Nothing Sticks Like a Shadow
Ann Tompert
Nothing Sticks Like a Shadow
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ann Tompert
Illustrated by Lynn M. Munsinger
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
Rabbit is about to prove something amazing: no matter what you do, your shadow just won’t leave you alone. He tries every trick in the forest, calling on friends to help, but it’s only when night falls that Rabbit finally wins the bet. This shows that some things, like shadows, stick with us in surprising ways.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This humorous early reader story follows Rabbit as he tries to get rid of his shadow to win a bet with Woodchuck. Designed for ages 5-8, the book features gentle humor and animal characters, making it suitable for young readers developing their confidence. The story lightly explores themes of persistence and friendship without any concerning content.
Why we rated Nothing Sticks Like a Shadow 7C
Nothing Sticks Like a Shadow 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, Nothing Sticks Like a Shadow works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Nothing Sticks Like a Shadow 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, Nothing Sticks Like a Shadow explores humor, animals, 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 humor, animals, 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
- 9780613719698
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Turtleback
- Published
- April 1988
- Type
- Fiction