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Pretend You're a Cat book cover

Pretend You're a Cat

by Jean Marzollo

Tandem Library 1999

Great fit for Kindergarten

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

Kindergarten English
0.5
AR Points
6m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Poetry

Themes

  • imagination and pretend play
  • animals and nature
  • movement and gross motor skills
  • rhythm and rhyme
  • self-expression
  • following directions
  • confidence
  • storytime participation

About this book

This playful picture book invites children to act out animals—stretch like a cat, slither like a snake, and roar like a lion—through lively, rhythmic prompts. Simple, engaging lines make it perfect for storytime and for getting wiggles out at home or in the classroom. Young readers build confidence and early literacy skills as they move, listen, and pretend. A cheerful choice for preschoolers and early primary grades who love animals and action rhymes.

Setting: imaginative play with animals in everyday read-aloud settings

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pretend You're a Cat right for my child?

Yes — Pretend You're a Cat is a great fit for Kindergarten. The reading level is AR 0.9, which is typical for Kindergarten. 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 imagination and pretend play, animals and nature, movement and gross motor skills.

How long does it take to read Pretend You're a Cat?

At a typical Kindergarten reading pace, Pretend You're a Cat takes around 6m to finish. The book has 250 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Pretend You're a Cat have an AR quiz?

Yes — Pretend You're a 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 Pretend You're a Cat?

Pretend You're a Cat has an AR reading level of 0.9, which places it at a Kindergarten 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.