Stanley Bagshaw and the twenty two ton whale
Wilson, Bob
Stanley Bagshaw and the twenty two ton whale
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Wilson, Bob
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
Have you ever wondered what happens when a giant whale gets lost far from the ocean? Stanley Bagshaw, a clever little boy, finds a twenty-two-ton whale all tangled up and needs to help it find its way home. But can Stanley save the whale before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming early reader book follows Stanley Bagshaw, a young boy who discovers a lost whale and tries to guide it back to the sea. Written in verse with accompanying illustrations, it introduces children ages 5-8 to themes of animals and marine life through a gentle adventure. The story is age-appropriate with simple language and positive messages about helping others.
Why we rated Stanley Bagshaw and the twenty two ton whale 7C
Stanley Bagshaw and the twenty two ton whale 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, Stanley Bagshaw and the twenty two ton whale works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Stanley Bagshaw and the twenty two ton whale 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, Stanley Bagshaw and the twenty two ton whale explores animals, marine life, and adventure — 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 animals, marine life, adventure.
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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Based on content and theme analysis
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0140504389
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Puffin
- Published
- 1983
- Type
- Fiction