What reading level is The singing bones?

The singing bones by Shaun Tan is at a Level 6-7 reading level (Lexile 910L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is The singing bones appropriate for?

The singing bones is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 11LE (Light — Emotional).

What genre is The singing bones?

The singing bones is nonfiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does The singing bones have any content warnings?

The singing bones has a HootRating of 11LE (Light — Emotional). 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 singing bones?

The singing bones by Shaun Tan is 185 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

The singing bones

Shaun Tan

The singing bones

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Inspired by Grimms' Fairy Tales

by Shaun Tan

Reading Level 6-7 11LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

The crackle of dry leaves, the whisper of ancient woods, and the shimmer of moonlight set the stage for stories where magic feels real and shadows hold secrets. Imagine stepping into a world where every sound tells a tale, and every tale sings through the bones of the night. These stories will stir your heart and spark your imagination like never before.

Themes

Fairy talesFolkloreAdaptationsJuvenile literature

Quick Assessment

This beautifully illustrated collection adapts seventy-five Grimm's fairy tales, offering a rich introduction to classic folklore for middle-grade readers. Shaun Tan's captivating artwork complements Jack Zipes' translations, making these timeless stories accessible and engaging for ages 9-12. Parents should note the traditional fairy tale themes, which may include moments of mild peril and moral lessons typical of folklore.

Why we rated The singing bones 11LE

The singing bones is written at a Level 6-7 reading level with a Lexile measure of 910L across 185 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The singing bones works for readers up to grade 8.5.

We rate The singing bones as 11LE ("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 singing bones explores fairy tales, folklore, adaptations, and juvenile literature — 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.
✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about fairy tales, folklore, adaptations.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

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.
! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.