
Picture Dictionary in French
Felicity Brooks
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780195032017
- Pages
- 102
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press, USA
- Published
- 1982
- Type
- Nonfiction