Up and up
Shirley Hughes
Up and up
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Shirley Hughes
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Flying isn't just for birds—it's for little girls with big dreams too! Watch as one brave girl zooms higher and higher without saying a single word. Her silent adventure shows that sometimes, actions speak louder than words.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This wordless picture book follows a young girl's imaginative adventure as she learns to fly. Perfect for early readers aged 5 to 8, it encourages creativity and visual storytelling without relying on text. The story is lighthearted and accessible, making it ideal for shared reading or independent exploration.
Why we rated Up and up 7C
Up and up 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, Up and up works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Up and up 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, Up and up explores adventure, humor, and friendship — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, humor, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
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
3/10A 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
Up, up, and away
Ruth Heller
Up, up, and away
Ruth Heller
Up, up, and away
David J. Darling
Up, up, and away
David J. Darling
Up with Birds!
John Yeoman
Up with Birds!
John Yeoman
Up, up, and away!
Judith Bauer Stamper
Up, up, and away!
Judith Bauer Stamper
Up, up in the air
Molly Blaisdell
Up, up in the air
Molly Blaisdell
Flying High
Jane Shuter
Flying High
Jane Shuter
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780099922506
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Red Fox
- Published
- 1991
- Type
- Fiction