Reserve this for an older kid (10+?) reading below grade level, as a book that though relatively simple to read will hold an older kid's interest. The book is well written, with a quite clever, very well-executed premise (of going deeper into into a receding series of paintings), and with numerous good illustrations adding to the story. But I do not recommend it for younger kids. Emily leaves her 4 year old brother alone in the woods next to a stream -- no water safety message there. And I am wary of any fire-setting theme in a book for young kids: here the ghost girl is described as having died in what was perhaps a self-set fire, and Emily's 4 year old brother has a habit of going around with matches and their eventual escape is when he (the 4 year old) sets a fire! (Which, by the way, is a clever resolution of their predicament -- I just don't like a positive result to fire-setting by a 4 year old!) And overall, the ghosts are sad and a bit malicious; that faint air of menace will appeal to (especially older) kids, but I don't care for menacing ghosts with younger readers.
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The Secret of the Painted House
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Easy, fun read draws kids in with ghostly chills.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 6 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Secret of the Painted House
Parents need to know that there is little of concern here. But Emily doesn't make a very good babysitter -- she leaves her little brother alone in the forest. This story has a ghost, which very sensitive children might find frightening.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about ghosts and ghost stories. Do you think they are real or just fun campfire-story entertainment? Have you ever seen or heard anything you couldn't explain? Why might some people believe in ghosts even without solid evidence? Why are they so often portrayed as mean and scary?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title off for age 11 and give it
Not for younger kids: fire-setting, no water safety, sad/menacing ghost
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
It's ok.
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