Gross and Ghastly : Animals
Kev Payne
Gross and Ghastly : Animals
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Big Book of Disgusting Animal Facts
by Kev Payne
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered which animal uses its own poop as a shield? Imagine diving into a world full of creepy crawlies, foul fish, and bizarre creatures all with their own disgusting secrets. What strange and stomach-churning fact will surprise you next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This engaging nonfiction book introduces children ages 9-12 to fascinating and gross facts about the animal kingdom, combining humor with educational content. It includes colorful illustrations, quizzes, and puzzles that encourage interactive learning. Parents should note the focus on 'disgusting' and 'gross' facts, presented in a lighthearted and age-appropriate way.
Why we rated Gross and Ghastly : Animals 9C
Gross and Ghastly : Animals is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Gross and Ghastly : Animals works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Gross and Ghastly : Animals as 9C ("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, Gross and Ghastly : Animals explores juvenile nonfiction, animals, activity books, humor, and science & nature — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about juvenile nonfiction, animals, activity books.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — 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
- 9780744039399
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- National Geographic Books
- Published
- 2021
- Type
- Nonfiction