The yawn
Barney Saltzberg
The yawn
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Barney Saltzberg
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
Yawns are more powerful than you think—they can travel from one person to another like a secret wave! Watch how one boy’s simple morning yawn sparks a chain reaction that brings everyone together. It’s amazing how something so small can connect us all.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This wordless picture book explores the contagious nature of yawning through a charming, visual narrative ideal for early readers aged 5 to 8. It fosters observational skills and social connection without relying on text, making it accessible for young children developing literacy. The gentle storyline and bright illustrations encourage engagement and shared reading experiences.
Why we rated The yawn 6C
The yawn is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 28 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The yawn works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate The yawn as 6C ("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 yawn explores 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 friendship, humor, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6C — 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
- 0689310730
- Pages
- 28
- Publisher
- Atheneum Books
- Published
- 1985
- Type
- Fiction