What Do I Say/English/Spanish
Norma Simon
What Do I Say/English/Spanish
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Norma Simon
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 little boy points and asks, "What do I say?" as he watches a baby giggle and a puppy bark nearby. Every moment brings a new surprise and a new question. But what will he say next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This bilingual picture book introduces young readers to common daily situations through simple, repetitive questions in English and Spanish. Suitable for ages 5-8, it supports early language development and cultural awareness without any challenging content. The story gently encourages curiosity and observation in a familiar, safe setting.
Why we rated What Do I Say/English/Spanish 7C
What Do I Say/English/Spanish is written at a Level 2 reading level across 48 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What Do I Say/English/Spanish works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate What Do I Say/English/Spanish 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, What Do I Say/English/Spanish explores children: babies & toddlers, multicultural, and language learning — 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 children: babies & toddlers, multicultural, language learning.
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
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
- 9780807588260
- Pages
- 48
- Publisher
- Albert Whitman
- Published
- June 1967
- Type
- Fiction