The kiss that missed and other stories
David Melling
The kiss that missed and other stories
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by David Melling
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), 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
What if a brave knight’s kiss just missed its mark? Imagine magical tales where love tries its hardest, but funny things keep happening instead. Can love win through all the mix-ups and surprises?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This collection features three charming stories centered on knights and the whimsical attempts to express love, designed for early readers aged 5 to 8. The gentle humor and magical elements make for enjoyable bedtime reading without any intense content. It’s a lighthearted introduction to themes of affection and kindness suitable for young children.
Why we rated The kiss that missed and other stories 8C
The kiss that missed and other stories is written at a Level 3 reading level across 92 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The kiss that missed and other stories works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate The kiss that missed and other stories as 8C ("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 kiss that missed and other stories explores knights and knighthood, friendship, humor, and family — 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 knights and knighthood, friendship, humor.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Kiss That Missed (Book & Tape)
David Melling
The Kiss That Missed (Book & Tape)
David Melling
Kissed
Cameron Dokey
Kissed
Cameron Dokey
Kiss-diamond
Margaret COX
Kiss-diamond
Margaret COX
A book of kisses
Ross, Dave
A book of kisses
Ross, Dave
Won't You Be My Kissaroo?
Joanne Ryder
Won't You Be My Kissaroo?
Joanne Ryder
Kisses from Mamma
Melissa Altamirano
Kisses from Mamma
Melissa Altamirano
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781444901696
- Pages
- 92
- Publisher
- Hodder Children's Books
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction