Shabbat Shalom, Hey!
Ann D. Koffsky
Shabbat Shalom, Hey!
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ann D. Koffsky
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
Hey the Lion is not your ordinary animal—he’s the best at celebrating Shabbat with kindness and joy! Discover how his special traditions bring everyone together in a warm, furry celebration that’s full of heart. It’s more than a story; it’s a joyful way to share love and respect every week.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming early reader introduces young children to the traditions and values of Shabbat through the engaging character of Hey the Lion. The story emphasizes themes of kindness, etiquette, and community in a gentle, age-appropriate way for ages 5 to 8. It also includes a link to the original children's song, enhancing the cultural experience.
Why we rated Shabbat Shalom, Hey! 7C
Shabbat Shalom, Hey! 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, Shabbat Shalom, Hey! works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Shabbat Shalom, Hey! 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, Shabbat Shalom, Hey! explores children's fiction, etiquette, family, animals, and cultural traditions — 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 children's fiction, etiquette, family.
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
- 9781467749176
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Kar-Ben Publishing ®
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction