Cushie Butterfield
Colin McNaughton
Cushie Butterfield
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
She's a Little Cow
by Colin McNaughton
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Cushie Butterfield is the most colorful cow you've ever seen—literally! With her face splashed in red spots, green checks, and blue triangles, everyone knows she's not feeling well. But could her mysterious face paint be the real reason for all the fuss?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This humorous juvenile fiction features Cushie Butterfield, a vividly painted cow who pretends to be sick to avoid school. Aimed at early readers around grade 2, the story uses playful illustrations and lighthearted themes to engage children. The content is suitable for young readers with no concerning material.
Why we rated Cushie Butterfield 7C
Cushie Butterfield is written at a Level 2 reading level across 24 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Cushie Butterfield works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Cushie Butterfield 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Cushie Butterfield explores animals, farm animals, humor, and juvenile fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about animals, farm animals, humor.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9780007154661
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Children's Books
- Published
- August 1, 2005
- Type
- Fiction