Davy and the goblin
Charles E. Carryl
Davy and the goblin
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Charles E. Carryl
Illustrated by Hildebrandt, Greg, illustrator
The text is written at a 3rd 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
Here's a secret: Davy doesn’t believe in goblins or fairies—until one sneaky hobgoblin takes him on a magical 'Believing Voyage.' What wonders will he discover on this unexpected adventure? But that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming fantasy tale follows a young boy named Davy who embarks on an imaginative journey with a hobgoblin, challenging his ideas about magic and belief. Suitable for early readers aged 5 to 8, the story encourages imagination and wonder without any intense content. Parents can expect a gentle introduction to fantasy themes perfect for young children.
Why we rated Davy and the goblin 8C
Davy and the goblin is written at a Level 3 reading level across 72 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Davy and the goblin works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Davy and the goblin as 8C ("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, Davy and the goblin explores fantasy, adventure, and imagination — 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 fantasy, adventure, imagination.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — 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
- 9780881010886
- Pages
- 72
- Publisher
- Unicorn Publishing House
- Published
- 1988
- Type
- Fiction