Tim Kipper
Robert Swindells
Tim Kipper
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robert Swindells
Illustrated by S. Anderson
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
The crackle and puff of smoke fills the air as Tim Kipper’s chimney grows taller and taller right from his head. It’s hard to tell if it’s magic or just a very strange problem! How will Tim manage with a chimney where his hat should be?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This whimsical picture book tells the story of Tim Kipper, a boy who smokes so much that a chimney grows out of his head. Suitable for early readers aged 5 to 8, the story uses imaginative visuals and humor to gently highlight the consequences of smoking. Parents should note that while the book addresses smoking, it does so in a fantastical and child-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Tim Kipper 7C
Tim Kipper 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, Tim Kipper works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Tim Kipper 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, Tim Kipper explores fiction, picture books, humor, and health awareness — 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
- 9780333517499
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Macmillan Children's Books
- Published
- June 29, 1990
- Type
- Fiction