Down on the farm
Jan Gilliam
Down on the farm
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Sticker Adventure with Prince
by Jan Gilliam
Illustrated by Tobin, Kathleen, illustrator
The text is written at a 2nd 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
What if you could travel to the countryside with Prince, the adventurous dog? Imagine meeting all kinds of farm animals and discovering the fun of country life! But can Prince find the best spot to share his stickers and make this trip unforgettable?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader follows Prince the dog as he visits his cousin on a farm, encountering various animals and exploring rural life. The book is interactive, encouraging children to engage with art stickers inspired by a folk art museum exhibit. Suitable for ages 5-8, it offers a gentle introduction to farm life with no intense content.
Why we rated Down on the farm 7C
Down on the farm is written at a Level 2 reading level across 38 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Down on the farm works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Down on the farm 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, Down on the farm explores farm life, animals, friendship, art, and adventure — 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 farm life, animals, friendship.
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
- 9780879352370
- Pages
- 38
- Publisher
- Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction