Going Bananas
Bob Reese
Going Bananas
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bob Reese
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 little secret: a cheeky young ape has a silly new trick—squirting bananas right onto a crocodile's head! But the crocodile's reaction is full of surprises, and that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This lighthearted early reader features a playful ape who mischievously squirts bananas on a crocodile, leading to humorous reactions. Suitable for ages 5-8, the story encourages reading confidence with simple text and fun animal antics. The content is gentle and perfect for young children learning to read.
Why we rated Going Bananas 7C
Going Bananas is written at a Level 2 reading level across 30 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Going Bananas works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Going Bananas 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, Going Bananas explores humor, animals, and friendship — 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 humor, 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
- 9780898681437
- Pages
- 30
- Publisher
- Aro Books Incorporated
- Published
- February 1984
- Type
- Fiction