The Dog who Had Kittens
by Polly M. Robertus, Janet Stevens
1991
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- responsibility
- empathy
- unlikely friendship
- family and caregiving
- identity and roles
- pets and animals
- kindness
About this book
Baxter the basset hound loves his comfortable routines—until a litter of kittens suddenly needs his help when their mother disappears for an afternoon. At first, Baxter isn’t sure what to do, but his gentle nature and growing sense of responsibility kick in. Young readers will enjoy the humor of a dog acting like a cat-sitter and the sweet bond that forms between unlikely friends. Perfect for early elementary audiences who like animal stories with heart and a touch of comedy.
Setting: a farmhouse and barnyard
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Dog who Had Kittens right for my child?
Yes — The Dog who Had Kittens is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.7, 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 responsibility, empathy, unlikely friendship.
How long does it take to read The Dog who Had Kittens?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, The Dog who Had Kittens takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Dog who Had Kittens have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Dog who Had Kittens 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 The Dog who Had Kittens?
The Dog who Had Kittens has an AR reading level of 2.7, 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.