The too-scary story
Bethanie Deeney Murguia
The too-scary story
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bethanie Deeney Murguia
The text is written at a 1st 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
Have you ever heard a story that gives you goosebumps just before bedtime? Imagine two kids wandering through a dark, shadowy forest where every sound feels mysterious. What secrets will they uncover in the night?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader book features a gentle, suspenseful tale where a father shares a spooky story with his children at bedtime. Designed for ages 5-8, it explores themes of imagination and storytelling in a safe, comforting way. The content is suitable for young readers and offers a fun introduction to mild suspense without frightening details.
Why we rated The too-scary story 6LE
The too-scary story is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 38 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The too-scary story works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate The too-scary story as 6LE ("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 too-scary story explores imagination, family, bedtime, and storytelling — 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 imagination, family, bedtime.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545732420
- Pages
- 38
- Publisher
- Arthur A. Levine Books
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction