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Shawn O'Hisser, the Last Snake in Ireland

Peter J. Welling

Cover of Shawn O'Hisser, the Last Snake in Ireland

Shawn O'Hisser, the Last Snake in Ireland

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Peter J. Welling

Reading Level 2 7LE Ages 5-8 Heads Up

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 mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

Shawn O'Hisser slithers fast as leprechauns chase him near the shore. Boats are leaving, and all the snakes have to go—except Shawn. But why is he the last snake left in Ireland? Suddenly, a shadow looms behind him...

Themes

AnimalsFairy Tales & FolkloreJuvenile Fiction

Quick Assessment

This early reader story follows Shawn O'Hisser, the last snake in Ireland, as he faces the leprechauns' banishment of his kind. Blending folklore with gentle adventure, it introduces young readers to themes of animals, culture, and perseverance. Suitable for ages 5-8, it contains mild peril but no intense content.

Why we rated Shawn O'Hisser, the Last Snake in Ireland 7LE

Shawn O'Hisser, the Last Snake in Ireland 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, Shawn O'Hisser, the Last Snake in Ireland works for readers up to grade 4.0.

We rate Shawn O'Hisser, the Last Snake in Ireland as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.

Thematically, Shawn O'Hisser, the Last Snake in Ireland explores animals, fairy tales & folklore, and juvenile fiction — 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 animals, fairy tales & folklore, juvenile fiction.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

7LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
2
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

32 pages
ISBN
1589800141
Pages
32
Publisher
Pelican Publishing Company
Published
2002
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

AnimalsReptiles & AmphibiansFairy Tales & FolkloreCountry & EthnicHolidays & CelebrationsHumorous StoriesLegends, Myths, FablesPeople & PlacesEurope