What reading level is Step this way?

Step this way by Tish Rabe is at a Level 2-3 reading level. Recommended for Lower Grades readers (Ages 5-8).

What age is Step this way appropriate for?

Step this way is recommended for Ages 5-8. HootRating: 7C (Clear).

What genre is Step this way?

Step this way is nonfiction. Part of the Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!; Step into Reading: Step 2 series.

Does Step this way have any content warnings?

Step this way has a HootRating of 7C (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 Step this way?

Step this way by Tish Rabe is 32 pages (approximately 546 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

Step this way

Tish Rabe

Step this way

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Tish Rabe

Illustrated by Brannon, Tom, illustrator

Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!; Step into Reading: Step 2

Reading Level 2-3 7C Ages 5-8 Balanced Read Page-Turner

The text is written at a 2nd 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

Sally and Nick face a tricky shoe problem, but the clever Cat has a fun solution! They embark on a magical journey in the Thinga-ma-jigger to meet animal friends and discover how feet come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This playful adventure teaches how everyone’s feet are unique and special.

Themes

Friendship Science & Nature Adventure

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 2-3 book with gentle content intensity. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 5-8.

Why we rated Step this way 7C

Step this way is written at a Level 2-3 reading level across 32 pages (approximately 546 words). Strong independent readers around grade 3.6 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Step this way works for readers up to grade 4.6.

Read aloud, Step this way takes about 4 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate Step this way as 7C ("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, Step this way explores friendship, science & nature, 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 friendship, science & nature, adventure.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.