My dad
Anthony Browne
My dad
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Anthony Browne
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 your dad was as strong as a gorilla and as happy as a hippopotamus? Imagine a dad who can dance like a star, sing like a superstar, and play football like a champion. But there's even more to him than that—what makes your dad truly special?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming and humorous picture book celebrates fathers through playful comparisons and affectionate storytelling, ideal for early readers aged 5 to 8. Anthony Browne uses imaginative animal metaphors and simple text to highlight the loving relationship between a child and their dad. It’s a warm tribute suitable for Father’s Day or any time children want to appreciate their dads.
Why we rated My dad 7C
My dad is written at a Level 2 reading level across 25 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, My dad works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate My dad 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, My dad explores family, humor, 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 family, humor, 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
- 0385606133
- Pages
- 25
- Publisher
- Random House
- Published
- 2003
- Type
- Fiction