The Kiss That Missed (Book & Tape)
David Melling
The Kiss That Missed (Book & Tape)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by David Melling
Illustrated by David Melling
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 missed something so important it changed everything? Imagine a brave little knight whose kiss misses the princess and lands somewhere unexpected. What will happen next when the magic doesn’t go as planned?
Quick Assessment
This charming picture book tells the story of a young knight whose kiss meant to wake a princess goes hilariously awry. Perfect for early readers aged 5 to 8, it combines gentle humor with bright illustrations to support emerging literacy skills. The story is lighthearted and suitable for bedtime reading with no concerning content.
Why we rated The Kiss That Missed (Book & Tape) 7C
The Kiss That Missed (Book & Tape) 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 Kiss That Missed (Book & Tape) works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The Kiss That Missed (Book & Tape) 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 Kiss That Missed (Book & Tape) explores fiction, picture books, 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 fiction, picture books, humor.
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
- 9781840326635
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Hodder Children's Books
- Published
- February 13, 2003
- Type
- Fiction