What reading level is The Ice Child?

The Ice Child by Nick Ward is at a Level 2 reading level. Recommended for Lower Grades readers (Ages 5-8).

What age is The Ice Child appropriate for?

The Ice Child is recommended for Ages 5-8. Content intensity: "Gentle" (1/5). Content flags: Fear & Anxiety, Identity & Self-Discovery, Friendship.

What genre is The Ice Child?

The Ice Child is fiction — Bereavement.

Does The Ice Child have any content warnings?

The Ice Child has a content intensity rating of "Gentle" (1/5). Content flags include: Fear & Anxiety, Identity & Self-Discovery, Friendship. On HootRated, every book is rated for emotional, physical, and social content themes to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is The Ice Child?

The Ice Child by Nick Ward is 32 pages.

The Ice Child

Nick Ward

The Ice Child

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Nick Ward

Illustrated by Peter Bailey

Reading Level 2 Gentle (Lvl 1) Ages 5-8 Matched

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

An ice child isn't just a story—it's a miracle carved from ten years of dripping icicles. When a mysterious boy made of ice suddenly comes to life, everything around him begins to change. But can someone made of ice learn how to love and be loved?

Themes

Friendship Coming of Age FamilySocial SituationsJuvenile FictionPicture books

Quick Assessment

This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of a boy born from ice who must navigate the challenges of friendship and identity in a wintry world. Aimed at early readers ages 5 to 8, it explores themes of belonging and emotional growth with gentle language and simple yet expressive artwork. Parents should note the story’s thoughtful treatment of complex feelings in a tender, accessible way.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 1 — Gentle

Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Content Flags

Fear & Anxiety Identity & Self-Discovery Friendship

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level

Emotional Weight

Theme Richness

World Scope

Data Confidence

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Details

Book Length

32 pages

ISBN: 9781843650041
Pages: 32
Publisher: Pavilion Children's Books
Published: July 2003
Type: Fiction

Genres

Bereavement

Subjects

Social SituationsFriendshipPicturebooksValuesPeople & PlacesSocial IssuesSocial IsolationSocial AcceptanceIdentityInterpersonal RelationsScience FictionMagicFantasyLoveFantasy Fiction