What reading level is The case of the stinky stench?

The case of the stinky stench by Josh Funk is at a Level 4-5 reading level (Lexile 700L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is The case of the stinky stench appropriate for?

The case of the stinky stench is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9C (Clear).

What genre is The case of the stinky stench?

The case of the stinky stench is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does The case of the stinky stench have any content warnings?

The case of the stinky stench has a HootRating of 9C (Clear). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is The case of the stinky stench?

The case of the stinky stench by Josh Funk is 38 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated July 16, 2026

The case of the stinky stench

Josh Funk

The case of the stinky stench

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Josh Funk

Illustrated by Kearney, Brendan , illustrator

Reading Level 4-5 9C Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Sir French Toast and Lady Pancake are on a mission like no other—solving the stinkiest mystery of the century! When a terrible smell threatens the fridge, only Inspector Croissant can sniff out the truth. Who's behind this foul fiasco, and can they save the day before everything is cooked, served, and sauced?

Themes

Friendship Humor AdventureFoodJuvenile fiction

Quick Assessment

This playful middle-grade mystery features clever rhymes and whimsical wordplay as young readers follow Inspector Croissant and friends solving a hilarious, food-themed odor mystery. Ideal for ages 9-12, it encourages problem-solving and creativity without intense content. The story is lighthearted and suitable for children who enjoy food-related humor and imaginative adventures.

Why we rated The case of the stinky stench 9C

The case of the stinky stench is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 700L across 38 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The case of the stinky stench works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate The case of the stinky stench as 9C ("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, The case of the stinky stench explores friendship, humor, adventure, food, and juvenile fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, humor, adventure.

Maybe not for

! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.