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Stink and the attack of the slime mold

Megan McDonald

Cover of Stink and the attack of the slime mold

Stink and the attack of the slime mold

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Megan McDonald

Illustrated by Reynolds, Peter H. (Peter Hamilton), 1961- illustrator

Reading Level 1-2 6C Ages 5-8 Matched

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

What if a tiny slime mold started growing right in your own room? Imagine watching it spread and wondering if it might just take over the whole world! Could Stink stop this slimy invasion before it’s too late?

Themes

Quick Assessment

This humorous early reader book follows Stink as he discovers a mysterious slime mold growing in his room after a science club meeting. Suitable for ages 5-8, it combines fun science facts with imaginative storytelling that encourages curiosity about nature. The story is lighthearted and free of any concerning content, making it ideal for young readers beginning to explore chapter books.

Why we rated Stink and the attack of the slime mold 6C

Stink and the attack of the slime mold is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 131 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Stink and the attack of the slime mold works for readers up to grade 3.5.

We rate Stink and the attack of the slime mold 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, Stink and the attack of the slime mold explores humor, science & nature, pets, and fiction — 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, science & nature, pets.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

6C — Clear
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
1
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

131 pages
ISBN
9780763655549
Pages
131
Publisher
Candlewick Press
Published
2016
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Slime MoldsHumorous StoriesPetsSchoolsTechnology

People

Stink (Fictitious character from McDonald)