A Scary Story (Picture Books)
Peter Bailey
A Scary Story (Picture Books)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Peter Bailey
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what happens when you explore a spooky old house at night? Tina and Tom grab their torches and tiptoe into the mysterious Grim Grange, where shadows dance and secrets hide. But what will they find inside the darkness?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This picture book follows young siblings Tina and Tom as they embark on a nighttime adventure exploring the eerie Grim Grange. Suitable for early readers ages 5-8, the story gently introduces themes of curiosity and bravery with mild spooky elements that are age-appropriate for young children.
Why we rated A Scary Story (Picture Books) 7LP
A Scary Story (Picture Books) is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Scary Story (Picture Books) works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate A Scary Story (Picture Books) as 7LP ("Light — Physical") 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 Scary Story (Picture Books) explores adventure, friendship, family, fiction, and picture books — 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 adventure, friendship, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780590554244
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Hippo Bks
- Published
- April 15, 1994
- Type
- Fiction