When Gorilla goes walking
by Nikki Grimes
Orchard Books 2007
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- pets and pet care
- friendship
- family life
- responsibility
- humor
- empathy
- self-expression
- everyday moments
About this book
This playful picture book in poems follows a spirited girl and her equally spirited cat, Gorilla, through a year of everyday adventures. Nikki Grimes’s warm, funny verses capture the ups and downs of pet ownership—from mischief to cuddles—with plenty of heart. The short poems and lively scenes make it a great read-aloud and an inviting choice for emerging readers. Cat lovers and families will recognize the humor and love in every moment.
Setting: contemporary home and neighborhood across the seasons
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is When Gorilla goes walking right for my child?
Yes — When Gorilla goes walking is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.2, 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 pets and pet care, friendship, family life.
How long does it take to read When Gorilla goes walking?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, When Gorilla goes walking takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does When Gorilla goes walking have an AR quiz?
Yes — When Gorilla goes walking 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 When Gorilla goes walking?
When Gorilla goes walking has an AR reading level of 3.2, 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.