What's That Smell? (Super Gross)
Ximena Hastings
What's That Smell? (Super Gross)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ximena Hastings
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
Have you ever wondered why some animals smell so stinky? Imagine a skunk doing a handstand just before spraying its smelly musk all the way across the yard. What other surprising smells could be lurking in the wild?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This fun and informative book introduces young readers to the fascinating world of animal scents, including quirky facts about skunks and other creatures with unique odors. Designed for early readers aged 5-8, it combines simple text with engaging illustrations to encourage curiosity about nature. The content is light and suitable for this age group, with no concerning themes or language.
Why we rated What's That Smell? (Super Gross) 7C
What's That Smell? (Super Gross) 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's That Smell? (Super Gross) works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate What's That Smell? (Super Gross) 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's That Smell? (Super Gross) explores science & nature, humor, 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 science & nature, humor, early learning.
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
- 9781536474992
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Simon Spotlight
- Published
- 2022
- Type
- Fiction