Smartypants
by Maira Kalman
G. P. Putnam 2003
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- school life
- curiosity
- imagination
- animals and pets
- being yourself
- humor and mischief
- problem-solving
About this book
In this witty picture book, a very curious dog named Pete follows his owner to school and discovers how much fun learning can be. With Maira Kalman’s playful art and lively wordplay, classrooms, teachers, and bustling hallways become an exciting adventure. Young readers will enjoy the humor and the surprising things a determined dog can do, while adults will appreciate the clever language and school-day charm. A great pick for kids who like silly stories with lots of personality.
Setting: a contemporary city elementary school and classroom
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smartypants right for my child?
Yes — Smartypants is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.3, 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 school life, curiosity, imagination.
How long does it take to read Smartypants?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Smartypants takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Smartypants have an AR quiz?
Yes — Smartypants 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 Smartypants?
Smartypants has an AR reading level of 3.3, 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.