The flying ship
Rosemary Harris
The flying ship
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Rosemary Harris
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
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly in a magical ship? Imagine a brave peasant soaring through the sky, ready to win the heart of the Czar’s daughter. But can he and his peculiar friends conquer the impossible challenges waiting for them?
Quick Assessment
This retelling of a classic folk tale follows a peasant who arrives in a flying ship to win the hand of the Czar's daughter. Along the way, he teams up with unusual companions to complete three daunting tasks set by the Czar. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, the story features themes of friendship, bravery, and problem-solving in an engaging, age-appropriate way.
Why we rated The flying ship 7C
The flying ship 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, The flying ship works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The flying ship 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 flying ship explores adventure, friendship, and fantasy world-building — 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 adventure, friendship, fantasy world-building.
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
2/10A 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
- 0571105041
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Faber & Faber
- Published
- 1975
- Type
- Fiction