The clever monkey
Rob Cleveland
The clever monkey
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Folktale from West Africa
by Rob Cleveland
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
The sharp snap of cheese cracking fills the air as two cats squabble loudly over a tasty prize. Suddenly, a clever monkey swings by, his eyes twinkling with a secret plan. What will happen when he steps in to help—and who will end up with the cheese?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This West African folktale introduces early readers to a story of cleverness and problem-solving through the antics of two cats and a cunning monkey. Suitable for ages 5-8, it offers cultural folklore elements while promoting critical thinking and sharing themes. The narrative is gentle and engaging with no content concerns for young children.
Why we rated The clever monkey 7C
The clever monkey is written at a Level 2 reading level across 36 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The clever monkey works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The clever monkey 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, The clever monkey explores folklore, cleverness, conflict resolution, animals, and cultural stories — 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 folklore, cleverness, conflict resolution.
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
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
- 0874838010
- Pages
- 36
- Publisher
- august house
- Published
- 2006
- Type
- Fiction