Drakestail visits the king
Neil Philip
Drakestail visits the king
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Magic Lantern Fairy Tale
by Neil Philip
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
Here’s a secret: a clever drake is about to meet a sly fox, climb a tricky ladder, and face a buzzing wasp’s nest—all to become king! But that’s only the beginning of his surprising adventure.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming early reader follows a drake’s whimsical journey as he encounters a fox, navigates natural obstacles, and ultimately becomes king. With simple language suited for ages 5-8, it introduces French folklore elements in a fun and engaging way, making it ideal for young readers starting to explore fiction.
Why we rated Drakestail visits the king 7C
Drakestail visits the king is written at a Level 2 reading level across 25 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Drakestail visits the king works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Drakestail visits the king 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, Drakestail visits the king explores folklore, adventure, and fantasy world-building — 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 folklore, adventure, fantasy world-building.
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
- 0399213929
- Pages
- 25
- Publisher
- Philomel
- Published
- 1986
- Type
- Fiction