The king who saved the dove
Etsuo Katō
The king who saved the dove
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Etsuo Katō
Illustrated by Yasui, Kōji, illustrator
The text is written at a 1st 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
Here’s a secret: a king once promised to protect even the tiniest dove, no matter what. But when a fierce hawk swoops down, everything changes — and that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gently told tale from India introduces young readers to King Shibi, a ruler known for his kindness and bravery. It explores themes of compassion and protection through a simple yet meaningful story, enhanced by an afterword that explains its deeper Buddhist significance. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it offers a culturally rich introduction to moral values without any intense content.
Why we rated The king who saved the dove 6LE
The king who saved the dove is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 23 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The king who saved the dove works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate The king who saved the dove as 6LE ("Light — Emotional") 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 king who saved the dove explores kings, rulers, fiction, gods, and conduct of life — 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 kings, rulers, fiction.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6LE — Light — EmotionalNo 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
- 9781935523680
- Pages
- 23
- Publisher
- Treasure Tower Books
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction