King Arthur
Joan Collins
King Arthur
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
And the Knights of the Round Table (Myths, Fables and Legends, No 740)
by Joan Collins
Illustrated by Malcolm Stokes
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wield a magical sword and lead brave knights? Imagine a time long ago when heroes stood tall against fierce invaders, and legends were born in the mist. What secrets could the story of King Arthur and his mighty Excalibur still hold?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader retells the legendary tales of King Arthur, blending elements of myth and history in a simple and accessible way for children aged 5 to 8. It introduces young readers to classic characters like Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table while making clear that these stories are part of legend rather than confirmed history. The book is appropriate for early readers and contains no intense content, making it a gentle introduction to historical myths.
Why we rated King Arthur 7C
King Arthur is written at a Level 2 reading level across 48 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, King Arthur works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate King Arthur 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, King Arthur explores myth & legend, historical, biography, and children's literature — 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 myth & legend, historical, biography.
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
1/10A 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
King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table
Benedict Flynn
King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table
Benedict Flynn
King Arthur
Richard Brassey
King Arthur
Richard Brassey
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
Marcia Williams
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
Marcia Williams
King Arthur
Felicity Brooks
King Arthur
Felicity Brooks
King Arthur
Rosalind Kerven
King Arthur
Rosalind Kerven
King Arthur & his knights.
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
King Arthur & his knights.
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780721408866
- Pages
- 48
- Publisher
- Dutton Juvenile
- Published
- August 1986
- Type
- Fiction