This Car
by Paul Collicutt
Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR) 2002
Great fit for Kindergarten
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- transportation
- cars
- opposites
- comparison
- early literacy
- observation
- technology and machines
About this book
This bright, simple picture book showcases all kinds of cars—old and new, long and short, slow and fast—through bold illustrations and minimal text. It’s perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and very early readers who love vehicles and concept words. The repetitive, compare-and-contrast language supports vocabulary growth and early reading confidence. Young car enthusiasts will enjoy spotting details and talking about their favorite rides.
Setting: various roads, city streets, and racetracks
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Car right for my child?
Yes — This Car is a great fit for Kindergarten. The reading level is AR 0.7, 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 transportation, cars, opposites.
How long does it take to read This Car?
At a typical Kindergarten reading pace, This Car takes around 3m to finish. The book has 120 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does This Car have an AR quiz?
Yes — This Car 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 This Car?
This Car has an AR reading level of 0.7, 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.