Saint Francis & the Wolf
Jane Langton
Saint Francis & the Wolf
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jane Langton
Illustrated by Ilse Plume
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
The wolf growls fiercely, teeth flashing as villagers cower in fear. Brother Francis steps forward, calm and kind, calling out to the wild beast. But can a gentle voice really tame such a terrifying wolf?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This beautifully illustrated picture book retells the legend of Saint Francis and the great wolf of Gubbio, emphasizing themes of kindness and harmony. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it introduces children to historical and religious figures through an engaging story. The narrative is gentle and free of distressing content, making it appropriate for family reading.
Why we rated Saint Francis & the Wolf 7C
Saint Francis & the Wolf 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, Saint Francis & the Wolf works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Saint Francis & the Wolf 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, Saint Francis & the Wolf explores myth & legend, friendship, family, historical, and religious themes — 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 myth & legend, friendship, family.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781567923209
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- David R Godine
- Published
- April 1, 2007
- Type
- Fiction