The curse of the cobra
Gary Paulsen
The curse of the cobra
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gary Paulsen
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
Mallard ducks just as a cobra strikes, its fangs gleaming! Heart pounding, he knows the missing Egyptian amulet is close—but who else is hunting for it in the shadows?
Quick Assessment
This early reader mystery features Mallard Westerman as he faces dangerous cobras while trying to solve the puzzle of a missing Egyptian amulet. Suitable for children ages 5-8, the story combines suspense and adventure with age-appropriate language and mild peril elements.
Why we rated The curse of the cobra 8LP
The curse of the cobra is written at a Level 3 reading level across 78 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The curse of the cobra works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate The curse of the cobra as 8LP ("Light — Physical") 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 curse of the cobra weaves together mystery and adventure.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 0817209271
- Pages
- 78
- Publisher
- Raintree
- Published
- 1977
- Type
- Fiction