Arthur throws a tantrum

Name: Arthur throws a tantrum
Author: Ginette Anfousse
ISBN: 0887802222

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Ginette Anfousse

First Novels

Reading Level 4-5 L · Mild Ages 5-8 Balanced Read Page-Turner

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material. Its HootRating code, L, means mild content.

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About This Book

Arthur is so upset that he decides to express his anger by making a big mess and locking himself in his room. Discover what caused Arthur to feel this way and how he works through his strong emotions.

Themes

FamilyEmotional GrowthSelf-Regulation

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include emotional: anger. Written for readers ages 5-8.

Why we rated Arthur throws a tantrum L (Mild)

Arthur throws a tantrum is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 58 pages (approximately 3,483 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 6 and up can manage Arthur throws a tantrum on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.

Read aloud, Arthur throws a tantrum takes about 23 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate Arthur throws a tantrum as L (Mild) 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.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Emotional: Anger.

Thematically, Arthur throws a tantrum explores family, emotional growth, and self-regulation — 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.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, emotional growth, self-regulation.

Maybe not for

! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.

For Parents

Content Intensity

L · Mild

Emotional

Mild

Physical

Mild

Social

Mild

Thematic

Mild

Reading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.