Woodward and McTwee
by Jonathan Fenske
Penguin 2019
Great fit for 1st 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
- friendship
- opposites attract
- humor
- playing and pranks
- kindness
- problem-solving
- accepting differences
- teamwork
About this book
Woodward the bird and McTwee the hippopotamus are best friends who couldn’t be more different—and that’s what makes their games so fun. In two short, silly stories, the pair play hide-and-seek and pull playful pranks while learning how to be good friends. With simple text, big laughs, and bright art, this early reader is perfect for kids just starting to read on their own. Young readers will love the humor and the gentle message about celebrating differences.
Setting: a playful, cartoon-style outdoor park and pond
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Woodward and McTwee right for my child?
Yes — Woodward and McTwee is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.8, which is typical for 1st 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 friendship, opposites attract, humor.
How long does it take to read Woodward and McTwee?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Woodward and McTwee takes around 6m to finish. The book has 450 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Woodward and McTwee have an AR quiz?
Yes — Woodward and McTwee 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 Woodward and McTwee?
Woodward and McTwee has an AR reading level of 1.8, which places it at a 1st 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.