What Do You Say, Dear?
Sesyle Joslin
What Do You Say, Dear?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sesyle Joslin
Illustrated by Maurice Sendak
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
This book boldly claims that knowing the right thing to say can turn any tricky situation into a chance to shine! With funny and unexpected examples, it shows how words can be your best superpower. Discover why mastering manners isn’t just polite—it’s powerful.
Themes
Quick Assessment
What Do You Say, Dear? uses humor and imaginative examples to teach young children appropriate social responses in everyday situations. Aimed at early readers ages 5-8, it encourages polite communication through engaging and accessible language. Parents should know it's a lighthearted approach to social skills without any challenging content.
Why we rated What Do You Say, Dear? 7C
What Do You Say, Dear? 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 You Say, Dear? works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate What Do You Say, Dear? 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 You Say, Dear? explores children: babies & toddlers, humor, and social skills — 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, humor, social skills.
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
2/10A 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
- 9780590337236
- Pages
- 48
- Publisher
- Scholastic Paperbacks
- Published
- April 1977
- Type
- Fiction