What a funny thing to say!
Bernice Kohn Hunt
What a funny thing to say!
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bernice Kohn Hunt
The text is written at a 3rd 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
Hear the tick-tock of a clock and the cheerful chatter of words as they dance through time! Imagine uncovering the hidden stories behind the funny things people say every day. Each phrase has a secret past waiting to be discovered, sparking curiosity and wonder.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book introduces early readers to the fascinating origins of English words, idioms, and slang in an engaging and accessible way. Suitable for ages 5 to 8, it encourages language exploration and curiosity without complex vocabulary or heavy content. It’s a gentle introduction to etymology designed to inspire a love of words.
Why we rated What a funny thing to say! 8C
What a funny thing to say! is written at a Level 3 reading level across 87 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What a funny thing to say! works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate What a funny thing to say! as 8C ("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, What a funny thing to say! explores english language, etymology, slang, early learning, and language exploration — 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 english language, etymology, slang.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9780803790797
- Pages
- 87
- Publisher
- Dial Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 1974
- Type
- Nonfiction