My dog Toby
by Andrea Griffing Zimmerman, David Clemesha
Silver Whistle 2000
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- pets and animal friends
- family life
- responsibility
- patience
- empathy
- loyalty
- humor
- problem-solving
About this book
A young narrator introduces readers to Toby, a lively dog whose everyday antics are funny, familiar, and full of heart. Simple, rhythmic sentences and gentle repetition make this a friendly choice for emerging readers and an engaging read-aloud for dog lovers. Warm illustrations highlight the bond between child and pet while keeping the story upbeat and reassuring. Perfect for kids who enjoy real-life stories about family and favorite animals.
Setting: a family home and neighborhood in the present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is My dog Toby right for my child?
Yes — My dog Toby is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.7, 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 pets and animal friends, family life, responsibility.
How long does it take to read My dog Toby?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, My dog Toby takes around 5m to finish. The book has 400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My dog Toby have an AR quiz?
Yes — My dog Toby 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 My dog Toby?
My dog Toby has an AR reading level of 1.7, 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.