Skip to main content
The AR Booklist
Night cat book cover

Night cat

by Margaret Beames

Scholastic 2003

Great fit for 2nd grade

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

2nd grade English
0.5
AR Points
5m
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

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • curiosity
  • independence
  • exploration
  • home and safety
  • nighttime nature
  • bravery

About this book

A curious house cat slips out into the nighttime world, padding through shadows to discover the sights and sounds that come alive after dark. Gentle text and atmospheric illustrations follow the cat’s quiet adventure and safe return home by dawn. Perfect for read‑alouds, it invites young listeners to notice details, feel cozy suspense, and talk about what animals do at night. Ideal for early elementary readers who love cats and calm, lyrical stories.

Setting: a quiet suburban neighborhood at night

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Night cat right for my child?

Yes — Night cat is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.5, which is typical for 2nd 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 curiosity, independence, exploration.

How long does it take to read Night cat?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Night cat takes around 5m to finish. The book has 600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Night cat have an AR quiz?

Yes — Night 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 Night cat?

Night cat has an AR reading level of 2.5, which places it at a 2nd 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.