A Fish Named YUM
Mary Elise Monsell
A Fish Named YUM
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
MR. PIN
by Mary Elise Monsell
The text is written at a 3rd 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
Could a clever spy really want something from a little fish? Imagine mysterious secrets swirling around a tiny swimming friend and a penguin detective with a sweet tooth for chocolate. What secrets will they uncover in the city full of surprises?
Quick Assessment
This early chapter book features two lighthearted mystery stories perfect for young readers aged 5 to 8. With whimsical animal characters like a fish and a penguin detective, the book combines gentle intrigue and humor without any intense content. Its simple language and playful tone make it an inviting introduction to the mystery genre for early readers.
Why we rated A Fish Named YUM 8C
A Fish Named YUM is written at a Level 3 reading level across 68 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Fish Named YUM works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate A Fish Named YUM as 8C ("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, A Fish Named YUM explores animal stories, mystery, adventure, and humor — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about animal stories, mystery, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
4/10A 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
- 9780595472468
- Pages
- 68
- Publisher
- Backinprint.com
- Published
- October 11, 2007
- Type
- Fiction