What are you waiting for?
Scott Menchin
What are you waiting for?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Scott Menchin
Illustrated by Phelan, Matt, illustrator
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
Have you ever waited for something so special it makes time feel slow? Outside, a badger meets his rabbit friend who is patiently watching the sky. But what could they be waiting for as the world grows quiet?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle fiction book explores the theme of patience through the friendship between a badger and a rabbit. Aimed at early readers ages 5 to 8, it uses simple language and charming animal characters to engage children in understanding waiting and anticipation. There is no intense content, making it suitable for young children learning to read independently.
Why we rated What are you waiting for? 6C
What are you waiting for? is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 38 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What are you waiting for? works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate What are you waiting for? 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, What are you waiting for? explores patience, friendship, fiction, and animals — 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 patience, friendship, fiction.
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
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
- 9781626721524
- Pages
- 38
- Publisher
- Roaring Brook Press
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction