King O' the Cats
by Aaron Shepard
Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2004
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- mystery
- secrets
- identity
- loyalty
- talking animals
- storytelling
- folklore
- power and leadership
About this book
Based on a classic British folktale, this slightly spooky, slyly funny picture book follows a traveler who overhears a secret meeting of cats—and brings home news that makes his own housecat act very strangely. Aaron Shepard’s lively retelling builds a gentle sense of mystery that’s perfect for read‑alouds without being too scary. Young readers will enjoy the rhythmic language, shadowy atmosphere, and the fun of guessing what the cats are up to. Ideal for cat lovers and folktale fans in the early grades.
Setting: an old English village and countryside
Frequently Asked Questions
Is King O' the Cats right for my child?
Yes — King O' the Cats is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.8, which is typical for 3rd 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 mystery, secrets, identity.
How long does it take to read King O' the Cats?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, King O' the Cats takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does King O' the Cats have an AR quiz?
Yes — King O' the Cats 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 King O' the Cats?
King O' the Cats has an AR reading level of 3.8, which places it at a 3rd 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.