Perry Panda
Helen Bashford
Perry Panda
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Story about Parental Depression
by Helen Bashford
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
What if your best friend suddenly felt really sad, and you didn’t know why? Perry Panda notices his mom’s big frown and wonders if it’s because of him. But what if there’s a special way he can help her smile again?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle picture book explores the theme of childhood depression through the eyes of Perry Panda, a young child who initially feels responsible for his mother’s sadness. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it offers a reassuring message about understanding emotions and the importance of family support. Parents should note the sensitive topic of depression is addressed with warmth and hope, making it a helpful resource for discussing mental health with young children.
Why we rated Perry Panda 7ME
Perry Panda 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, Perry Panda works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Perry Panda as 7ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Perry Panda explores mental health, family, children's fiction, stories in rhyme, and picture books — 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 mental health, family, children's fiction.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781785924125
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Kingsley Publishers, Jessica
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction