I'm going on a gorilla hunt
Maurice Jones
I'm going on a gorilla hunt
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Maurice Jones
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
Nobody expects a young boy to lead a gorilla chase through the whole town—and he does it with courage and cleverness! From zookeepers to gorillas, everyone’s running, but only one boy turns the wild adventure into a thrilling game that ends with a cozy cup of tea. It’s a wild ride that shows bravery can come in the smallest packages.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader follows a young boy as he embarks on an imaginative and energetic pursuit of an escaped gorilla through town. The story combines themes of adventure and outdoor play, featuring animal characters and lighthearted chase scenes suitable for ages 5 to 8. Parents can expect a fun, engaging narrative with no intense or distressing content.
Why we rated I'm going on a gorilla hunt 7C
I'm going on a gorilla hunt is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I'm going on a gorilla hunt works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate I'm going on a gorilla hunt 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, I'm going on a gorilla hunt explores animals, adventure, friendship, and camping & outdoor activities — 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 animals, adventure, 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
- 0140508244
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Puffin HC
- Published
- 1989
- Type
- Fiction