What reading level is Lulu and the cat in the bag?

Lulu and the cat in the bag by Hilary McKay is at a Level 3-4 reading level (Lexile 670L). Recommended for Lower Grades readers (Ages 5-8).

What age is Lulu and the cat in the bag appropriate for?

Lulu and the cat in the bag is recommended for Ages 5-8. HootRating: 8C (Clear).

What genre is Lulu and the cat in the bag?

Lulu and the cat in the bag is fiction — Juvenile Fiction. Part of the Lulu (Albert Whitman) series.

Does Lulu and the cat in the bag have any content warnings?

Lulu and the cat in the bag has a HootRating of 8C (Clear). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Lulu and the cat in the bag?

Lulu and the cat in the bag by Hilary McKay is 84 pages (approximately 8,239 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

Lulu and the cat in the bag

Hilary McKay

Lulu and the cat in the bag

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Hilary McKay

Illustrated by Lamont, Priscilla, illustrator

Lulu (Albert Whitman)

Reading Level 3-4 8C Ages 5-8 Balanced Read

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 gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Lulu discovers a surprising surprise when a bright orange cat appears in a mysterious bag on her doorstep. While her grandmother is unsure, Lulu immediately feels the cat needs a caring home and sets out to make it part of the family. Together, they learn about kindness and unexpected friendships.

Themes

FamilyPetsFriendshipKindness

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 3-4 book with gentle content intensity. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 5-8.

Why we rated Lulu and the cat in the bag 8C

Lulu and the cat in the bag is written at a Level 3-4 reading level with a Lexile measure of 670L across 84 pages (approximately 8,239 words). Strong independent readers around grade 4.9 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Lulu and the cat in the bag works for readers up to grade 5.9.

Read aloud, Lulu and the cat in the bag takes about 55 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate Lulu and the cat in the bag as 8C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.

Thematically, Lulu and the cat in the bag explores family, pets, friendship, and kindness — 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.
✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, pets, friendship.