The Monster Run
Mylinda Butterworth
The Monster Run
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Based on a True Story
by Mylinda Butterworth
Illustrated by Matthew Mercer
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
The soft creak of the floorboards mixes with the gentle rustle of blankets as nighttime falls. Nicole feels a shiver, knowing that monsters hide just beyond her sight. But her grandfather's warm hug and brave heart chase those shadows away, turning fear into comfort.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle story explores a child's fear of monsters at bedtime and the comforting role of a loving grandparent. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it emphasizes family bonds and overcoming nighttime anxieties in a reassuring way. The book contains no intense content and is ideal for children who need help feeling safe at bedtime.
Why we rated The Monster Run 7LE
The Monster Run 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 Monster Run works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The Monster Run 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 Monster Run explores family, bedtime & dreams, juvenile fiction, and multigenerational — 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 family, bedtime & dreams, juvenile fiction.
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
Monster Rule
Sheena Geiger
Monster Rule
Sheena Geiger
The Monster Under the Bed
Anne M. Stephenson
The Monster Under the Bed
Anne M. Stephenson
Monster night at Grandma's house
Richard Peck
Monster night at Grandma's house
Richard Peck
Shmonster the Monster
Derick Moreland
Shmonster the Monster
Derick Moreland
Monstrous Bedtime
Kerilynn Wilson
Monstrous Bedtime
Kerilynn Wilson
Monster under My Bed
Jones, Denson, Sr.
Monster under My Bed
Jones, Denson, Sr.
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781890905231
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Writers Collective
- Published
- October 31, 2004
- Type
- Fiction