What reading level is A Dog Called Dad?

A Dog Called Dad by Frank B. Edwards is at a Level 3-4 reading level. Recommended for Lower Grades readers (Ages 5-8).

What age is A Dog Called Dad appropriate for?

A Dog Called Dad is recommended for Ages 5-8. HootRating: 8LP (Light — Physical). Content flags: Mild Peril, Humor.

What genre is A Dog Called Dad?

A Dog Called Dad is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does A Dog Called Dad have any content warnings?

A Dog Called Dad has a HootRating of 8LP (Light — Physical). Content flags include: Mild Peril, Humor. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is A Dog Called Dad?

A Dog Called Dad by Frank B. Edwards is 24 pages (approximately 862 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

A Dog Called Dad

Frank B. Edwards

A Dog Called Dad

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Frank B. Edwards

Illustrated by John Bianchi

Reading Level 3-4 8LP Ages 5-8 Matched Page-Turner

The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

Buy on Amazon Listen on Audible

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

A young boy faces a surprising adventure when his dad disappears, taken by a pack of coyotes! When his dad returns, he has a new and unexpected way of expressing himself that brings lots of laughs and surprises.

Themes

Family HumorAnimalsAdventure

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 3-4 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, humor. Written for readers ages 5-8.

Why we rated A Dog Called Dad 8LP

A Dog Called Dad is written at a Level 3-4 reading level across 24 pages (approximately 862 words). Strong independent readers around grade 4.8 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Dog Called Dad works for readers up to grade 5.8.

Read aloud, A Dog Called Dad takes about 6 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate A Dog Called Dad as 8LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Humor.

Thematically, A Dog Called Dad explores family, humor, animals, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, humor, animals.