What do you say?
Wendy Wax
What do you say?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Please and Thank You!
by Wendy Wax
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here's a little secret: every animal has a special way of saying hello! Molly and Sam are about to discover polite surprises on their walk, from a pig with one green shoe to a dog with a tasty treat—but that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming rhyming story introduces young readers to basic etiquette through the adventures of Molly and Sam as they meet various friendly animals. Suitable for early readers aged 5 to 8, it encourages polite behavior in a fun and engaging way without any challenging content.
Why we rated What do you say? 6C
What do you say? is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 1 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What do you say? works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate What do you say? 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 do you say? explores etiquette, animals, stories in rhyme, 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about etiquette, animals, stories in rhyme.
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
What do you say?
Rick Wetzel
What do you say?
Rick Wetzel
What do you say?
Jennifer Blizin Gillis
What do you say?
Jennifer Blizin Gillis
Say Hello!
Linda Davick
Say Hello!
Linda Davick
Hello hello
Brendan Wenzel
Hello hello
Brendan Wenzel
Say hello, Sophie!
Rosemary Wells
Say hello, Sophie!
Rosemary Wells
What Do You Say?
Marilyn Tate Wilson
What Do You Say?
Marilyn Tate Wilson
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 1589871081
- Pages
- 1
- Publisher
- Kindermusik International
- Published
- 2005
- Type
- Fiction