The Average Monkey
Todd Aaron Smith
The Average Monkey
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Todd Aaron Smith
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here’s a secret: Higby the monkey thinks he’s just average, but what if that’s not true? Deep in the zoo, he discovers something amazing about himself that changes everything—but that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This colorful picture book follows Higby, a young monkey who learns about self-acceptance and uniqueness with gentle religious undertones. Appropriate for early readers ages 5-8, it combines charming storytelling with positive messages about individuality and belonging.
Why we rated The Average Monkey 7LE
The Average Monkey 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, The Average Monkey works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The Average Monkey as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, The Average Monkey explores zoos, self-acceptance, family, faith, and friendship — 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 zoos, self-acceptance, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalNo 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Monkey
Aaron Shepard
Monkey
Aaron Shepard
Monkey
Gerald McDermott
Monkey
Gerald McDermott
Amazing Monkeys
Scott Steedman
Amazing Monkeys
Scott Steedman
Higby Throws a Fit
Todd Aaron Smith
Higby Throws a Fit
Todd Aaron Smith
Monkey
Marc Brown
Monkey
Marc Brown
Apes and monkeys
Clive Roots
Apes and monkeys
Clive Roots
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781586608576
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Barbour Publishing
- Published
- October 1, 2003
- Type
- Fiction