What I Taste
Alex Appleby
What I Taste
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Alex Appleby
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Everyone thinks tasting is just about food, but what if your tongue could tell stories? This book shows how taste is a powerful sense that helps us explore the world in surprising ways. Discover why tasting is more than just eating—it’s a whole adventure for your senses!
Themes
Quick Assessment
This simple and engaging book introduces young readers to the sense of taste, helping children understand how this sense works and why it’s important. Suitable for early readers aged 5 to 8, it uses clear language and vivid illustrations to make sensory learning fun and accessible. There are no challenging themes or content concerns, making it a safe and educational choice for young children.
Why we rated What I Taste 7C
What I Taste is written at a Level 2 reading level across 24 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What I Taste works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate What I Taste 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 I Taste explores senses and sensation, juvenile literature, taste, and early 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 senses and sensation, juvenile literature, taste.
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Tasting
Martha E. H. Rustad
Tasting
Martha E. H. Rustad
What Can I Taste?
Sue Barraclough
What Can I Taste?
Sue Barraclough
What Is Taste?
Jennifer Boothroyd
What Is Taste?
Jennifer Boothroyd
Taste and smell
Ed Catherall
Taste and smell
Ed Catherall
What Can I... Taste (Barraclough, Sue. What Can I?)
Sue Barraclough
What Can I... Taste (Barraclough, Sue. What Can I?)
Sue Barraclough
Tasting
Kathie Billingslea Smith
Tasting
Kathie Billingslea Smith
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781482408195
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Gareth Stevens Publishing LLLP
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction