Mr. Clever
Roger Hargreaves
Mr. Clever
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Roger Hargreaves
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
What if you thought you were the smartest person in the whole world, but then you stepped outside and discovered things aren’t so simple? Imagine Mr. Clever, who believes he knows everything, suddenly facing challenges that make him question his own smarts. How will he prove that being clever is more than just knowing answers?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Mr. Clever by Roger Hargreaves is a lighthearted early reader book suitable for children ages 5 to 8. It explores themes of intellect and self-awareness through humor, as Mr. Clever discovers that intelligence isn't just about knowing facts. The story encourages young readers to think about learning and humility in a fun, accessible way.
Why we rated Mr. Clever 7C
Mr. Clever 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, Mr. Clever works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Mr. Clever 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, Mr. Clever explores humor, human behavior, intellect, and children — 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 humor, human behavior, intellect.
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
- 9780871919045
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Creative Education
- Published
- October 1982
- Type
- Fiction