Smelling
by Helen Frost
Capstone Press 2000
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- the five senses
- observation
- human body
- everyday life
- scientific inquiry
- health and safety
About this book
This simple nonfiction book introduces how our noses help us smell and why scents matter in everyday life. With short sentences and clear photos, it’s perfect for early readers and science units about the five senses. Kids enjoy connecting the examples to real-life smells—both pleasant and not-so-pleasant—while learning basic facts about how the sense of smell works. Great for building vocabulary and observation skills.
Setting: real-world, everyday environments; the human body (sense of smell)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smelling right for my child?
Yes — Smelling is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.1, which is typical for 1st grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include the five senses, observation, human body.
How long does it take to read Smelling?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Smelling takes around 2m to finish. The book has 140 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Smelling have an AR quiz?
Yes — Smelling has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Smelling?
Smelling has an AR reading level of 1.1, which places it at a 1st grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.