Penny and Clover, up and Over
Erica S. Perl
Penny and Clover, up and Over
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Erica S. Perl
The text is written at a 1st 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
Penny scrambles up the hill, her little paws barely touching the ground as she jumps over a fallen log. Clover watches, hesitant and slow, heart pounding with every step closer. Will Clover find the courage to leap just like Penny?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming early reader story follows Penny, an energetic puppy, as she encourages her cautious friend Clover to overcome her fears and try something new. Suitable for children ages 5-8, it promotes themes of friendship and bravery through simple, relatable language and gentle conflict. The book contains no concerning content and is ideal for young readers developing confidence and reading skills.
Why we rated Penny and Clover, up and Over 6C
Penny and Clover, up and Over is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Penny and Clover, up and Over works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Penny and Clover, up and Over as 6C ("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, Penny and Clover, up and Over weaves together friendship and coming of age.
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 friendship, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6C — 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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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781725497986
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Penguin Young Readers
- Published
- 2020
- Type
- Fiction