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The Tricky Sticky Problem (Emergent Early Fluency)

Diana Noonan

Cover of The Tricky Sticky Problem (Emergent Early Fluency)

The Tricky Sticky Problem (Emergent Early Fluency)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Diana Noonan

Illustrated by Christine Ross

Reading Level 2 7C 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

This book proves that even the stickiest problems can be solved with a little clever thinking! When a tricky mess shows up, watch how smart choices turn it all around. It’s a reminder that no problem is too big when you use your brain.

Themes

FriendshipProblem SolvingEarly Literacy

Quick Assessment

This early fluency book is designed for young readers aged 5 to 8, focusing on problem-solving through a simple, engaging story. With only 12 pages and clear illustrations, it encourages early reading skills while promoting critical thinking. The content is gentle and appropriate for emergent readers, making it a great introduction to narrative problem-solving.

Why we rated The Tricky Sticky Problem (Emergent Early Fluency) 7C

The Tricky Sticky Problem (Emergent Early Fluency) is written at a Level 2 reading level across 12 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Tricky Sticky Problem (Emergent Early Fluency) works for readers up to grade 4.0.

We rate The Tricky Sticky Problem (Emergent Early Fluency) 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 Tricky Sticky Problem (Emergent Early Fluency) explores friendship, problem solving, and early literacy — 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 friendship, problem solving, early literacy.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

7C — Clear
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

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

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

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
2
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

12 pages
ISBN
0478205147
Pages
12
Publisher
Pacific Learning
Published
1997
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Baby-3 YearsProblem Solving