In the still of the night
Jennifer Selby
In the still of the night
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jennifer Selby
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
Have you ever wondered what happens when a noisy rooster breaks the silence of the night? On a quiet farm, the rooster’s loud crow wakes up all the other animals, turning the peaceful night upside down. What will happen next under the moonlight?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader story follows a lively rooster who disrupts the quiet of the night on a farm, waking all the other animals. Suitable for ages 5-8, it introduces young children to domestic animals and their sounds in a fun and engaging way. The content is gentle and perfect for early literacy development.
Why we rated In the still of the night 6C
In the still of the night 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, In the still of the night works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate In the still of the night 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, In the still of the night explores domestic animals, animal sounds, 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 domestic animals, animal sounds, friendship.
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.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9780671895716
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
- Published
- 1994
- Type
- Fiction