New Encyclopedia of the Cat
Bruce Fogle
New Encyclopedia of the Cat
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bruce Fogle
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Soft purring fills the air as you stroke a sleek, furry friend. Every whisker, every twitch of a tail tells a secret story about cats from all around the world. Discover what makes each purr and playful leap so special, and why these mysterious animals have captured hearts everywhere.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This thoroughly revised encyclopedia offers children ages 9-12 a comprehensive look at over 275 cat breeds, combining detailed information on feline health, nutrition, and behavior with engaging illustrations and photographs. It serves as an excellent resource for young cat enthusiasts interested in learning about both domestic and wild cats. The book is educational and suitable for middle-grade readers, with no concerning content.
Why we rated New Encyclopedia of the Cat 11C
New Encyclopedia of the Cat is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, New Encyclopedia of the Cat works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate New Encyclopedia of the Cat as 11C ("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, New Encyclopedia of the Cat explores pets, cats, breeds, science, and reference — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about pets, cats, breeds.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780751333701
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley)
- Published
- 2001-09-06
- Type
- Nonfiction