My Mom Tarzan
Lisa Shanahan
My Mom Tarzan
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lisa Shanahan
Illustrated by Bettina Guthridge
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
Mom is the most adventurous grownup you'll ever meet—she's a pirate one day, an astronaut the next, and even an Egyptian princess! Her wild imagination turns every day into a thrilling adventure. And the best part? Her daughter gets to be part of the fun, proving that grownups can be just as playful as kids.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming picture book celebrates imaginative play and the special bond between a mother and her child. Suitable for early readers aged 5 to 8, it encourages creativity and family connection without any content concerns. The story highlights the joy of pretending and the freedom to be playful at any age.
Why we rated My Mom Tarzan 7C
My Mom Tarzan 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, My Mom Tarzan works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate My Mom Tarzan 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 Mom Tarzan explores family, imagination, and playfulness — 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, imagination, playfulness.
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Based on content and theme analysis
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781596922396
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- MacAdam/Cage Publishing
- Published
- April 18, 2008
- Type
- Fiction