The Creeping Clown: A Tale of Terror (Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia)
Jessica Sarah Gunderson
The Creeping Clown: A Tale of Terror (Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Tale of Terror
by Jessica Sarah Gunderson
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Josh’s heart pounds as a creepy clown steps closer in the dark House of Horrors. He’s frozen with fear—especially knowing a real kidnapper dressed like a clown is on the loose nearby. Suddenly, a small voice calls for help from the twisted hall of mirrors. What will Josh do next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader book explores a child's fear of clowns through a suspenseful and age-appropriate horror story. The plot involves a missing child and a creepy clown at an amusement park, delivering mild thrills without graphic content. Suitable for ages 5-8, it gently addresses fear and bravery in a controlled setting.
Why we rated The Creeping Clown: A Tale of Terror (Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia) 8LE
The Creeping Clown: A Tale of Terror (Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia) is written at a Level 3 reading level across 72 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Creeping Clown: A Tale of Terror (Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia) works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate The Creeping Clown: A Tale of Terror (Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia) as 8LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The Creeping Clown: A Tale of Terror (Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia) explores horror, performing arts, circus, fear & anxiety, 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 horror, performing arts, circus.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781496573483
- Pages
- 72
- Publisher
- Capstone
- Published
- Aug 01, 2018
- Type
- Fiction