Dick Whittington and his cat
by Marcia Brown
Atheneum 1988
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- kindness to animals
- luck and opportunity
- hard work
- generosity
- poverty to prosperity
- hope
- folklore and legend
About this book
This classic English folktale, retold and illustrated by Caldecott artist Marcia Brown, follows a poor boy named Dick who journeys to London in search of a better life. With the help of a faithful cat and a few kind people, he discovers that hard work and good character can open unexpected doors. The lyrical text and evocative art make the old legend accessible to young readers. Kids enjoy the rags-to-riches arc, the memorable cat, and the timeless sense of adventure.
Setting: medieval London and far-off trading ports
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dick Whittington and his cat right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Dick Whittington and his cat. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th 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 perseverance, kindness to animals, luck and opportunity.
How long does it take to read Dick Whittington and his cat?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Dick Whittington and his cat takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dick Whittington and his cat have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dick Whittington and his cat 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 Dick Whittington and his cat?
Dick Whittington and his cat has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th 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.