Police Cat
by Enid Hinkes
Albert Whitman & Company 2005
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- belonging
- community helpers
- rules and fairness
- courage
- problem-solving
- identity
- initiative
About this book
Noodles is a determined city cat who dreams of joining the police department, even though the rules say cats can’t be on the force. Night after night he patrols the streets, watching and helping where he can. This warm, gently suspenseful picture book celebrates perseverance, problem-solving, and finding your place in the community. Young readers enjoy the clever feline hero, vivid city setting, and upbeat message about helping others.
Setting: contemporary urban city streets and a police station at night
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Police Cat right for my child?
Yes — Police Cat is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.2, 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 perseverance, belonging, community helpers.
How long does it take to read Police Cat?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Police Cat takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Police Cat have an AR quiz?
Yes — Police 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 Police Cat?
Police Cat has an AR reading level of 3.2, 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.