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Cover of Toby Alone

Age rating and parents' guide:Toby Alone

by Timothée de Fombelle

Ages 10–14

Toby Alone by Timothée de Fombelle is best for children aged 10–14. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, a little romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: A boy is hunted and his family imprisoned; beatings and cruelty; a girl swims naked.

Toby is a millimetre and a half tall, and the whole oak tree he lives in is hunting him. His father refused to share a discovery that could harm the tree, and now Toby is on the run. Invites children to talk about greed, fairness and caring for the natural world.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
Moderate
Scary moments
Moderate
Romance
Mild
Bad language
None

Worth knowing: A boy is hunted and his family imprisoned; beatings and cruelty; a girl swims naked

Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 3 November 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Novel

Reading mood

  • Gripping

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  • Cover of The Shamer's Daughter

    Ages 11–14

    The Shamer's Daughter

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  • Cover of Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit

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    Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit

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    Skulduggery Pleasant

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  • Cover of Adventures of Rusty

    Ages 10–14

    Adventures of Rusty

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Toby Alone for?
Toby Alone suits children aged 10–14. It is a novel.
Q: Is Toby Alone appropriate for a 10 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 10–14. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, a little romance and no bad language. Worth knowing before reading: A boy is hunted and his family imprisoned; beatings and cruelty; a girl swims naked.
Q: What should my child read after Toby Alone?
Try Artemis Fowl, The Puffin Feluda Omnibus and The Shamer's Daughter. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.

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