Ella and Penguin stick together
Megan Maynor
Ella and Penguin stick together
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Megan Maynor
Illustrated by Bonnet, Rosalinde, illustrator
The text is written at a 1st 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 the dark was so dark that even brave friends like Ella and Penguin felt a little scared? Imagine having glow-in-the-dark stickers that only shine when the lights go out. But how can they see the magic glow if they’re too afraid to stay in the dark together?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming early reader explores themes of fear of the dark and the power of friendship as Ella and Penguin discover courage by sticking together. Suitable for ages 5 to 8, the story uses simple, lively text and engaging illustrations to encourage young readers to face their fears with support. Parents should know it gently addresses common childhood anxieties in a humorous and comforting way.
Why we rated Ella and Penguin stick together 6C
Ella and Penguin stick together is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ella and Penguin stick together works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Ella and Penguin stick together as 6C ("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: Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, Ella and Penguin stick together explores friendship, fear of the dark, humor, best friends, and juvenile fiction — 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 friendship, fear of the dark, humor.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6C — 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
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
- 9780062330888
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction