Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The dolphin, prince of the waves
Renée Le Bloas-Julienne
The dolphin, prince of the waves
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Renée Le Bloas-Julienne
Animal Close-Ups (Charlesbridge)
The text is written at a 5th 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
Discover the fascinating world of bottlenose dolphins as you explore their unique features, lively habits, and the journey they take through life. Dive into the ocean to learn what makes these playful creatures so special and how they navigate their underwater home.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with gentle content intensity. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated The dolphin, prince of the waves 10C
The dolphin, prince of the waves is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 27 pages (approximately 1,455 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.3 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The dolphin, prince of the waves works for readers up to grade 7.3.
Read aloud, The dolphin, prince of the waves takes about 10 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate The dolphin, prince of the waves as 10C ("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 dolphin, prince of the waves weaves together science & nature and animals.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, animals.
- ✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there is one more book in the Animal Close-Ups (Charlesbridge) series.
- ✓ 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.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
7/10High engagement — fast-paced, fun, and hard to put down. Great for reluctant readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
More in the Animal Close-Ups (Charlesbridge) Series
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Dolphins
Adele Richardson
Dolphins
Adele Richardson
Bottlenose Dolphins
Kathryn Clay
Bottlenose Dolphins
Kathryn Clay
Bottlenose dolphins
John F. Prevost
Bottlenose dolphins
John F. Prevost
Dolphin
Robert A. Morris
Dolphin
Robert A. Morris
Dolphin
Louise Spilsbury
Dolphin
Louise Spilsbury
Dolphins
Adele Richardson
Dolphins
Adele Richardson
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0881064408
- Pages
- 27
- Publisher
- Charlesbridge Publishing
- Published
- 1997
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 1,455
- Read-Aloud
- ~10 min
- Text Density
- Light Text