
The Twits
by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake
Puffin 1982
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.1 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- kindness vs. cruelty
- pranks and mischief
- justice and comeuppance
- animal welfare
- empathy
- family (found community)
- consequences of bad behavior
About this book
Meet Mr. and Mrs. Twit, a horrid pair who spend their days playing nasty tricks and being cruel to animals. When the Muggle-Wump Monkeys and the Roly-Poly Bird have had enough, they hatch a clever plan to turn the Twits’ meanness upside down. Packed with Roald Dahl’s mischievous humor and Quentin Blake’s energetic drawings, this short chapter book is a quick, funny read. Great for young readers who enjoy silly pranks, gross-out giggles, and cheering for the underdog.
Setting: a shabby house and backyard in England
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Twits right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Twits. The reading level is AR 4.1, which is typical for 4th 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 kindness vs. cruelty, pranks and mischief, justice and comeuppance.
How long does it take to read The Twits?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Twits takes around 43m to finish. The book has 6,400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Twits have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Twits has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Twits?
The Twits has an AR reading level of 4.1, which places it at a 4th 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.