Seymour, a gibbon
Phyllis Borea
Seymour, a gibbon
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
about apes and other animals and how you can help to keep them alive.
by Phyllis Borea
The text is written at a 3rd 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
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a gibbon living in a big city? Meet Seymour, a playful gibbon at the ASPCA in New York City, where animals like him get the care they need. But how can we help protect gibbons and other wildlife from danger?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader introduces children to Seymour, a gibbon cared for by the ASPCA in New York City, while exploring the characteristics of primates and the important work of animal protection organizations. It gently teaches young readers about wildlife conservation in an age-appropriate way, suitable for children ages 5 to 8. The story combines fiction with factual information to encourage empathy and awareness of animal welfare.
Why we rated Seymour, a gibbon 8LS
Seymour, a gibbon is written at a Level 3 reading level across 74 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Seymour, a gibbon works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Seymour, a gibbon as 8LS ("Light — Social") 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, Seymour, a gibbon explores wildlife conservation, animal welfare, friendship, and science & nature — 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 wildlife conservation, animal welfare, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LS — Light — SocialNo 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
- 0689304153
- Pages
- 74
- Publisher
- Atheneum
- Published
- 1973
- Type
- Fiction