What made Tiddalik laugh
Joanna Troughton
What made Tiddalik laugh
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a dreamtime story from Australia
by Joanna Troughton
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
Have you ever wondered what would happen if a giant frog drank up all the water in the world? Tiddalik did just that, leaving the land dry and thirsty. But how can the animals make him laugh and save the day when nothing seems funny—except maybe Platypus's surprise?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This beautifully illustrated story retells an Aboriginal myth about Tiddalik, a giant frog who drinks all the water, causing a drought. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it introduces children to Australian Aboriginal culture and natural history through an engaging and age-appropriate narrative with gentle humor.
Why we rated What made Tiddalik laugh 7C
What made Tiddalik laugh is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What made Tiddalik laugh works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate What made Tiddalik laugh 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 made Tiddalik laugh explores mythology, australian aboriginal, family, animals, and nature — 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 mythology, australian aboriginal, family.
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
Tiddalick
Robert Roennfeldt
Tiddalick
Robert Roennfeldt
Biggest Frog in Austrailia
Susan Roth
Biggest Frog in Austrailia
Susan Roth
Platypus Tales
J. E. McCluskey
Platypus Tales
J. E. McCluskey
Troo makes a splash
Cheryl Crouch
Troo makes a splash
Cheryl Crouch
Black duck and water rat
P. J. Trezise
Black duck and water rat
P. J. Trezise
Kersplatypus
Susan K. Mitchell
Kersplatypus
Susan K. Mitchell
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0140506748
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Puffin
- Published
- 1994
- Type
- Fiction