A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo
Jill Twiss
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jill Twiss
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Marlon Bundo isn't just any bunny—he's a brave boy who discovers love with another boy bunny! This story shows how being true to yourself can change everything, and why everyone deserves to be loved.
About & Banning Context
This children's book tells the story of Marlon Bundo, a bunny who feels isolated while living with his grandfather, Mike Pence, a former Vice President. On a significant day, Marlon meets another boy bunny and discovers love, leading to a heartwarming tale about acceptance and the importance of being true to oneself. The narrative addresses themes of same-sex relationships and the principles of democracy, promoting messages of tolerance and advocacy. The book is illustrated in a charming style and aims to resonate with children who may feel different or marginalized.
- ● Rainbow Booklist Picture Book (2019)
- ● #1 New York Times Bestseller
- ● #1 Amazon Bestseller RESPONSE TO CHALLENGES National Coalition Against Censorship: Statement of Support
Source: Unite Against Book Bans — A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming picture book follows Marlon Bundo, a young bunny who experiences a heartwarming journey of love and acceptance as he falls for another boy bunny. Aimed at early readers aged 5-8, it gently introduces themes of same-sex marriage and inclusivity with humor and warmth. The book supports messages of tolerance and democracy, making it a thoughtful choice for families seeking diverse and positive representation.
Why we rated A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo 6LE
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 40 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo as 6LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo explores animals, family, marriage & divorce, lgbtq+ representation, and friendship — 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 animals, family, marriage & divorce.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Bunny.
Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Deni Bown, DK Publishing
Bunny.
Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Deni Bown, DK Publishing
Bunny's Tale
Bridget Greene
Bunny's Tale
Bridget Greene
Bunnies all day long
Marie H. Henry
Bunnies all day long
Marie H. Henry
You're a brother, Little Bunny
Maribeth Boelts
You're a brother, Little Bunny
Maribeth Boelts
Bunbun and Bonbon
Jess Keating
Bunbun and Bonbon
Jess Keating
Borrowing Bunnies
Cynthia Lord
Borrowing Bunnies
Cynthia Lord
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781452173801
- Pages
- 40
- Publisher
- Chronicle Books
- Published
- Mar 18, 2018
- Type
- Fiction