By the Light of the Moon
Lisa DOS Santos
By the Light of the Moon
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Story of Kindness and Friendship Above the Mighty Mac
by Lisa DOS Santos
Illustrated by Kate Belfy
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Edge the bald eagle isn’t just any bird—he’s a hero soaring high over the Straits of Mackinac! When a mother bat loses her babies, Edge uses his sharp eyes and brave heart to bring them all safely home. This story shows why being kind and helpful can make the biggest difference.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This picture book features Edge, a bald eagle who helps a mother bat find her lost babies, highlighting themes of friendship and kindness. Suitable for early readers aged 5 to 8, the story encourages empathy and cooperation in an accessible and engaging way. The gentle narrative and vivid illustrations make it a great choice for young children learning about animals and social skills.
Why we rated By the Light of the Moon 6C
By the Light of the Moon is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 30 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, By the Light of the Moon works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate By the Light of the Moon as 6C ("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, By the Light of the Moon explores friendship, animals, kindness, and early readers — 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 friendship, animals, kindness.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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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Based on content and theme analysis
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780970857101
- Pages
- 30
- Publisher
- Mango Tree Press
- Published
- July 2001
- Type
- Fiction