Wishes, kisses, and pigs
Betsy Gould Hearne
Wishes, kisses, and pigs
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Betsy Gould Hearne
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), 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
Here's a secret: when eleven-year-old Louise wishes on the first evening star, her brother suddenly turns into a pig. Now she's got to use wishes, kisses, and a little bit of magic to fix this unexpected mess—but that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This charming middle-grade fantasy follows eleven-year-old Louise as she tries to reverse a magical mishap that turns her brother into a pig. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of family, magic, and problem-solving with lighthearted humor and gentle adventure. Parents should note the presence of magical elements and mild fantasy consequences.
Why we rated Wishes, kisses, and pigs 9C
Wishes, kisses, and pigs is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 157 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Wishes, kisses, and pigs works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Wishes, kisses, and pigs as 9C ("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, Wishes, kisses, and pigs explores magic, family, wishes, adventure, and humor — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about magic, family, wishes.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
Princess pig
Molly Coxe
Princess pig
Molly Coxe
Wish, change, friend
Ian Whybrow
Wish, change, friend
Ian Whybrow
Princess Pig
Molly Coxe
Princess Pig
Molly Coxe
The little pink pig
Liza Charlesworth
The little pink pig
Liza Charlesworth
Pigs Have Wings
Kathleen Welton
Pigs Have Wings
Kathleen Welton
Perfect the Pig
Susan Jeschke
Perfect the Pig
Susan Jeschke
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0786234709
- Pages
- 157
- Publisher
- Thorndike Press
- Published
- 2001
- Type
- Fiction