The day the tide went out - and out -
David McKee
The day the tide went out - and out -
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by David McKee
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
The day the tide went out wasn’t just any ordinary day—it changed the world forever! Discover how the pyramids came to be and why the camel got its hump in a tale full of surprises that explain nature’s mysteries. It’s a story that shows how little moments can make a huge difference.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming early reader combines imaginative storytelling with elements of science and nature, explaining the formation of pyramids and the camel’s distinctive hump in a simple, engaging way. Suitable for ages 5 to 8, it encourages curiosity about the natural world and features friendly animal characters. The content is gentle and appropriate for young children, with no challenging themes.
Why we rated The day the tide went out - and out - 7C
The day the tide went out - and out - is written at a Level 2 reading level across 28 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The day the tide went out - and out - works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The day the tide went out - and out - 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, The day the tide went out - and out - explores animals, science & nature, bedtime & dreams, 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, science & nature, bedtime & dreams.
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
- 0216917395
- Pages
- 28
- Publisher
- Blackie
- Published
- 1985
- Type
- Fiction