This is my monster
Sam Taplin
This is my monster
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sam Taplin
The text is written at a kindergarten 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
What if you met a monster who wasn’t scary at all? Imagine stroking his fuzzy tummy, hearing his shiny nose squish, and listening to his friendly roar. But what does this gentle giant like to do all day long?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This interactive picture book is designed for early readers aged 5 to 8, featuring a friendly monster with textured parts and sound effects that engage children in sensory exploration and vocabulary building. The repetitive text encourages participation and helps develop language skills. It is a gentle, playful introduction to imaginative creatures without any frightening content.
Why we rated This is my monster 5C
This is my monster is written at a Level K-1 reading level across 10 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 1.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, This is my monster works for readers up to grade 2.5.
We rate This is my monster as 5C ("Clear") 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, This is my monster explores monsters, juvenile fiction, sound effects books, textured books, 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 monsters, juvenile fiction, sound effects books.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
5C — ClearNo 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 time
Andrea Posner-Sanchez
Monster time
Andrea Posner-Sanchez
Monsters' Monster
Patrick McDonnell
Monsters' Monster
Patrick McDonnell
The book monster
David Minsberg
The book monster
David Minsberg
My favorite monster
Bruno St-Aubin
My favorite monster
Bruno St-Aubin
Monster & Son
David LaRochelle
Monster & Son
David LaRochelle
My Favourite Monster (Little Wolf Books, Level 1)
Bruno St-Aubin
My Favourite Monster (Little Wolf Books, Level 1)
Bruno St-Aubin
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780746097786
- Pages
- 10
- Publisher
- Usborne
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction