I love you more than the smell of swamp gas
Kevan Atteberry
I love you more than the smell of swamp gas
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kevan Atteberry
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
Papa's love is bigger than the stinkiest swamp and the sneakiest skinks! Little monster can't believe it—how can love be bigger than all those creepy, crawly things? But when the swamp gets wild, Papa's love proves to be the strongest magic of all.
Quick Assessment
This playful and tender picture book explores the loving bond between a father and child through a whimsical swamp adventure. With humorous and engaging text suitable for early readers aged 5 to 8, it balances imaginative monster fun with heartfelt moments. The story is lighthearted, with no intense content, making it perfect for shared reading around Halloween or Father's Day.
Why we rated I love you more than the smell of swamp gas 6C
I love you more than the smell of swamp gas 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, I love you more than the smell of swamp gas works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate I love you more than the smell of swamp gas 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, I love you more than the smell of swamp gas explores family, humor, adventure, and monsters — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, humor, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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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Page Publications
I Love You More
Page Publications
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062408716
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction