Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Clowns and dragons!
Laurent Richard
Clowns and dragons!
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Book 3
by Laurent Richard
Illustrated by Ryser, Nicolas, illustrator
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Tao dreams of becoming a brave samurai but can't resist a good prank, especially when it comes to outsmarting bullies and teaching kung fu to his mischievous cat. His teachers expect him to focus, but Tao's playful spirit leads to hilarious adventures at school. Watch as he balances fun and learning in his quest to be a true samurai.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 2-3 book with gentle content intensity. Content themes include bullying. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Clowns and dragons! 7C
Clowns and dragons! is written at a Level 2-3 reading level across 53 pages (approximately 2,400 words). Strong independent readers around grade 3.8 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Clowns and dragons! works for readers up to grade 4.8.
Read aloud, Clowns and dragons! takes about 16 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate Clowns and dragons! as 7C ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Bullying.
Thematically, Clowns and dragons! explores friendship, humor, adventure, schools, and behavior — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 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 friendship, humor, adventure.
- ✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there are 3 more books in the Tao, the Little Samurai series.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Content Flags
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
10/10High engagement — fast-paced, fun, and hard to put down. Great for reluctant readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
More in the Tao, the Little Samurai Series
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Clown and the Clan
Matthew K. Manning
The Clown and the Clan
Matthew K. Manning
Class clown
Robert N. Munsch
Class clown
Robert N. Munsch
Kung Fu Panda
DK Publishing
Kung Fu Panda
DK Publishing
Dragon Toys
Michele Dufresne
Dragon Toys
Michele Dufresne
Tale of Sir Dragon, The
Jean E. Pendziwol
Tale of Sir Dragon, The
Jean E. Pendziwol
Clowns
Janie Spaht Gill
Clowns
Janie Spaht Gill
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781467720960
- Pages
- 53
- Publisher
- Graphic Universe ?
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 2,400
- Read-Aloud
- ~16 min
- Text Density
- Picture-Heavy