What's that smell?
Janelle Cherrington
What's that smell?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Lift and Sniff Flap Book
by Janelle Cherrington
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.
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About This Book
The air fills with a sweet, fruity scent as you tiptoe through Bear’s cozy house. Every page brings a new smell to discover, from fresh pine to warm cookies baking nearby. Can you guess what’s making those wonderful smells? It’s a journey that tickles your nose and warms your heart.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This scented picture book based on Jim Henson’s 'Bear in the Big Blue House' invites early readers to explore familiar scents alongside colorful illustrations. Designed for children ages 5 to 8, it encourages sensory engagement and curiosity about the world in a gentle, friendly setting. The story is suitable for young readers without any concerning content.
Why we rated What's that smell? 6C
What's that smell? is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 10 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What's that smell? works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate What's that smell? 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's that smell? explores scented books, bears, friendship, family, and early childhood — 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 scented books, bears, friendship.
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0689825676
- Pages
- 10
- Publisher
- Atheneum Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 1999
- Type
- Fiction