Kenny and the Book of Beasts
Tony DiTerlizzi
Kenny and the Book of Beasts
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Tony DiTerlizzi
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The crisp rustle of ancient pages fills the air as Kenny’s fingers trace the mysterious Book of Beasts. Around him, the sleepy village of Roundbrook hums with the quiet changes of time—baby sisters giggling, friends scattered to new schools, and a legendary dragon caught between old and new friendships. In the heart of it all, Kenny wonders if his bond with Grahame can survive the arrival of a mysterious manticore and the shadow of a dark witch.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy continues the story of Kenny Rabbit and his legendary dragon friend, Grahame. Themes of friendship, change, and bravery are explored as Kenny navigates new family dynamics and the arrival of an old friend who challenges his bond with Grahame. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book contains mild fantasy peril and emphasizes positive messages about loyalty and courage.
Why we rated Kenny and the Book of Beasts 11LE
Kenny and the Book of Beasts is written at a Level 6 reading level across 224 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Kenny and the Book of Beasts works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Kenny and the Book of Beasts as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Kenny and the Book of Beasts explores friendship, adventure, family, and fantasy world-building — 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 friendship, adventure, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The book of beasts
Edith Nesbit
The book of beasts
Edith Nesbit
Lionel and the book of beasts
Edith Nesbit
Lionel and the book of beasts
Edith Nesbit
Bedtime Book of Magical Creatures
Stephen Krensky
Bedtime Book of Magical Creatures
Stephen Krensky
The Reluctant Dragon. Kenneth Grahame
Katie Daynes
The Reluctant Dragon. Kenneth Grahame
Katie Daynes
Beastly Monsters
Katie Marsico
Beastly Monsters
Katie Marsico
The Monsters of Rookhaven
Padraig Kenny
The Monsters of Rookhaven
Padraig Kenny
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781416983163
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2020
- Type
- Fiction