Skip to main content
The AR Booklist
Clifford's First School Day book cover

Clifford's First School Day

by Norman Bridwell

Scholastic 1999

★★★★☆

Great fit for 1st grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

1st grade English
0.5
AR Points
4m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.

Learn more about Accelerated Reading →

Genre

Animal Fiction

Themes

  • starting school
  • friendship
  • trying new things
  • responsibility
  • belonging
  • problem-solving

About this book

In this cheerful picture book, little red puppy Clifford tags along for his very first day at school with Emily Elizabeth. Young readers see familiar classroom routines through Clifford’s curious eyes as he tries his best to be helpful. The simple text and bright, humorous illustrations make it a comforting pick for children new to school. Perfect for preschool to early grade readers who love dogs and gentle, funny misadventures.

Setting: an elementary school classroom and playground

Readers also enjoyed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clifford's First School Day right for my child?

Yes — Clifford's First School Day is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.8, which is typical for 1st grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include starting school, friendship, trying new things.

How long does it take to read Clifford's First School Day?

At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Clifford's First School Day takes around 4m to finish. The book has 300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Clifford's First School Day have an AR quiz?

Yes — Clifford's First School Day has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.

What grade level is Clifford's First School Day?

Clifford's First School Day has an AR reading level of 1.8, which places it at a 1st grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.